NEED TO KNOW:
When: Friday, February 27 (7 p.m. ET)
Where: LaGrange, Ga. (Mariotti Gymnasium)
The Opponent: LaGrange
Watch | Follow

DEMOREST, Ga. - Piedmont women's basketball will take its CCS Tournament Title defense on the road this weekend, battling No. 1 seed LaGrange in the semifinals with tipoff slated for Friday, Feb. 27 at 7 p.m. in LaGrange, Georgia.

Should the Lions advance past the Panthers, they will take on the winner of the other semifinal matchup between No. 2 seed Belhaven and No. 3 seed Asbury in the final on Saturday, Feb. 28 at 3 p.m. 

LAST TIME OUT:

Piedmont 60, Maryville 49 (2/24/26 in Demorest, Ga.)

Three days after a blistering offensive performance put them in position to host the Scots in this first round game, the Lions showcased versatility with a dominant defensive performance in the second half Tuesday.

The frontcourt duo of Gracie Deetz and Alexandria Willis produced strong performances inside on Tuesday, as both delivered double-doubles. After a 15-point, 11-rebound performance on Saturday against the Scots, Deetz tallied 10 points and 11 rebounds off the bench on the day she was named CCS Sixth Woman of the Year. 

Willis led Piedmont in scoring, with 11 points to go with 11 rebounds, her seventh double-double of the season. Although they were the only two in double figures, Riley Bryan added eight points while Kylie Watkins and Hayley Borino tallied seven each.

Clinging to a slim lead down the stretch, Piedmont's defense was swarming, holding the Scots scoreless until 2:02 remained in the game and holding them without a made field goal until the final seconds and the outcome was decided.

Full Recap | Box Score

REGULAR SEASON VS. THE PANTHERS

LaGrange 52, Piedmont 49 (12/6/25 in Demorest, Ga.)

In the Collegiate Conference of the South opener, the Lions fell behind by 18 points in the early going and clawed their way back into the game late. Unfortunately, time ran out on the comeback. 

The defensive effort in the second half was strong, as the Lions held the Panthers to just eight second half points.

Ava Hunter and Kylie Watkins led the way for Piedmont on the offensive end. The duo were the only two Lions in double figures and kept the Lions in the game. Watkins contributed all over the box score, leading the team with 17 points while also adding six rebounds, four assists, four steals and two blocks. Hunter earned the start and totaled 16 points to go with four rebounds and three steals. Gracie Deetz delivered offensive support in the second half, with eight points and eight rebounds off the bench.

Full Recap | Box Score

Piedmont 70, LaGrange 60 (2/6/26 in LaGrange, Ga.)

Playing what would be their first of three road games in three days across three different states, the Lions proved ready for the challenge, jumping out to an early lead over the Panthers and then pulling away with a strong fourth quarter to seal the victory.

The win returns the favor, as the Panthers defeated the Lions in the CCS opener back on Dec. 6 at Cave Arena. This also marked Piedmont's third consecutive win, with two of the three coming against teams at the top of the league standings.

Once again, Kylie Watkins stole the show for Piedmont, leading the way offensively with 17 points on 7-of-8 shooting. The six-time CCS Rookie of the Week also contributed in other areas, grabbing seven rebounds to go with two assists, two steals and two blocks. Fellow freshman Lily Conkell gave the Lions key backcourt production, scoring a season-best 13 points and also dishing out a season-high with eight assists. Conkell was a force from beyond the arc as well, connecting on 3-of-5 from deep to lead the team.

Full Recap | Box Score


PLAYERS TO WATCH:
Watkins earned well-deserved postseason honors on Tuesday, taking home CCS Rookie of the Year honors while also earning a spot on the All-CCS First Team. The Cleveland, Georgia native leads the Lions in scoring, assists and steals, while ranking second in rebounds and was named CCS Rookie of the Week a program-record seven times during the regular season.

   

The junior from Dallas, Georgia has been a standout in the frontcourt in her junior season. Willis has recorded a team-high seven double-doubles this season, including an 11-point, 11-rebound performance in the CCS Tournament First Round win over Maryville Tuesday night. She was named to the All-CCS Second Team as well, marking her third All-Conference honor in three seasons.