Putnam County’s historic postseason journey came to an end March 7 in the Class A Division I Final Four, as No. 12 seed Elbert County upset the No. 8 Lady War Eagles 48–45 in a thrilling semifinal in Fort Valley.
The loss ended a remarkable run for Putnam, which already had exceeded expectations with a deep playoff run.
From the opening tip-off, the semifinal was a physical, back-and-forth battle.
Putnam grabbed an early 18–12 lead in the first eight minutes, thriving in transition and forcing turnovers that converted into points. Freshman Jaydah Baker was a spark for the Lady War Eagles, scoring 12 points in the opening period, including two three-pointers and three layups.
Journey Waller, the team’s leading scorer, was held scoreless early by Elbert’s stifling defense, but Baker and junior Eriyana Little picked up the slack.
Putnam extended its lead to 22–12 before Elbert responded with a pair of three-pointers to cut into the margin. The Lady War Eagles closed the half with a 27–22 advantage, keeping the Lady Blue Devils at arm’s length.
Baker scored just two points in the second quarter, while Waller remained scoreless as Elbert successfully slowed the pace and forced Putnam into half-court sets. This strong defensive effort continued into the second half.
The teams were tied at 29 points midway through the third quarter and again at 33–33 before Waller finally broke through with a three-pointer from the left corner to retake the lead. Putnam finished the third quarter with a 40-37 lead.
Baker added another three-pointer early in the fourth to make it 43–37, but that would prove to be the Lady War Eagles’ final field goal of the game. Elbert rallied despite foul trouble, tying the game at 44–44 with 3:51 remaining.
Audrey Lunsford’s jumper put the Lady Blue Devils ahead 46–44, and a late floating layup by Aaliyah Allen extended it to 48–45 with under a minute left. Baker got one final open look from three-point range with 26.8 seconds remaining, but it rimmed out.
Putnam then intentionally fouled Elbert’s Tiyah Turman, who missed both free throws, leaving a last chance for the Lady War Eagles to grab a rebound and try to tie the game with a three-pointer off the second miss.
However, the Lady Blue Devils (22-8) came up with the ball and dribbled out the clock, sending them to the Class A Division I state championship game in Macon to face No. 3 seed East Laurens (27-4) on Friday.
Baker finished with a team-high 17, followed by Little with 11 points.
Putnam concluded the season 21–3, marking its first Final Four appearance since 2016 and capping a remarkable improvement from the 16–10 record of the previous year. Despite the heartbreaking finish, the Lady War Eagles’ 2025–26 campaign will be remembered as one of the most impressive in program history.