Marist Girls Basketball 2025 Season Recap: A Final Four Journey Fueled by Grit and Growth
For the Marist School Girls Basketball team, the 2025 winter season was one of championship dreams, character-defining moments, and fierce competitiveness. Under the leadership of Coach Kim Hixon, the team carved out an impressive run that culminated in a Final Four appearance, falling only to the eventual state champions, Creekside. Despite falling just short of their ultimate goal, the season was a resounding success—marked by emerging talent, veteran leadership, and a culture of resilience.
Stars Who Shined Bright
The Marist squad thrived thanks to the contributions of several standout players, each of whom brought something invaluable to the floor.
Kate Harpring, a major Division I prospect courted by top programs across the country, led the way. A dominant force on both ends of the court, Harpring was the team’s engine, igniting Marist’s offense and anchoring its defense. Her presence was nothing short of transformative.
Alongside her, Katie Elder, a rising sophomore guard, emerged as one of the team’s breakout stars. “Katie Elder really stepped up and came into her own,” Coach Hixon said. Over the course of the season, she evolved from a supporting role into a consistent scoring threat.
And then there was Eloise Smith, a senior guard and the team's steady floor general. “Eloise was the glue,” Hixon said. “Our point guard on and off the floor.” Her leadership and composure helped stabilize the team, particularly during high-pressure stretches and when adversity struck.
Together, this trio was instrumental in pushing Marist to the state semifinals.
The Journey: A Season to Remember
“We were disappointed that we didn’t get another championship,” Coach Hixon admitted. “But all in all, it was a great year.” And it truly was. The team’s path through the 2025 season was filled with both challenges and triumphs that tested—and ultimately validated—their growth.
One of the high points of the season came during a mid-season tournament: “We won The Andrew Johnson Classic in Greenville, Tennessee for the second year in a row,” said Hixon. “That was a huge turning point for us and we grew up a lot.” That victory served as a launching pad for the rest of the season, helping build chemistry and confidence.
That growth carried them all the way to the Final Four, where they fell to Creekside—a battle-tested team that would go on to claim the state title. Though the loss was disappointing, it revealed just how close Marist was to returning to the pinnacle of Georgia high school basketball.
Rising Roles and Young Talent
As the season progressed, several younger players began to flourish in larger roles. Chief among them was sophomore post player Keana Wilder, who became a force in the paint. “Keana stepped up big time for us,” Coach Hixon noted. Her physical presence and growth gave the team an interior boost that proved essential down the stretch.
Katie Elder’s development also accelerated as she embraced a greater scoring responsibility. With defenses often focused on Harpring, Elder seized the opportunity to take on more offensive weight, showcasing her scoring ability and earning recognition as a rising star in her own right.
This theme of growth was echoed across the roster as underclassmen gained valuable minutes and experience throughout the season.
Battling Through Adversity
No successful season comes without its share of adversity, and Marist faced more than its fair share. Injuries tested the team’s depth and flexibility. But the response? Championship-caliber.
“We had a lot of adversity all year with injuries,” said Coach Hixon, “and the team powered through them like champs.”
It was this ability to adapt and endure that kept the team sharp and motivated throughout the year. The seniors played a key role in maintaining morale and composure, helping their younger teammates remain focused on team goals amid personal setbacks.
The Calm of Experience: What the Seniors Brought
The leadership of this year’s senior class proved invaluable, particularly in keeping the team grounded during the tougher moments of the season. “They brought leadership, experience, and a calm about them that made the younger players more confident,” Hixon explained.
Eloise Smith, in particular, exemplified these qualities. Her poise and maturity helped bridge the gap between Marist’s veteran and younger players, ensuring the team remained unified, no matter the situation.
Their legacy isn’t just one of wins or accolades—it’s about the culture and confidence they leave behind for the rising classes to build upon.
Eyes on the Future
The future for Marist Girls Basketball looks incredibly bright. Coach Hixon is especially enthusiastic about the underclassmen who gained crucial experience this year. “We had five freshmen that are pretty talented,” she said. “We’re excited about their future and what they have to offer next season.”
Of course, the return of Kate Harpring for her senior campaign will be a focal point. With her elite skillset and leadership, she’ll continue to be the cornerstone of the team. Add to that the rising juniors and maturing sophomores like Keana Wilder and Katie Elder, and it’s easy to see why optimism is high in the Marist camp.
The 2025–26 team won’t be rebuilding—they’ll be reloading.
Offseason Focus: Sharing the Scoring Load
As Marist turns the page toward the next season, Coach Hixon has a clear objective: developing a more balanced offensive attack. While Harpring remains an elite scoring option, the team aims to cultivate more weapons around her to diversify the offense.
“We’re focused on developing more scorers to help Harpring out,” Hixon said, emphasizing the importance of getting increased contributions from the younger core. That development process will begin in the offseason, with a focus on skill-building, shot creation, and offensive versatility.
The coaching staff is confident that with another offseason of work, players like Elder, Wilder, and the incoming sophomores can rise to the occasion.
Final Thoughts
In many ways, the 2025 Marist Girls Basketball season was a perfect representation of what makes high school athletics so powerful—talent, tenacity, and transformation. Under the watchful guidance of Coach Kim Hixon, the team weathered adversity, celebrated growth, and pushed themselves to the brink of championship glory.
Though they came up short of a title, the Final Four finish was a testament to their resilience, talent, and unity. And with a strong core returning, a wave of rising talent on the horizon, and a coaching staff committed to excellence, Marist is poised to remain a powerhouse for years to come.
Statistics for the 2025 season will be shared directly by Coach Hixon upon request.
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