Story By Heath Hambrick
The Fort Payne Lady Wildcats opened their 2025 season on the hardwood at Snead State on Saturday against the Sand Rock Lady Wildcats. Fort Payne started the 2025 season off with a 64-38 victory.
The matchup featured two coaches who have won over 500 games each: Fort Payne Head Coach Steve Sparks and Sand Rock Head Coach Lisa Bates.
A smothering defense from the Fort Payne Lady Wildcats forced Sand Rock into turnovers, and Fort Payne took advantage, turning them into points. Sand Rock scored only two points in the first quarter. The points came from the free throw line.
Fort Payne took a 30-11 lead into halftime after a dominating first half.
In the second half, Sand Rock attempted a comeback but was unsuccessful, allowing Fort Payne to take a 45-28 lead entering the final quarter.
Fort Payne's offense this season will run through the Craig sisters, Zimri and Zaria, and freshman standout Naomi Wise.
Wise led Fort Payne with 28 points, Zimri Craig had 12, and Zaria Craig had 11.
Fort Payne goes to 1-0 on the season. The Lady Wildcats play Grissom on Tuesday at 6 p.m. at Huntsville High School.
