DAYTON, OH — For the first time in program history, the Circleville Lady Tigers stepped onto the floor of a state semifinal on Thursday afternoon. While the scoreboard at the University of Dayton Arena showed a narrow 46–43 win for undefeated Bellevue, the game was a masterclass in heart and hustle from a Circleville team that pushed the state’s #2-ranked juggernaut to the absolute brink.
The Lady Tigers (23–5) didn’t just show up to the Final Four; they dominated for much of the game, proving they belonged among the state’s elite.
Leading the Charge
Circleville controlled the tempo for over 28 minutes of play. Behind a stellar defensive game plan from coach Josh Blakeman, the Tigers neutralized Bellevue’s high-powered offense, holding them nearly 20 points below their season average.
Heavy pressure on the team’s top scorer, Addison Edgington, and 22 turnovers by Circleville are what eventually created their demise. Addison Edgington was named Player of the Year in girls’ basketball, remember she’s a Junior.
A Community United
The result on the court was secondary to the scene in the stands. A massive wave of red and black filled UD Arena, with the Circleville faithful creating a home-court atmosphere nearly 60 miles from home.
“This season was magical,” said one Circleville Resident, “these girls did everything expected of them plus more.”
The Final Word
This 2026 squad will go down as the team that “kicked in the door.” They finished the season with:
- The school’s first-ever Regional Championship.
- A 15-game winning streak heading into the state tournament.
- The respect of basketball fans across Ohio.
- Player of the Year in girls basketball
While they won’t be playing in the Friday championship, the Lady Tigers returned to Pickaway County tonight not as a team that lost, but as the team that set a new gold standard for every girl who picks up a basketball in Circleville.
