One of the hardest things to do in high school basketball is enter a season as the favorite and actually finish the job with a state championship. That is exactly what Oxford accomplished in a loaded 6A field.
Their path to Birmingham was far from easy. Oxford had to get past a talented Gadsden City team in the Northeast Regional, the team that knocked them out a season ago and had been playing some of the best basketball in the state late in the year. Once they arrived at Legacy Arena, however, the Yellow Jackets showed why they were considered one of the most complete teams in Alabama.
Oxford led for all but 43 seconds of the game and controlled nearly every phase of play. The Yellow Jackets forced 26 Cullman turnovers, converting them into 31 points, while also dominating in transition with 25 fast-break points compared to just 2 for Cullman. Oxford also produced 26 points in the paint, consistently attacking gaps created by their pressure defense.
Defensively, Oxford made life difficult for the Bearcats all night, holding them to 31.3% shooting from three (5–16) and forcing rushed possessions with constant ball pressure.
On the offensive end, Oxford was extremely efficient, shooting 52.4% from the floor (22–42) and 42.1% from three (8–19). They also capitalized at the free-throw line, knocking down 76.2% (16–21).
Tournament MVP and Belmont signee Jaylen Alexander (2026) once again orchestrated the game with poise, controlling tempo and executing everything Head Coach Joel Van Meter asked of his team. While he finished with 11 points, Alexander set the tone early with 7 first-quarter points, including two three-pointers, and consistently kept the offense organized.
Oxford also received outstanding scoring performances from its wings. 2027 Marcus Perry Jr., one of the top players in the state in the ’27 class, poured in 17 points, doing what he does best by stretching the floor with perimeter shooting and getting out in transition.
2027 Chris Latson delivered one of his best performances of the season, leading the team with 21 points and providing timely scoring throughout the night and some highlight plays that ignited the Oxford faithful.
The victory was also a historic one for the program. Oxford captures the first state championship in school history, delivering legendary coach and athletic director Larry Davidson his first title after nearly 50 years at Oxford as a player, coach, and administrator.
Chris Latson (2027) – 21 pts, 2 rebs, 3 stls, 1 blk (7-9 FG, 2-3 3PT, 5-5 FT)
Marcus Perry Jr. (2027) – 17 pts, 1 reb, 2 stls (5-8 FG, 3-5 3PT, 4-4 FT)
Jaylen Alexander (2026) – 11 pts, 2 rebs, 8 ast, 5 stls, 3 TO
Caileb Wilson (2028) – 10 pts, 4 rebs, 1 ast, 3 stls (3-6 FG, 4-6 FT)
Jaylin Taylor (2026, Memphis football signee) – 7 pts, 6 rebs, 2 ast, 4 stls (3-7 FG, 1-4 3PT)
Taylor’s energy and defense helped fuel Oxford’s pressure throughout the game.
Gray Hooper (2026) – 12 pts, 2 ast, 1 stl (5-6 FG, 2-2 3PT)
Brooks Loftin (2028) – 9 pts, 4 rebs, 3 ast, 1 blk (3-4 FG, 1-2 3PT, 2-2 FT)
Sam Dorough (2026) – 8 pts, 2 rebs, 1 ast, 4 stls, 1 blk (11 turnovers)
• Oxford forced 26 turnovers, converting them into 31 points
• Yellow Jackets dominated transition 25 fast-break points to 2
• Oxford shot 52.4% from the field and 42.1% from three
• Cullman held to 31.3% from three-point range
Oxford’s championship run capped a season in which the Yellow Jackets carried the pressure of being the team to beat from the very beginning. They answered that challenge with discipline, depth, and relentless defense all season long. With the program’s first-ever state championship secured, Oxford finishes the year on top of Class 6A and adds a historic chapter to the legacy of the program.
