Lady Canes' state tournament run ends with Final Four loss to Marist

March 7, 2026

Charles Wilson / BartowSportsZone.com

Kaytlin Arnold and the Lady Canes had their 2026 campaign come to an end on Saturday with a Final Four loss to Marist in Athens.

The Cartersville Lady Canes' 2026 tournament run ended Saturday with a 77-41 Final Four loss to Marist at Akins Ford Arena in Athens.

Naismith High School Girls National Player of the Year finalist Kate Harpring scored 37 points for the top-ranked War Eagles. The North Carolina signee added seven rebounds and six assists. Katie Elder contributed 18 points for Marist, and Emily Morrison added eight.

Marist took an early 23-9 lead behind 14 points by Harpring in the first quarter. The War Eagles extended their advantage in every quarter, including 20-10 in the third period.

Trinity Montgomery led Cartersville with 16 points and three rebounds. Zoe McCurry finished with 11 points and four rebounds. Kaytlin Arnold added six points with three assists.

Although disappointed by the loss, Cartersville head coach Alvah Beasley reflected on a season of success, “Our team's success was a product of our love for one another. I can’t say that I’ve been around a team that loves each other like this team loves each other. I hope Canes Nation is as proud of them as I am. We will regroup and return faster, stronger, and hungrier next season. Go Canes!”

The Lady Canes will bring back most of their roster next season, with Columbus State University signee Kaytlin Arnold being the only graduating senior. Cartersville’s season concludes with a 24-6 record.

Marist (28-2) advanced to its third championship game in five seasons. The War Eagles will face 2nd-ranked Kell (25-5) on Thursday at 5:30 p.m. at the Macon Coliseum. Kell, seeking a second state title in four years, defeated Jones County in the other semifinal game.