The reigning Class 2A State Champion Ariton Purple Cats (25-11) saw their 2025 season come to a close in the second round of the Class 2A State Playoffs on April 25 against the Tuscaloosa Academy Knights at home. 

Ariton and Tuscaloosa Academy split the first two games with the Knights taking game three by a score of 11-9 to win the series. Ariton and Tuscaloosa Academy were tied 8-8 going into the seventh inning when the Knights scored three runs in the top of the seventh to go up 11-8. Facing one out, Ariton’s Brodie Lowery drove in one run in the bottom of the seventh to cut the lead to 11-9 but the Knights putout the next two Cat batters to secure the series win.

Gabe Jones led Ariton at the plate in game three, going 3-for-3 with a pair of doubles, two RBIs and one run. Landon Givens scored two runs and Easton Kilpatrick drove in one run and scored two runs. 

Hayes Hammock pitched four innings and struck out three batters, while giving up eight hits and six earned runs. Lowery pitched four innings and struck out one batter, while giving up three hits and three earned runs. 

For Tuscaloosa Academy, Ellis Hamiter went 4-for-5 with a home run, two doubles, three RBIs and two runs. Preston Lancaster got the win on the mound, striking out two batters and giving up four hits and five earned runs in three and 2/3 innings pitched. 

Tuscaloosa Academy will host Pike Liberal Arts School in the 2A Quarterfinals on April 30. Game one will be held at 4 p.m. and game two will take place at 6:30 p.m. If a game three is necessary, it will be played May 1 at 3 p.m. 

The loss means Ariton will not have a chance to earn a three-peat as State Champions after winning back-to-back state crowns in 2023 and 2024.