Cold Springs’ Neely Ellison drives to the basket against Central-Hayneville on Monday.

It doesn’t get much bigger than this — a state championship matchup featuring No. 1 vs. No. 2.

And Cold Springs’ varsity girls couldn’t be more excited for the opportunity, especially given what’s at stake.

The second-ranked Lady Eagles (31-4) will look to win their second straight Class 2A title — fifth in program history — on Friday when they duke it out against top-ranked Collinsville (28-3) inside Birmingham’s Legacy Arena at 9 a.m.

Cold Springs advanced to the finale following a 61-46 triumph over No. 8 Central-Hayneville, while the Lady Panthers punched their ticket after eliminating No. 3 G.W. Long 52-39.

“They’ve been extremely loose all week long,” said coach Tammy West of her team. “They don’t seem to be nervous, and they seem to have a lot of confidence. The team we are playing is phenomenal. They play in a really good Northeast Regional. It’s going to be a difficult challenge, but we’re ready for it.”

West and Co. defeated Fyffe for last year’s title and will have their hands full again on Friday.

Collinsville’s three losses this season have come against 2A No. 7 Sand Rock (twice) and 3A No. 2 Pisgah.

The Lady Panthers, however, also defeated both of those squads, including the former in the championship contest of the Northeast Regional Tournament last week.

Coach Jon Tidmore’s squad is led by Gadsden State signee Brittany Rivera.

She was named Northeast Regional Tournament MVP after securing 13 points and 17 rebounds in the final.

Caroline Brannon, Tyla Tatum and Hadley Hamilton are also names to watch.

“They have a fundamentally sound, solid basketball team,” West said. “We can’t really find any weaknesses. They’re like us — play well together, attack the basket, kick. They have several shooters who can hit on any given night. They play good defense. They rebound. A lot of that goes back to the schedule they played.”

One thing Cold Springs has going for it is experience.

The Lady Eagles have already won four state crowns, while Collinsville is playing in its first-ever title game.

Should Friday’s incredible matchup involve a few high-pressure situations, it could favor the Blue and Gold.

At least, that’s what West is looking for.

“That’s exactly what we hope — that our experience gives us an edge,” she said. “I’m hoping that will really help us if it’s a tight game.”

Cold Springs is also looking to repeat for the second time in program history.

The Lady Eagles first accomplished that feat in 2008 and 2009, and they would love to do it again.

The opportunity is certainly there.

So, too, is the team, according to Toni West.

“I think we’re capable because of our experience from last year,” she said. “I feel like one of our strengths is that we play so well together. Everyone is unselfish. This is what we work for every day, and we know what it takes to finish.”