The gym was packed for the NEPSAC Class A Championship as the Marianapolis Golden Knights faced Loomis on their home court. Loomis came out strong with a quick basket off the tip, followed by a dominant and-1 play by their post player that would allow them to take the lead early. Sophomore Sydney Masciarelli pushed the transition break and scored the first seven points for Marianapolis to keep it a one-point game.
Sophomore Rachel Ullstrom proved to be a force at the top of Marianapolis’ zone, deflecting and pressuring every pass. Unfortunately, Loomis Senior Forward Reilly Campbell continued to dominate the inside, forcing Marianapolis Senior Olivia Summiel to pick up her second foul early in the first. Junior Juliette Golden came in off the bench and got a big block that pushed the transition break for an easy conversion by Rachel Ullstrom that gave the Knights a 4 point lead with just under 10 minutes to play.
Loomis went on a run of their own, and with tough play on the offensive glass, they went on a 7-0 run to capture a 19-16 lead with 4 minutes to go in the first. Senior captains Chyna Bullen, Olivia Summiel, and Kara O’Neil sparked an 18-4 run for the Knights that would send them into half time up 35-23.
Both teams came out fired up to start the second half, with aggressive defenses forcing turnovers on both ends of the floor. Smart defense by Senior Olivia Summiel forced Senior post player Reilly Campbell to pick up her 4th personal foul with 13 minutes remaining in the second half, which resulted in Loomis losing a big inside presence.
Freshman Felicia Fongemie got back to back assists to Senior Olivia Summiel to give the Knights a comfortable lead with 8 minutes to play. The Knights continued to dominate the second half, but Loomis would give one final push. Loomis Sophomore, Anahi-Lee Cauley would lead a 12-3 run for Loomis to cut the lead but fell short as Marianapolis knocked down some late-game free throws and claimed the NEPSAC Class A Title with a 67-58 victory over Loomis.
MVP Sophomore Sydney Masciarelli led the Knights with 23 points, shooting an impressive 9-13 from the floor. Senior Olivia Summiel had 18 points, 7 rebounds, and 4 blocks. Sophomore Rachel Ullstrom recorded a double-double with 12 points, 10 rebounds, and a game-high 6 steals, while shooting a perfect 6-6 from the free throw line. Senior Chyna Bullen chipped in with 9 points and 7 boards for the night.