After two weeks of down time, things heat up again for Nazareth and Archbishop Molloy. Both will be making the long trip to Albany this weekend. The Lady Kingsmen will be looking for the school’s first state Federation crown and second for coach Apache Paschall. A win would give the Stanners their third in program history and the second as a Class A team.
Their journeys to this point couldn’t have been different. Nazareth’s goal all season was to get a chance for a championship at the highest classification. With its senior talent, anything less would have been a failure. Molloy on the other hand wanted to play in the ‘AA,’ but has embraced its current path and sees it as a stepping stone to a brighter future.
1. Nazareth (28-3) (Last week: 1)
Nazareth gets the luxury of sitting, watching and waiting. The Lady Kingsmen have a bye into Sunday’s Federation final where they meet the winner of a likely war between PSAL power Murry Bergtraum and UConn commit Breanna Stewart and Cicero-North Syracuse. Then it’s just one game with everything at stake.
Next: Murry Bergtraum/Cicero-North Syracue, NYS Federation tournament (March 26, 2 p.m.)
2. Christ the King (21-9) (2)
Christ the King got a peak into its next era of basketball in the CHSAA Class AA state semifinals. With star Bria Smith out of the game with five fouls, freshman sensation Sierra Calhoun hit two of the biggest 3-pointers of the season to propel CK to a come-from-behind-win over St. John the Baptist.
Next: Season complete
3. Mary Louis (19-9) (3)
The Karin Robinson Era has come to an end at Mary Louis, after season that saw the program earn its first-ever win against Christ the King. Guards Reana Mohamed and Jasmine Nwajei and forward Elisabath Gully will look to lead next season.
Next: Season complete
4. Moore Catholic (23-5) (4)
Taylor Baggs’ work ethic earned her everything she has accomplished in her career. The Caldwell College-bound forward finished with 1,475 points and added one of the most distinguished honors for a Staten Island player. She became just the second player from Moore Catholic to win the Jaques Award as the borough’s most outstanding player.
Next: Season complete
5. St. Peter’s (21-8) (5)
The Eagles left their fans plenty of memories to take with them this season. There was a 16th straight CHSAA Staten Island title, a win over Trenton Catholic, an overtime loss to Murry Bergtraum in an instant classic and their 10 straight 3-pointers to open a game against Notre Dame Academy. St. Peter’s will not be forgotten.
Next: Season complete
6. Bishop Ford (12-15) (6)
Aaliyah Lewis showed flashes of brilliance and why she already has a scholarship offer from Rutgers. The sophomore guard was one of the city’s most explosive players and one 3-pointer could turn into three and four in the blink of an eye. Lewis and the rest of the Falcons needs to more consistent next season.
Next: Season complete
7. Archbishop Molloy (16-13) (7)
Molloy has viewed its run through the CHSAA Class A state tournament as a building block for the future and achieving great things next season. Presently their focus is on bringing back the school’s first Federation title. This young group has shown no signs of feeling any pressure and forward Carolyn Gallagher has been an unstoppable force so far.
Next: Wings Academy, NYS Federation Class A semifinals (March 25, 1:30 p.m.)
8. Cardinal Spellman (23-7) (10)
Coach Jane Morris says goodbye to a talented group of seniors, led by Troi Melton and Amber Griffin, who have made the Pilots one of the city’s top squads. The reins get handed over to point guard Joye Tirado. The sophomore played some of her best ball near the end of the season.
Next: Season complete
9. Bishop Loughlin (13-13) (8)
The future is very bright in Fort Greene. The Lions won 13 games this season after not winning one a year ago. The bulk of coach Kasim Alston’s talent will be back including his daughter Aliyah, cousin Jasmine and Ayana Ratliff. The best of the bunch could be the versatile and athletic Imani Tate.
Next: Season complete
10. St. John Villa (15-15) (10)
The Bears put together a better season than most would have expected when the year began. They will miss the leadership and production of senior point guard Nicole Francomano and forward Brittany Sullivan. But seven players return from a team that placed third in CHSAA Staten Island, including scoring guard Danielle Iacampo.
Next: Season complete
New: None
Dropped out: None
On the bubble: St. Francis Prep (11-16), Notre Dame Academy (11-15) and Bishop Kearney (8-17)