The 2025 B.C. Senior Girls Basketball Championships have reached their thrilling semifinal stage, concluding with intense matchups and set to spark excitement as the teams gear up for finals this weekend.
Holy Cross Takes Narrow Semifinal Victory Over St. Thomas More
LANGLEY – The Holy Cross Crusaders’ senior girls basketball team continues to demonstrate remarkable speed and skill as they fought hard for victory against the St. Thomas More Knights. Despite facing challenges, the Crusaders triumphed with a score of 81-73, securing their spot in the championship final. Coach Amy Beauchamp expressed her relief and excitement, saying, "My heart is really beating. It was intense. But I knew it was going to be a hard-fought game. STM is a really feisty, talented group."
Holy Cross established dominance early, leading by 23 points at halftime before St. Thomas More mounted a notable comeback. The Knights surged back to cut the lead to just eight points late, reflecting their relentless spirit on the court. Despite their defensive lapses, particularly noted during the fourth quarter, the Crusaders regained their composure, thanks to the clutch performance of Grade 11 guard Isla Iannuzzi who hit six of eight free throws with the game on the line. Iannuzzi finished strong with 23 points, shining as her team’s leader.
Solene Jackson, the team’s standout post player, contributed significantly as well with 25 points and 11 rebounds. She mentioned the key to their upcoming final, stating, "We just have to be more aggressive, score more, rebound more, do all the basic things..." The Crusaders will likely face St. Michaels University School, setting the stage for what promises to be an exciting showdown.
St. Michaels Advances with Strong Performance Against Britannia
On the other side of the bracket, No. 2 St. Michaels University School made their mark with a decisive 55-22 victory over the tired Britannia Bruins. Coach Lindsay Brooke acknowledged some struggles with shooting but remains optimistic as they prepare for the finals. "Our offense hasn’t really been untracked, but we find ways to get it done," she explained. The Blue Jags are determined to secure their first championship title, especially after falling short for the last two consecutive years.
Notable players for St. Michaels included Avery Geddes and Charlie Anderson, each contributing points when it counted most. After previously losing tight finals against Brookswood and Abbotsford, these players are driven not only by the taste of victory but also by the hunger of defeat.
“It’s really nerve-racking (to be in a third consecutive final),” Anderson shared. “But we’ve been here before... hopefully, we can pull it out this year.”
Brookswood Claude the Top Seed
Meanwhile, the Brookswood Bobcats pulled off a shocking upset against the top-seeded Argyle Pipers, winning 67-58 and showcasing impressive teamwork and resilience. The Bobcats scored 17 unanswered points early in the third quarter, effectively shifting the momentum of the game. Senior forward Hazel Phillips remarked, "One thing about us is, we all have a specific role. When we all come together, it works beautifully."
Star player Jordyn Nohr, who scored 32 points including seven three-pointers, highlighted the importance of discovering capabilities within the team beyond individual stars, ensuring their collective efficiency. Coach Chrissy Nohr praised their defensive strategy, emphasizing the importance of creating turnover opportunities. "We were just trying to get defensive stops, and then our shots started falling," she noted.
Despite tensions down the stretch when Nohr faced foul trouble, the Bobcats retained control, proving their mettle and refusal to relinquish their lead. Phillips and Ashley Vande Ven contributed with 14 points each, illustrating the depth of their skills.
Argyle struggled to maintain pace, with coach Anthony Beyrouti noting, "We battled as hard as we could – we emptied the tanks, but we just couldn’t hit a shot." Their inability to secure key scoring opportunities from beyond the arc proved pivotal, as they managed only two successful three-point attempts.
Upcoming Championship Showdowns
The championship finals promise to deliver high-stakes action as the Holy Cross Crusaders take on the St. Michaels University School Blue Jags and the Brookswood Bobcats face off against the challengers from the Seaquam Seahawks or Riverside Rapids. With compelling narratives after years of narrow defeats, both finals are poised to be dramatic.
Finals will be contested at the Langley Events Centre Arena Bowl, offering fans the opportunity to see these fiercely competitive teams strive for the ultimate prize—the provincial championship trophy. With the championship spirit at its peak, high school basketball enthusiasts are eagerly awaiting the culmination of this thrilling tournament. VarsityLetters.ca is dedicated to covering every moment of this dynamic event, empowering the continued growth of high school sports across British Columbia.