The excitement surrounding high school girls' basketball playoffs has reached fever pitch, with Meridian High School and Princeton Day making headlines as they advance through the postseason. This year's playoffs revealed intense competition, nail-biting finishes, and standout performances from talented athletes.
On Monday, the girls’ basketball team at Meridian High School faced Skyline at home and suffered a loss with a score of 40-54. Despite the setback, the Mustangs were ready for redemption when they met Skyline again on Friday for the Regional Quarterfinals. Playing before a larger crowd on their home turf, they were determined to extend their season. Coach Chris Carrico's squad had other plans this time.
The game began with Meridian struggling, falling behind 6-0 before Nora Stufft scored their first basket. Ellie Friesen quickly followed with a three-pointer, but the first quarter ended with Meridian trailing 12-7. Fortunately, the second quarter sparked hope for the Mustangs as Rose Weatherly made another three-pointer, helping to ignite a 13-1 run. Charlotte Lieu capped off the scoring surge, allowing Meridian to lead 22-15 at halftime.
Skyline, seeking to turn the tide, opened the second half with four straight points, closing the gap to 24-22. Yet, Meridian held strong; Bridget Creed's four quick points pushed their lead back to six. By the end of the third quarter, the Mustangs had extended their advantage to double digits. After some late free throws, they sealed their victory at 41-29, with Lieu leading all scorers with 10 points.
With this win, Meridian aims to continue their playoff push against the undefeated James Monroe Yellow Jackets. The stakes are higher than ever: advancing to the State Tournament would cap off what has already been a remarkable season.
Meanwhile, at Princeton Day, standout athlete Juliana Hartman showcased her exceptional talent, recording a double-double with 15 points, 10 rebounds, six assists, and five steals during their playoff matchup against Delran. After entering the fourth quarter tied at 35-35, Princeton Day exploded offensively, outscoring Delran 26-7 to secure the 61-42 win. This victory not only highlights Hartman's significant contributions but also symbolizes the team’s remarkable ability to perform under pressure.
The North Coast Section (NCS) playoffs also delivered high drama this week. Sonoma Academy made headlines by winning their game with a thrilling last-second shot by Ellie Stearn, who scored the game-winning point just before the buzzer. This moment capped off her 21-point performance, leading her team to the NCS semifinals for the first time since 2011.
Justin-Siena claimed their spot in the semifinals by dominating Pinole Valley. Lauren Keller led the way with 19 points, helping the Braves to secure victory. Despite the strong performance from rivals, Coach Andrew Bettencourt was pleased with his players’ defensive efforts, which he highlighted as key to their success.
Elsewhere, schools like Marin Catholic, Windsor, and St. Vincent also reported victories, propelling them forward as the playoffs progress. Windsor's triumph marks their first trip to the NCS semifinals since 2012, with significant contributions from Zakk Woolsey, who scored 21 points, and solid teamwork across the board.
Importantly, as the playoffs continue, fans have opportunities to recognize their top players. The Gastonia and Shelby areas have opened voting for the Fan's Choice Girls Basketball Player of the Year award, highlighting 14 standout nominees. These players have shown tremendous skill throughout the year, with impressive statistics like Amya Graham’s 20.1 points per game and Tionna Pettus’ stellar triple-double averages.
The girls' basketball season is drawing to a thrilling close, with various teams and individuals vying for recognition and championships. The coming weeks promise to deliver more excitement as teams battle it out for top honors, and fans eagerly support their favorites during this electrifying postseason.