This Wednesday, March 11th, our girls’ basketball team became back-to-back Regional Champions for the first time in school history, playing their best against Hillsdale  Academy and earning their place in the quarter finals with a final score of 53-37.

Bradie Lehman was the leading scorer with 15 points, and CeCe Barrett was also a positive contributor with 14, pushing the team to success. Since the game was so close, the audience buzzed with adrenaline and anticipation along with both student sections.

The first quarter started with a strong offensive battle between the Yellowjackets and Colts, ending the quarter at a tie, 11-11.  When Hailey Stimer, a junior on the team, was asked how she personally felt on the court during the first quarter, she claimed, ”The first quarter, I was more of an offensive threat.”  

In the second quarter, Concord pushed on with great offense and began to gain a lead to success. By the end of the quarter, senior Barrett had 4 points, and Lehman scored 9.

In the third quarter, Concord became great in their offense, Hailey Stimer claims, “I feel like in this third quarter, our team came out stronger defensively.” At this point, Concord, the team, and the great student section knew that they were on their way to winning.  When Hillsdale used some intensive face guarding to slow down the offense, Haley Stimer stepped up, scoring additional points to support her team. 

Junior center Ahv’iana Pearson suggests a strategy her team needs to succeed in their upcoming game. She explains, ”I think that for our next games, as we keep going, we just need to focus mainly on our defense.  If we focus on our defense and shut other teams down, then that’s where we will really be strong. Also playing together,  how we always do. And just being a good team in our chemistry with each other.”

First-year coach Christopher Thorrez claims, ”I think they’ve grown a ton as a team this year! They’ve really bought into the culture we are trying to create here. We’re a defensive-minded team, and they have really embraced that. They all play hard for the girl next to her; they don’t take plays off. They communicate a lot better on the basketball court. I think our confidence has grown since the beginning of the season, and even more so since the tournament started.”

The Lady Jackets will play at Mason High School on Tuesday against Portland St. Patrick at 7 pm. If you plan on going, as you should be, put on your spirit wear and spread your support for our girls!