We turn out the lights on another basketball season.
For the first time since 2001 a New York City team did not win the New York State Federation Class AA title. UConn-bound Breanna Stewart and Cicero-North Syracuse beat both Nazareth and Murry Bergtraum this weekend in Albany to claim the school’s first-ever crown.
It brings a close the Lady Kingsmen’s nightmarish season that included coach Apache Paschall’s death as the school scheduled to close, while Bergtraum fell a win shy playing for Tayshana (Chicken) Murphy, who was killed in September.
Speaking of history and Murphy, her former school Bishop Loughlin won the Class A Federation crown, beating Bob Daggett’s Curtis team. The Lions were 0-16 just two year ago and now own the program’s first Federation crown. Congrats to coach Kasim Alston and his staff.
Check out season’s final rankings:
1. Nazareth (18-4) (Last week: 1)
The Lady Kingsmen’s tumultuous season came to an abrupt and disastrous. UConn-bound wing Breanna Stewart scored 42 points and Cicero-North Syracuse shot the lights out as it handled Nazareth in the state Federation Class AA semifinals. The Brooklyn school was unable to achieve late coach Apache Paschall’s goal of a second straight crown.
Next: Season complete
2. Christ the King (15-14) (2)
Don’t look now, but the future is bright in Middle Village. Sierra Calhoun proved she is an absolute star and Kollyns Scarbrough appears to be developing as a force inside and scoring counterpart. Along with point guard Alyssa Gatti, CK returns a strong core.
Next: Season complete
3. Moore Catholic (22-6) (3)
One Rubin – Christina – leaves and two remain in sharpshooting Gabriella and post Victoria. They along with Taylor Robertson and Tori Crea will move the program forward. Congrats goes out to Jamie O’Hare for winning the Jacques Award given to the top Staten Island senior.
Next: Season complete
4. Archbishop Molloy (19-10) (4)
This is a Molloy team that keeps getting better. Carolyn Gallagher and Amani Tatum have proven they are two of the city’s best talents. With a year under their belts under Scott Lagas and just one key senior gone, the Stanners should be primed for a big year.
Next: Season complete
5. Bishop Ford (22-6) (5)
Despite a disappointing finish, this was a Ford team that showed plenty of consistency. With Brittany Martin and Brittany Lewis graduating, a lot more responsibility will fall on Tanasia (Sweets) Blake and Brittany Henry in the paint.
Next: Season complete
6. Bishop Loughlin (17-12) (6)
History was made at the Times Union Center Saturday. Ayana Ratliff continued her string of great playoff performances and the Lions beat Curtis in the Class A title game for the program’s first Federation title. They did so for former teammate Tayshana (Chicken) Murphy, who was killed on Sept. 11.
Next: Season complete
7. Murry Bergtraum (18-8) (7)
The Lady Blazers’ emotional season came to an end at the hands of Cicero-North Syracuse in the state Federation Class AA final. Bergtraum defended well, but struggled to score. A 15th straight PSAL city title is already in the works. Transfers Jasmine Nwajei and Joella Gibson should step right in for Shequana Harris and Dionne Coe.
Next: Season complete
8. Mary Louis (13-17) (8)
Mary Louis finished strong in a season that never seemed to go quite as planned. Jasmine Nwajei is now ay Bergtraum to the Hilltoppers will be a much younger and inexperienced led by sophomores Mei-Lyn Bautista and Jordan Agustus.
Next: Season complete
9. McKee/Staten Island Tech (21-3) (9)
This is Kelin Walsh’s team now. The junior point guard was stellar in the Seagulls’ run to Madison Square Garden. Even more will be expected with Kaitlyn Astel, the school’s all-time leading scorer graduating.
Next: Season complete
10. South Shore (21-6) (10)
Two of the best players in program history – Fannisah Price and Jenice Winter – will be moving on to college. Coach Anwar Gladden will need players like Brianna Fraser, Aliyah Cooley and Ashley McDonald to grow up a little bit to make another run at the Garden.
Next: Season complete
On the bubble: Spellman (21-7), Francis Lewis (13-10), Truman (17-7), John F. Kennedy (17-8) and St. Joseph Hill (15-10)