HERSHEY, Pa. — The Lancaster Catholic Crusaders won the 2024 PIAA 3A girls basketball championship with a 56-39 victory over Westmont Hilltop at Giant Center in Hershey on Thursday evening.
It's a sweet redemption victory for a group of girls that had five returning starters from a team that fell short last year in the state semi-finals.
"I think ever since last year in that semi-final game, we've been hungry and we just really wanted this," said senior Lancaster Catholic Crusaders forward Rylee Kraft, who tied for the game-high 22 points in the championship final. "I could not be prouder of this team. We just came out all season and really just worked our tails off the whole time. We showed up tonight."
"[It was] very motivating, just keeping your head down and going back to work," said senior Lancaster Catholic Crusaders guard Mary Bolesky, who matched Kraft's game-high 22 points. "We had a full year to dwell on it and realize what we could do better and we were able to execute. So, that is a special feeling to work hard and get the goal you wanted."
That determination was clear from tip-off. Lancaster Catholic came out of the gates hot, scoring their first nine points from beyond the arch and finishing the 1st quarter with five of eight three-pointers made.
"[The fast start] definitely built up our confidence," said Kraft. "It helped us through the rest of the game."
However, the second quarter would be a different story. The Crusaders dealt with foul trouble with three starters racking up two fouls forcing Lancaster Catholic Crusaders Head Coach Charlie Detz to rely on his bench for a good portion of the first half.
"If we don't have that bench, if we don't bring that bench along all season long, who knows what happens," said Detz. "You keep coming to practice, you work hard, when you're numbers called just be ready. The fact that the bench worked hard all year long [is why] they are ready for moments like this."
Despite the challenging first half that finished 29-23 in favor of the Crusaders, Lancaster Catholic was still confident they would get it done.
"We've been doing it all year, we've been holding our composure," said Kraft. "We've been staying calm in those difficult moments and I think we just came out and did what we had to do.
In the second half, the Crusaders' defense was on lockdown, limiting Westmont to just 16 points and shooting just 22% on their field goals.
"[Defense] was very key, to keep the score where we wanted it to," said Bolesky. "Just with our energy and defense, we can always dig ourselves out of a hole. We're able to stand on that, and that's what got it done."
When the clock struck zero, the final score reading 56-39 for the Crusaders, it was a surreal feeling for the seniors to have accomplished what they had set to do after last year's heartbreak.
"I felt so heartbroken for them last year because we were so close," said Detz. "For us to be able to come back with all eyes on us, all targets on us and still be able to get through it and accomplish this, it's a great feeling for me but nothing compared to how they feel right now."
"It's very surreal that we're state champions. We're just going to enjoy the moment," said Kraft.
A moment that is even sweeter for the seniors, knowing that they are finishing their four years with Lancaster Catholic out on top.
"I'm just so happy and grateful for that senior class to be able to go out this way, this is what they worked hard for four years," said Detz. "To top it off with a state championship, what a way to go."
"It's always been a goal and it took four years," said Bolesky. "[I am] just blessed to be here, so happy and it's been a fantastic ending."