Finishing with an overall record of 22-5, the Southern Lehigh girls’ basketball team boasts an excellent season. They won their third consecutive Colonial League title, advanced to their second straight district championship, and went to the state playoffs.
“I think the season was successful and it was awesome to win a three-peat,” sophomore Mady Campbell said, “but it really would have been nice for us to go further in states.”
On February 15th, the girls won the Colonial League championship, defeating the Northwestern Tigers 62-57. Madelene McDonald was the high scorer for the Spartans, racking up 18 points, followed by Mady Campbell with 16.
“The season was a huge success, we proved that we can play with anyone,” sophomore Mackenzie Koziel said. “It was great getting the three-peat.”
After defeating the Tigers, the girls moved to the District 11 playoffs. In the first round, they defeated North Schuylkill 60-33. Madelene McDonald again led the Spartans with 19 points, followed by junior Melann Amory with 17, to advance the team to the District 11 championship game for a second year in a row. There they faced Bethlehem Catholic, falling just short of a gold medal when the Spartans to the Lady Hawks 50-44.
Even though the girls lost, their season was not yet over. They still had a bid into the Pennsylvania state playoffs. Unfortunately, they fell in the first round in a close game to Scranton Prep with a final score of 57-60.
“The team got incredibly close this year,” Campbell said. “I got really close with the seniors and the rest of the team, which was why it was so upsetting when the season was over.”
The close of the season also brought about the end of a high school basketball career for three Lady Spartans: seniors Kati Yext, Julia Mayer, and Emily Gallagher.
“I love all of you girls,” Yext said. “Best of luck next year. I’m going to miss you all so much! Bring home the four-peat and make history with the first district title!”
