Sacred Heart Academy Captures Girls Basketball Title In Thriller

UNCASVILLE, CT — The first-ever Class MM girls basketball championship game in Connecticut history will likely be remembered as the most exciting, competitive game of the 10 played this weekend at the Mohegan Sun Arena.

Top-seeded Sacred Heart Academy jumped to a 35-22 halftime lead, extended the advantage to 16 near the midpoint of the third quarter, then watched No. 2 St. Joseph storm back to tie the game at 48-all with just under three minutes remaining in regulation time.

A 3-point hoop by Sydney Rossacci put the Sharks back in front by three, and Sacred Heart still led by two with seven seconds to play and the Cadets with possession. At the buzzer, Katherine Rudini launched a shot from beyond the arc which would have won it for St. Joseph, but the ball bounced off the rim and secured the first state title for the Sharks since 1993.

Rosa Rizitelli led the winners with 19 points, including a trio of 3-pointers, and 15 rebounds. Lauren Thompson also had three treys en route to netting 11 points. Carina Ciampi contributed nine points and six rebounds.

For St. Joseph, Kristen Rodriguez tallied 16 points and grabbed eight rebounds. Kayleigh Carson and Isabelle Casucci each scored 10 points, with Casucci adding nine rebounds.