Algonquin Enters Uncharted Waters: Heading to the State Finals With a Win Over Shrewsbury

It’s been a long time coming for the girls’ basketball program.

The Tomahawks ended a 30-plus year futility streak on Saturday by capturing the Central Mass. Division 1 title.

“I thought we could challenge for the title. I felt like they had about as much of a chance as anybody,” said head coach Ron Jones, now in his nineteenth year on the Algonquin bench. “This is the hardest working group of girls since I’ve been here and they just love the pressure. They responded every day.”

With Algonquin’s 46-36 win over Shrewsbury in the district finals on Saturday night, the Tomahawks earned their first Division 1 title in school’s history. The last time the team was in this position was back in 1979. At the time the Tomahawks were still a Division 2 program.

Some players couldn’t contain their excitement after such a monumental win.

“Oh my God, I don't even know what to say,” said junior guard Emily Bourke. “I'm not going to be able to stop smiling for like another 10 days. It's awesome, it’s so cool.”

According to Bourke, the closing minutes of Saturday night’s win seemed to take an eternity as she and her team mates couldn’t wait to begin the celebration of be crowned champions.

“Oh my gosh, I kept looking at the clock at the end of the fourth quarter and I was like, come on already,” said Bourke with a laugh. “The time went by so slow there at the end but we made it.”

The Tomahawks will battle Western Mass. champ Amherst High School on Tuesday night at Worcester’s DCU Center in the State Semifinals. A spot in the Division 1 State Final awaits the winner.

When asked about getting a chance to play at the DCU Center Bourke didn’t hesitate.

“It’s going to be awesome,” she said. “I’ve only been there once to watch gymnastics and the place is huge. I just can’t wait.”