Listen Now: Morning News

St. Joseph Central makes another trip to Class A title game

CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Rachel Lee was sharp from 3-point range, Mychal Johnson was brilliant from everywhere and top-seeded St. Joseph earned its way back to another state final.

Lee scored 24 points, including back-to-back 3s at the end of the first quarter that put St. Joseph ahead for good in what became a 63-39 romp over No. 4 Charleston Catholic on Friday night.

Seeking a sixth straight championship, St. Joe’s (22-3) used a 14-3 run in the second quarter that included 11 points from Johnson. She stuffed the stat sheet with 24 points, 10 steals, eight assists and seven rebounds.

“We just told Mychal to start to take over the game and make quicker decisions and take the shot if she could take it,” said St. Joseph Central coach Shannon Lewis.

“Give Charleston Catholic credit—they came out and played well like they did in the sectional game. But we’ve been in big games all year, where it was tight for four quarters, so there was no panic at all.”

Johnson said St. Joseph expected a tough test from Catholic (20-7). The teams met in the sectionals with St. Joe’s prevailing 75-43 though Catholic led after one quarter.

“They want to win just as bad as we do, because they’re our rivals,” Johnson said. “We didn’t get off to a good start, but then we realized we really wanted to beat them.”

Lee, who is just three points shy from 1,000 for her career, made 5-for-11 from 3-point range. They were part of 11 that St. Joe’s made, setting a Class A single-game record. Still, Lewis thinks his team could be shooting much better.

“We’re still not shooting the ball well. There’s still some rust there,” he said. “But overall we’re playing with effort and that’s what we have to do.”

First-year Catholic Zack Bogan coach said the 24-point loss wasn’t embarrassing against a team like St. Joseph. “In my opinion they’re probably the best team in the state. I’m proud of the girls though. We fought really hard tonight and I think it was a lot closer than most expected.”

Vida Imani and Anna Whelan paced Charleston Catholic with 14 points each.

“It’s frustrating, but they’re a really good team,” Whalen said. “We pride ourselves on defense, it’s been our weapon all year. But it’s tough when you’re playing against players with that much experience.”

St. Joe’s will go for its sixth consecutive crown on Saturday against St. Marys at 2:30 p.m. This will mark the fourth time in five years the two have met for the title.





More High School Sports

High School Sports
Herbert Hoover improves to 10-0 with 2-1 win over Hurricane
The Huskies collected a pair of victories Thursday in the Guard the Capital Invitational in Charleston.
March 29, 2024 - 12:51 am
High School Sports
Independence bests Wahama, 10-2 in the Guard the Capital Tournament
March 28, 2024 - 9:03 pm
High School Sports
Photo gallery: University defeats Bridgeport, 12-3
March 28, 2024 - 6:24 pm
High School Sports
Class AAA Boys Basketball All-State List
State champion Shady Spring lands two on first team, including captain Ammar Maxwell.
March 28, 2024 - 8:42 am


Your Comments