Branson girls basketball team returns to NCS finals

Bulls defeat Marin Academy 40-25 to advance to championship game

Published on Feb. 26, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

After a two-year absence, the Branson School girls basketball team is returning to the North Coast Section finals with momentum and confidence. The No. 2-seeded Bulls subdued No. 6 Marin Academy 40-25 on Wednesday night in the NCS Division IV semifinals, moving a step closer to another section championship.

Why it matters

Branson has a storied history in the NCS, winning six consecutive championships from 2005-2010. The team's return to the finals after a two-year absence demonstrates their continued strength and ability to compete at the highest levels of high school basketball in the region.

The details

Branson sophomore forward Juliette Caldwell-Little dominated inside, finishing with game highs of 12 points and 9 rebounds. The Bulls pulled away in the third quarter with a 15-0 run, holding Marin Academy scoreless for over 10 minutes. Branson sophomore guard Kate Spaulding added 10 points, while Marin Academy was led by senior guard Ann McDermott's 9 points.

  • The NCS Division IV semifinal game was played on Wednesday, February 25, 2026.
  • Branson will face No. 1 Rancho Cotate in the NCS championship game on Friday, February 27, 2026 at 7:30 p.m.

The players

Juliette Caldwell-Little

Branson's sophomore forward who dominated inside with 12 points and 9 rebounds.

Kate Spaulding

Branson's sophomore guard who scored 10 points.

Ann McDermott

Marin Academy's senior guard who led the team with 9 points.

Kayden Korst

Branson's first-year head coach who is confident in her team's ability to compete for the NCS title.

Zach Wahle

Marin Academy's head coach who felt his team struggled to keep Caldwell-Little off the boards.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“I'm really excited and I know we can make it really far — hopefully to State — that's our goal. We've worked really hard since Day One. (Our coaches) push us really hard and they have high expectations for us.”

— Juliette Caldwell-Little, Branson sophomore forward (Marin Independent Journal)

“I felt one of the keys to the game was being able to keep Juliette off the boards, and we didn't do that. They came out hungrier in the third quarter and it showed.”

— Zach Wahle, Marin Academy head coach (Marin Independent Journal)

“We expect that from her. She's a really tough kid. She was huge.”

— Kayden Korst, Branson first-year head coach (Marin Independent Journal)

What’s next

The winner of the Branson vs. Rancho Cotate NCS championship game on Friday will receive a berth in the CIF NorCal tournament, which starts next Tuesday.

The takeaway

Branson's return to the NCS finals after a two-year absence demonstrates the program's continued strength and ability to compete at the highest levels of high school basketball in the region. The team's confidence and determination, led by standout performances from players like Juliette Caldwell-Little, have them poised for a potential NCS title and a deep run in the NorCal tournament.