Aquinas Girls Basketball Advances to Third Straight State Semifinal

The Irish girls basketball team is confident they can clinch a state championship this year.

Mar. 18, 2026 at 2:35am

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The Aquinas Institute girls basketball team is headed to the state final four for the third consecutive year. The team, led by a formidable trio of juniors Loren Green, AJ Orr, and Jade Harvey, is determined to finally win the state championship after falling short the past two years. Despite a challenging mid-season slump, the Irish have rebounded strongly and are ready to face William Floyd in the semifinals on Thursday, with the winner advancing to the championship game on Friday.

Why it matters

Aquinas girls basketball has established itself as a powerhouse program in New York, making three straight state semifinal appearances. The team's quest for a long-elusive state title has captivated the local community and highlights the dedication and talent of the players.

The details

The Aquinas Institute girls basketball team has achieved three Section Five titles and three regional titles in recent years, but a state championship has remained elusive. This year's team, led by juniors Loren Green, AJ Orr, and Jade Harvey, is confident they can finally break through and win the state title. Despite a challenging 3-8 start to the season, the team has rebounded strongly, going 10-1 since then. The Irish will face William Floyd in the state semifinal on Thursday, with the winner advancing to the championship game on Friday.

  • The Aquinas Institute girls basketball team is making its third consecutive appearance in the state final four this weekend.
  • The state semifinal game against William Floyd is scheduled for Thursday, March 18, 2026.
  • The state championship game is scheduled for Friday, March 19, 2026.

The players

Loren Green

A junior on the Aquinas Institute girls basketball team who is part of the team's formidable trio of players.

AJ Orr

A junior on the Aquinas Institute girls basketball team who is part of the team's formidable trio of players.

Jade Harvey

A junior on the Aquinas Institute girls basketball team who is part of the team's formidable trio of players.

Mark Loria

The head coach of the Aquinas Institute girls basketball team, who has guided the team to three straight state semifinal appearances.

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What they’re saying

“Really high. I'm really confident this time, and I feel like we got it this time.”

— Loren Green, Junior

“We all want the same thing. We're all on beast mode.”

— Jade Harvey, Junior

“I think bringing those different skill sets and those different mechanics of our skill sets together is making us dominant.”

— AJ Orr, Junior

“We always talk about climbing the mountain and we've done that for the past several years, and then we get close to the summit, and then we get kicked back and we're down at the bottom of the mountain again.”

— Mark Loria, Head Coach

“No, I'm not worried about going on a senior trip because we're going to be back here at the state tournament.”

— AJ Orr, Junior

What’s next

The Aquinas Institute girls basketball team will face William Floyd in the state semifinal on Thursday, March 18, 2026. The winner of that game will advance to the state championship game on Friday, March 19, 2026.

The takeaway

The Aquinas Institute girls basketball team has emerged as a dominant force in New York, making three straight state semifinal appearances. Led by a talented trio of juniors, the team is determined to finally capture the elusive state championship this year after falling short the past two seasons.