Saratoga Catholic Central Girls' Basketball Wins Epic Sectional Final

Emotional victory caps off hard-fought championship game against Northville

Published on Mar. 8, 2026

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In a thrilling Section 2 Class D championship game, the Saratoga Catholic Central girls' varsity basketball team defeated Northville in a nail-biter at Hudson Valley Community College. The game was a back-and-forth "dog fight" that left players and coaches on both sides emotionally drained by the end.

Why it matters

High school basketball sectional championships are the culmination of a long season and represent the chance for teams to advance to the state tournament. This victory for Saratoga Catholic Central is a major accomplishment for the program and the community.

The details

Saratoga Catholic Central head coach Athena DiLorenzo-Ryan was so invested in the game that she even took off her sweatshirt during a tense fourth quarter. The game was an emotional roller coaster, with players on both teams visibly overcome with the gravity of the moment.

  • The Section 2 Class D championship game was played on Saturday night, March 8, 2026 at Hudson Valley Community College.

The players

Athena DiLorenzo-Ryan

The head coach of the Saratoga Catholic Central girls' varsity basketball team.

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What they’re saying

“We (had) girls crying on the bench. The game's not even over yet. It's just the emotions all over the place.”

— Athena DiLorenzo-Ryan, Head Coach (The Record)

The takeaway

This hard-fought victory showcases the passion and determination of the Saratoga Catholic Central girls' basketball team, who refused to be denied a sectional championship despite the intense pressure of the moment. Their emotional triumph will be long remembered by the players, coaches, and community.