Saratoga Catholic wins first Section 2 girls' basketball title

Sophomore Sophia Ryan's 30 points and late-game heroics lead Saints to thrilling 43-41 victory over defending champion Northville

Published on Mar. 8, 2026

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Paced by Sophia Ryan's 30 points and her tenacious defense in the final moments, Saratoga Catholic captured the Class D title with a thrilling 43-41 win over Northville. The win sends the Saints into the state tournament, which they'll open Tuesday at Averill Park High School against Section 7's Schroon Lake.

Why it matters

Saratoga Catholic was seeking its first ever sectional title, while Northville had won the last two Class D championships. The Saints' victory represents a major milestone for the program and community, as they overcome the defending champions to reach the state tournament for the first time.

The details

Saratoga Catholic raced out to an early 12-2 lead, fueled by 10 first-quarter points from junior Sophia Ryan. Northville battled back to take a brief 26-24 lead in the third quarter, but the Saints regained control and held on for the 43-41 win. Ryan scored 8 of Saratoga Catholic's 8 points in the fourth quarter and made 3 crucial steals in the final 27 seconds to preserve the victory.

  • Saratoga Catholic jumped out to a 12-2 lead in the first quarter.
  • Northville briefly took a 26-24 lead in the third quarter.
  • Sophia Ryan scored 8 of Saratoga Catholic's 8 points in the fourth quarter.
  • Ryan made 3 steals in the final 27 seconds to seal the win.
  • The Saints will open the state tournament on Tuesday, March 11, 2026 against Schroon Lake.

The players

Sophia Ryan

A junior at Saratoga Catholic who scored 30 points and made 3 crucial steals in the final seconds to lead her team to the Section 2 Class D championship.

Athena DiLorenzo

The head coach of Saratoga Catholic, guiding the Saints to their first-ever sectional title.

Northville

The two-time defending Section 2 Class D champions, who fell just short of a third straight title.

Leah Valovic

A senior at Northville who grabbed a game-high 10 rebounds in the loss.

Izzy Colon

A junior at Northville who scored 11 points in the championship game.

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What they’re saying

“It is amazing, there are no words to express how we feel as a unit, the team and the community of Spa Catholic. We've been waiting for this moment, these girls deserve it. All the hard work they put in, this is so amazing.”

— Athena DiLorenzo, Saratoga Catholic head coach (Times Union)

“It means everything, we worked so hard all season and it came down to this moment. I knew I had the ball once I got the steal and realized we won, I was really excited.”

— Sophia Ryan, Saratoga Catholic junior (Times Union)

“Northville is such a great team, they won the last two years. It all worked out in the end for us. We were all in it together, the emotions were all over the place but it was meant to be. This moment, they will remember for the rest of their lives. This is going to last a lifetime.”

— Athena DiLorenzo, Saratoga Catholic head coach (Times Union)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

Saratoga Catholic's historic victory over defending champion Northville showcases the program's growth and the community's passion for high school basketball. The Saints' first-ever sectional title will be a moment the players and fans cherish for years to come.