Hornets denied in final by Storm

NEW CANAAN—For the St. Luke’s School girls basketball team, the past three months have been predicated on hard work.

The Storm earned a just reward for their efforts Saturday as they defeated Hamden Hall, 68-40 in the Fairchester Athletic Association Championship final before a thrilled home crowd.

It was the third straight FAA Girls Basketball title for St. Luke’s.

“This title means everything to us,” said St. Luke’s senior tri-captain Maya Klein. “We were a young team that really came together. The group bonded on and off the basketball court. There is such a level of trust on the floor. That’s why success came together easier.”

Hamden Hall center Asha Parker picked up her second foul 4:30 into the contest. He drew her third foul with 5:38 left in the first half.

While she remained on the bench, St. Luke’s fashioned a 12-0 surge for a 32-14 edge with 3:11 left and a 38-18 lead at intermission.

The Storm — led by junior center Sydney Cummings — kept Parker off the offensive boards in the second half and cruised to its third victory this season over Hamden Hall.

“Parker’s size and aggressiveness was an advantage coming into the game for us,” said Hamden Hall coach Megan Borelli. “Having her sit out with foul trouble hurt us.”

A GOOD SEASON

The Hornets — who lost 79-46 and 74-45 early in the season to St. Luke’s — forced the Storm to deal with a physicality that was a good test.

Hamden Hall (13-11 overall) will graduate four seniors — Kai Clemons, Miangela Ramos, Cassi Smith and Alex Johnson — from this year’s squad.

However, the future is bright led by returnees Parker, Kelly Thomas and guard Jayda Johnson. Johnson, a 7th grader, finished with a game-high 17 points.

“I’m so proud of this team’s effort today. We knew it would be a challenge,” Hamden Hall’s Borelli said. “St. Luke’s is a seasoned team. But we didn’t back down at all.”

STORM CHASING ANOTHER PRIZE

For St. Luke’s (26-3 overall), it is the squad’s balance that has brought success even in the face of injuries.

On Saturday, the Storm had four players — Frank (13 points), Klein (11), Cummings (12) and Sophie Kriftcher (12) — score in double figures. Point guard Caroline Lau (8th grader, eight points), sophomore Janelle Johnson (five points) and junior guard Tamia Fulton (seven points) were key contributors as well.

“We balance each other out. We work together and everyone executes their roles,” St. Luke’s Frank said. “We’re a family that understands if we win, we ALL win.”

The eight-team bracket for the NEPSAC Class C girls basketball tournament will be announced Sunday night.