GLENDON – Glendon School is this year’s St. Paul Athletics Association (SPAA) senior girls' basketball champions, defeating Ashmont School.
Ashmont reigned as the champions for the past two years. Last year, they also faced Glendon in the finals. It was a tight battle throughout, with Glendon forcing the game into overtime. When the dust settled, it was Ashmont who won the crown, winning 34-29.
This year, on Feb. 28, the two rivals faced each other one more time. Both teams played hard, with Ashmont proving once more why they were worthy of being in the finals.
But shot after shot, Glendon slowly widened the gap. By the fourth quarter, Glendon led by over 10 points. Yet, neither team gave up, with the Ashmont girls trying their best to catch up, and seemingly undeterred by the clock, while Glendon did not let their guard down – responding with equal ferocity.
Finally, the clock ticked to zero, and Glendon roared in victory, winning the game 38-24.
Mady Luciak and Kailee Kwiatkowski, captains for Glendon’s basketball team, expressed their excitement for the win, and paid their respects to the Ashmont team. “They played a really hard game, and they’ve been our opponents for at least three years... we’re so glad we could finally beat them,” said Kwiatkowski.
Luciak nodded in agreement, commending Ashmont for playing amazing once again.
“It was great to play against them and to finally get the win.” She also thanked and praised her teammates for their hard work. “Thanks for working hard and playing as a team. [I] had a great year with everybody.”
The sentiment was shared by her co-captain. “They played so amazing, and I couldn’t ask for a better team,” said Kwiatkowski.
Sandra Lysy, head coach for the Glendon girls’ team, said Ashmont is always competitive, recalling Glendon’s loss to them last year.
“They’re a great team and well-coached,” she said.
It has been nine years since Glendon School won its last senior SPAA banner, according to Lysy.
“I’d just like to thank [the team] for their hard work and I’m so proud of them,” said the coach.
Sarjenka Kuryliw, coach for Ashmont School’s girls’ team, congratulated Glendon for the victory. “I wish them all the luck at their Zones tournament in a few weeks and I hope they bring home another medal.”
To her team, Kuryliw said, “I have never been prouder of a team I’ve ever coached. They’re exactly what I want my players to be... They are confident... kind... passionate – and they play their game.”
