Trinity Prep girls basketball players celebrate after avenging their only league loss with a victory over Rio Lindo Adventist in its own gym in Healdsburg on Thursday night.
The Trinity Prep girls basketball team, after winning the regular-season Small School Bridge League title with an 8-1 record, tacked on the SSBL Tournament crown.
The top-seeded Crusaders received a first-round bye before defeating Pleasant Hill Adventist in Wednesday's semifinals, 62-20, and avenging their only league loss with a 34-29 win over host Rio Lindo Adventist in the championship game Thursday night in Healdsburg.
Leading the way against Rio Lindo were sophomores Avi McDonald (21 points, 5 rebounds, 4 assists), Allie Duncan (9 points, 8 rebounds) and Evelyn Falsini (4 points, 7 rebounds) and freshman Michelle Nolasco (3 steals), who had a key steal late in the game.
Unfortunately for Trinity Prep (14-4), there will be no postseason. Though the Crusaders are in the Sac-Joaquin Section, they aren't eligible for the SJS playoffs because they are not in a SJS league, according to Trinity Prep Athletic Director Milton Gallegos, but rather in one whose other members are North Coast Section schools.
Trinity Prep plays in the SSBL because the SJS doesn't have an enrollment division small enough for it. The next time the Crusaders take the court, however, they hope to be vying for not only league crowns but section titles as well.
"We are in process of applying for NCS membership and will hopefully be a member by next school year, which will allow us to apply for the NCS playoffs," Gallegos said.
That won't be too late for this year's team, which is comprised of three sophomores and four freshmen.
"I'm so incredibly proud of my team," Crusaders head coach Ken Franklin said after Thursday's title game. "All season long, these girls have shown heart, determination and resilience. We entered the playoffs as the No. 1 seed, but we knew that meant nothing if we didn't fight for it.
"Tonight, we walked into the other team's gym and proved why we deserved to be champions. We played tough, we played smart, and we played together -- just like we have all year. This wasn't just one game; it was the result of months of hard work, dedication, and belief in each other. Winning this championship is a testament to their commitment, and I couldn't be prouder to coach such a special group of athletes."