LOUISVILLE, Ky. — For the first time in history of Kentucky high school girls or boys basketball, Sacred Heart (31-7) has won four straight state championships.
The Valkyries won the KHSAA title after beating McCracken County(32-6) 60-49. It was their second straight year meeting in the championship game.
Sacred Heart was led by ZaKiyah Johnson with 21 points, 6 rebounds and four assists. Johnson was also named the Sweet 16 MVP for a third year.
"We wanted to come in and you know, me Claire... Reagan and Emily have been on the team since freshman year. And we wanted to be the first to win four in a row. We wanted to make history and we came in as that as our mindset. We wanted to win, and we weren't gonna let anything stop us," Reagan Bender, a junior guard, said.
Bender finished with 18 points, 7 assists, 2 rebounds, a block and a steal.
Coach Donna Moir said the ability to come back and defend a title is something that everyone dreams about. She was filled with joy following the win.
"I've never had anybody win four in a row. And this, this team did it. And I just can't say enough about the people they are on and off the court,” she said.
Bender and Angelina Pelayo were selected to the All-Tournament Team.
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