BB2023SACXCPG

Sacred Heart Academy vs. Xavier College Prep (AZ)

2023 Nike Tournament of Champions

Bell Bank Park
Phoenix, AZ
December 18, 2023

© 2023 by Ron Harrison

Sacred Heart Academy coach Donna Moir started the following lineup: 6-0 Jr. ZaKiyah Johnson, 5-8 Sr. Claire Russell, 6-3 Sr. Angelina Pelayo, 5-3 Fr. Amirah Jordan, and 5-10 Sr. Reagan Bender. Xavier College Prep coach Jennifer Gillom countered with 5-10 Sr. Dominique Nesland, 5-7 Sr. Maureen Ulrich, 6-4 So. Irene (Noelle) Guiamatsia, 5-6 Sr. Jasmine Olivar, and 5-10 Sr. Sarah Miller.

Sacred Heart Academy raced out to an 11-0 lead but Xavier College Prep fought back and captured a hard fought 58-55 victory over the Valkyries. There were nine lead changes and seven ties in this game. Xavier College Prep shot 32.1% from the field including six of 20 from the three point line. The Gators connected on 18 of 29 free throws, pulled down 35 rebounds, and scored 13 points off 18 Sacred Heart Academy turnovers. Sacred Heart Academy shot 41.2% from the field including three of 10 from beyond the arc. The Valkyries connected on 10 of 14 free throws, pulled down 38 rebounds, and scored 13 points off 18 Xavier College Prep turnovers.

Sarah Miller led Xavier College Prep with 29 points including five three point baskets, six of 11 free throws, and seven rebounds. Irene (Noelle) Guiamatsia added 11 points, nine rebounds, and two blocked shots. Dominique Nesland recorded five points, six rebounds, two assists, and two blocked shots. Maureen Ulrich chipped in with five points, five rebounds, two assists, and three steals.

ZaKiyah Johnson led Sacred Heart Academy with 24 points including five of six free throws, 14 rebounds, two assists, and two steals. Angelina Pelayo added 11 points and five rebounds. Reagan Bender recorded seven points, three rebounds, three assists, and two steals. 5-9 Sr. Emi-Lee Howe chipped in with seven points and three rebounds. Amirah Jordan recorded four points, six assists, and five steals. Claire Russell pulled down eight rebounds.

Sacred Heart Academy,15,10,14,16,55

Xavier College Prep,13,10,15,20,58

Sacred Heart Academy (55) – Johnson 24, Russell 2, Pelayo 11, Jordan 4, Bender 7, Howe 7.

Xavier College Prep (58) – Nesland 5, Ulrich 5, Guiamatsia 11, Olivar 4, Miller 29, Sanford 4.

Acknowledgements

A special thanks to Bob Tonini of Sacred Heart Academy for the comprehensive stats provided for tonight's games.

Please feel free to send your comments and questions concerning the event, teams, or players to me at prephoops@yahoo.com.

Ron Harrison’s reports on this and other football events appear on kyprephoops.com.