The Paul VI High School girls basketball team celebrates with the South Jersey Non-Public A sectional championship trophy after defeating Red Bank Catholic, 47-46, in the basketball game played at Lenape High School in Medford, New Jersey on Monday, March 10, 2025. Collin Conway/D2 Sports Network
MEDFORD - 36 years had passed since the Paul VI High School girls basketball team captured a sectional title.
The drought finally ended when the Lady Eagles squeaked past Red Bank Catholic, 47-46, in the South Jersey Non-Public A final at Lenape High School.
Both sides traded scores for practically the entirety of the first half with Red Bank Catholic taking the lead into halftime.
The second half is where Paul VI found its groove.
Sophomore Brooke Stagliano scored eight of her game-high 16 points in the third quarter, helping the Lady Eagles tie the score heading into the final quarter.
Paul VI needed someone to step up in the fourth quarter and Rachel Thatcher answered the call. Thatcher poured in all of her eight points in the final regulation period.
Anya George drew a foul with 11 seconds to play in the fourth quarter. George knocked down both foul shots to put Paul VI ahead as time wound down.
Despite having three separate attempts to put in the game-winning shot, Red Bank Catholic came up empty handed allowing Paul VI to hang on for its first sectional title since 1989.
“We’ve had some very talented teams in the past,” Paul VI coach Orlando Hidalgo said. “The chemistry this team has is the reason they’ve gotten to this point. These girls love each other and are always on the same page mentally which allows them to never miss a beat.”
Thatcher’s late-game scoring outburst proved to be the difference for the Lady Eagles. Now, Paul VI sits one game away from completing a perfect season and cementing its legacy in South Jersey.
“We just have to lock in,” Thatcher said. “We’ve made the sectional final every year I’ve been here but this is the first time we’ve actually won it. We know it’s going to be a big game and we’re going to be ready for it.”
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