TROY, N.Y. — Albertus Magnus High School’s girls basketball team completed another championship run Friday night, defeating Aquinas Institute 72-50 in the Class AAA state final at Hudson Valley Community College to secure the New York State championship.
The title victory capped another standout postseason for the Falcons, who arrived at the state tournament as one of five local teams competing for championships. Albertus Magnus advanced to the final after a dramatic 64-60 overtime win over Shaker in the state semifinal, then finished the job against Aquinas Institute to claim its third consecutive state crown.
Albertus Magnus set the tone early and never let up. The Falcons built control in the opening quarter, extended their lead before halftime, and then broke the game open in the second half with balanced scoring, strong defense and timely transition play.
In the first quarter, Albertus Magnus jumped out in front and established its pace. Julia Scott knocked down a mid-range jumper to give the Falcons a 14-7 lead with 2:49 left in the period. Maddy Zuppe then closed the quarter with an aggressive drive and a high-arching left-handed scoop, sending Albertus Magnus into the second quarter with a 19-9 advantage.
In the second quarter, Aquinas Institute made a push to get back into the game. Ajaya Orr scored five straight points to cut the deficit to 19-16, but Albertus Magnus responded. Scott scored inside to restore a five-point cushion, and Sara Nezaj came up with a steal that led to free throws, helping the Falcons push the lead to 31-22 with 2:16 remaining in the half. Keira Brescia added a three-pointer before the break, and Albertus Magnus took a 34-22 lead into halftime. At the half, Nezaj had 12 points, including seven of eight from the free-throw line, while Scott added 10 points, seven rebounds and four blocks.
The third quarter turned into the decisive stretch. Scott drilled a three-pointer and Nezaj followed with a layup off a long outlet from Zuppe to extend the lead to 44-27 with 5:35 left in the quarter. Nunez added a basket off a pass from Scott, and Nezaj continued to attack, scoring on free throws and then converting a spin move and layup after another outlet from Scott. Nezaj capped the quarter with a three-pointer just before the buzzer, sending the Falcons into the fourth with a commanding 59-33 lead.
In the fourth quarter, Albertus Magnus removed any doubt. Nezaj converted a three-point play to make it 66-33 with 6:30 remaining as the Falcons closed in on the title. With the lead swelling to 72-36, Zuppe exited to a round of applause with 3:39 remaining, and Scott followed to a similar ovation with 3:10 left. Albertus Magnus went on to close out the 72-50 victory and celebrate a state championship three-peat.
The win also reflected the steady leadership of head coach Pat Buckley, who guided the Falcons through another deep postseason run and helped keep the team composed on the sport’s biggest stage. Under Buckley’s direction, Albertus Magnus once again showed the discipline, resilience and confidence of a championship program, turning a state final appearance into another title.
More coverage, player reaction and coach interviews will follow on Rockland News.
