Sacred Heart Conquers George Rogers Clark in Sweet 16 Showdown

In a battle of titanic proportions at the Mingua Beef Jerky/KHSAA Sweet 16, the Sacred Heart Valkyries showcased their prowess, conquering George Rogers Clark High School with a resounding 57-46 victory. This triumph not only reinforced Sacred Heart’s status as the reigning champions but also propelled them into the quarterfinals as they seek an unprecedented fourth consecutive state title.

The opening quarter witnessed an electrifying display from George Rogers Clark, as they stormed out of the gates, raining down a barrage of three-pointers to seize a commanding 21-10 lead. However, this early onslaught proved to be a mere flash in the pan, as the Valkyries’ defensive tenacity gradually stifled their opponents’ offensive flow.

In a remarkable turnaround, Sacred Heart embarked on a 16-0 run, transforming a double-digit deficit into a 26-21 halftime advantage. This swing in momentum was fueled by their relentless defensive pressure, which held George Rogers Clark scoreless for a staggering 10 minutes and 19 seconds, spanning the latter stages of the first quarter and the entirety of the second.

“It looked kind of dismal after that first quarter when we gave up 21 points,” admitted Sacred Heart coach Donna Moir. “I was real proud of our girls that they stayed in the moment. We came out and defended in the second quarter. … We talked about our defense was what’s going to win this game, and we played some outstanding defense and hit some big shots when we needed to.”

The third quarter witnessed a brief resurgence from George Rogers Clark, as they clawed their way back to within a single point at 31-30. However, this glimmer of hope was swiftly extinguished by the Valkyries’ offensive onslaught, led by the dynamic duo of Angelina Pelayo and ZaKiyah Johnson.

Pelayo, a towering 6-foot-3 presence in the paint, tormented the opposition with her size and skill, pouring in 20 points while hauling down 10 rebounds. Her dominance was complemented by the artistry of Johnson, the recently crowned Gatorade Kentucky Player of the Year, who contributed 18 points, six rebounds, and five assists in a masterful performance.

“I basically live with her, so we probably have that sister connection in there,” Johnson said of her rapport with Pelayo. “I’m always going to find her. I see when she has the mismatch, and I’m going to give it to her every time to go to work because I don’t care how many points I have. Survive and advance.”

George Rogers Clark’s coach, Robbie Graham, acknowledged the formidable challenge his team faced, stating, “They’re on a mission. We just kind of ran into a buzz saw.”

While the Cardinals battled valiantly, with freshman point guard Kennedy Stamper leading the charge with 13 points, they ultimately could not withstand the relentless onslaught of the Valkyries.

As Sacred Heart advances to face Bethlehem in Friday’s quarterfinal, a highly anticipated matchup between two of the nation’s top juniors looms on the horizon. Johnson, ranked as the No. 5 recruit in the Class of 2025 by HoopGurlz Recruiting Rankings, will square off against Bethlehem’s Leah Macy, the No. 8-ranked prospect.

“I know everybody’s looking for that matchup with ZaKiyah and Leah Macy,” Moir acknowledged. “I think it’s going to be a great game. You can never overlook anyone here, and I think we’ll be ready for them.”

With their sights set on an unprecedented fourth consecutive state title, the Valkyries have demonstrated their unwavering determination and championship pedigree. As they continue their quest for glory, the basketball world eagerly awaits the next chapter in this captivating saga.