It’s the second time the Crusaders have won a state championship with the previous title coming in 2002.
“It was so cool. I think this year we have all just found a different level of confidence,” said senior
Jocelyn Gigounas, who had eight points and 11 rebounds. “We have done such a good job of playing as a team especially on this playoff run.”
Senior
Izzy McFadden dominated in every facet of the contest and finished with 21 points, eight rebounds and five blocks.
“Izzy is the best leader and she doesn’t want anything for herself,” said Marin Catholic head coach Kayden Korst. “Her effort and attitude is contagious and she is such a happy kid.”
Mater Dei Catholic led 26-22 with 3:19 left in the third before McFadden and Marin Catholic went on a 13-2 run to take a 35-28 lead into the fourth quarter.
In those 199 seconds McFadden had five points, two steals and an offensive rebound.
“To get a win for this group and for these girls that I love so much and consider my family is truly incredible,” McFadden said.
The title comes in the first year that Korst has been head coach. Korst was a 2,000 point scorer at
San Domenico (San Anselmo), who graduated in 2019. After playing collegiately at Cal State San Marcos, she jumped into the head role at Marin Catholic.
“This is the chance of a lifetime and I’m really appreciative,” Korst said. “I pinch myself everyday. I’m the luckiest person.”
After some early season struggles, which includes a four-game losing streak, the Crusaders dominated their schedule to end the season with a nine-game winning streak.
Mater Dei Catholic was led by sophomores
Jarika Chan and
Jordyn Worley who each tallied up 15 points. Worley added eight rebounds and four blocks.
“I think it was a good opportunity to play with my teammates,” Worley said. “The experience was the best one I’ve ever had throughout my high school career.
Marin Catholic defeated Mater Dei Catholic 48-38 in the CIF Division III championship on Friday at the Golden 1 Center. (Photo: David Steutel)
