Their coach did the "Griddy." Their star player
Silivia Fonongaloa broke into a rap. The Pride of
Salesian College Preparatory (Richmond) was in a fun, celebratory mood, and understandably so, after winning their first CIF state girls basketball championship.
After three previous defeats in the finals, the Pride finally put it all together, utilizing a deep bench, the physical presence of 6-foot-1 Fonongaloa and balanced attack in a 62-51 Division 1 championship win over
Windward (Los Angeles) at Golden 1 Center.
Fonongaloa, close to 100 percent for the first time after fighting illness much of the season, had 18 points and 11 rebounds.
Makiah Asidanya and
Nevaeh Asiasi added 11 apiece and
Sofia Fidelusand
Kaylie Edge combined for 13 points as the Pride (21-5) won the school's fifth state title but first girls crown.
"But we're the first to win with an Open or Division I classification," Salesian coach Stephen Pezzola said with a twinkle in his eye. The boys basketball team and football squads have each won two titles.
Salesian celebrates its first state girls basketball title.
Photo by David Steutel
What made the title so satisfying is the season was largely shut down for a month, while fighting off COVID-19 protocols both on the team and opponents.
"How do you shut down for a month and regroup in time to win a state title?" asked Salesian athletic director Chad Nightingale. "It's a real credit to the coaches and players."
A rugged schedule helped toughen up the Pride even more. Windward was part of it, as the Wildcats (23-11) hung toe-to-toe most of the game behind the play of
Skye Belker(21 points, eight rebounds) and
Maya Stokes (15 points, eight rebounds).
Windward, which dropped to 3-3 in state finals play, simply didn't have enough depth and ran out of gas. It finished 23-11.
"It was a great game, we played well and fought hard but ultimate our lack of depth hurt us," Windward interim coach Ronald Cass. He replaced Vanessa Nygaard who took took over the coaching duties for the the WNBA's Phoenix Mercury in late Jan. "It's been a long year but I'm so proud of this team. They overcame the coaching change and COVID-19. I've been honored to be their coach.
"Salesian is a great team. They hurt us in the paint. They earned it."
Especially in the third quarter, when they exploded for 23 points, outscoring Windward by nine to take control.
"Our motto all year was 'strength in numbers,' " Pezzola said. "We're 14 girls strong and tonight we epitomized that."
Asked about finally getting the monkey of their back after losing state-title games in 2012, 2013 and 2014.
"This feels better," Pezzola said. "The trophy is bigger. Plus this gives the girls more attention. Ultimately that's what it's all about. The players."
Windward - 10, 12, 12, 17 - 51
Salesian - 14, 11, 23, 14 - 62
Wildcats - Bankhead 8, Belker 21, Doi 1, Jackson 2, Stokes 15, Hinds 4.
Pride - Fonongaloa 18, Asidanya 11, Nevaeh Asiasi 11, Fidelus 6, Edge 7, Pournaras 3, Ford 4, Nyana Asiasi 2.
3-pointers - W 3-12 (Belker 2, Stokes); S 3-14 (Asidanya, Edge, Pournaras).
Salesian coach Stephen Pezzola with his version of 'The Griddy,' following his team's Division I victory over Windward.
Photo by David Steutel
Silivia Fonongaloa goes up for two of her team-high 18 points.
Photo by David Steutel
Skye Belker had a game-high 21 points for Windward.
Photo by David Steutel
Salesian coach Stephen Pezzola holds up the school's first state title in a girls sport.
Photo by David Steutel
