Quantcast
skip navigation

DeLaSalle uses strong second half to win Class 3A, Section 3 championship against Visitation

By Luke Hanlon, SportsEngine, 03/09/23, 4:45PM CST

Share

Aneisha Scott recorded 26 points to lead the Islanders' win.


DeLaSalle sophomore guard Aneisha Scott eyes the basket in the second half of the Islanders' Thursday night matchup against Visitation. Scott scored 18 of the 26 points made by DeLaSalle in the second half. Photo by Aiyanna Taylor, SportsEngine

The expectations are sky-high at a program like DeLaSalle.

The Islanders have won six state titles and make a trip to the tournament more often than not. The last two years haven’t followed that mold though, as the Islanders lost in the opening round of the Class 3A, Section 3 tournament in 2021 and lost in last year’s section final to St. Paul Como Park 75-72.

The sting of a close loss to end their season resonated with the Islanders throughout this year. That feeling was alleviated tonight, as DeLaSalle defeated Visitation 67-55 at DeLaSalle High School to head back to the state tournament.

“I just feel like DeLaSalle belongs in the state tournament,” Islanders’ coach James Fassett said. “We’ve got a good group of kids that work hard, and they remembered last year, so they were ready to play.”


Visitation's Samantha Wills (24) shoots and scores during the first half. Wills stood out for the Blazers, scoring 10 points during the first half as Visitation held a 27-26 halftime lead. Photo by Aiyanna Taylor, SportsEngine

First report

DeLaSalle outlasted Visitation in the Class 3A, Section 3 final on Thursday night, clinching a spot in the Class A State Tournament after a 67-55 victory. 

The teams played an even first half, with the largest lead being six by either side. Midway through the first half, the Islanders (23-6, 13-2) switched from man to a 3-2 zone, and it looked like it continued to confuse Visitation (18-8, 10-4). The Blazers adjusted after a timeout and were able to head into halftime leading 27-26, thanks to 10 first-half points from Samantha Wills and a layup by Meghan Gerend just before the buzzer.

Wills recorded 17 points in the second half to finish with a game-high 27 points. She added a team-high eight rebounds.

However, the star of the second half was Aneisha Scott. The sophomore guard scored 18 of her team-high 26 points in the second half, as she constantly put pressure on the Blazer defense by driving to the basket at will. Her scoring propelled the Islanders to outscore the Blazers 41-28 in the second half.

Jordyn Johnson and Madalyn Blaylark came up big for the Islanders as well, combining for 29 points and 16 rebounds.


DeLaSalle's Jordyn Johnson and Mya McNeil (11) block and push back against Visitation's Meghan Gerend (5). Strong defense and teamwork helped secure DeLaSalle's spot in the Class 3A state tournament. Photo by Aiyanna Taylor, SportsEngine

The MN Girls' Basketball Hub poll is for entertainment purposes only.

Girls' Basketball Hub Headlines

Feed for https://www.startribune.com/sports/index.rss2