MI Girls Select hoops squad notches state title

By Reporter Staff • March 12, 2025 5:00 pm
Front row, left to right: Claire Oberto, Mackenzie Helman and Sydney Munson. Back row, left to right: Assistant coach Holland Fleming, Aylwen Battersby, Chloe Chen, Lana Cuneo, Charlotte Fleming, Sophia Clark, Julia Gribble, Tatum Poole, Maija McCune and head coach Tony Locascio. Courtesy photo
Front row, left to right: Claire Oberto, Mackenzie Helman and Sydney Munson. Back row, left to right: Assistant coach Holland Fleming, Aylwen Battersby, Chloe Chen, Lana Cuneo, Charlotte Fleming, Sophia Clark, Julia Gribble, Tatum Poole, Maija McCune and head coach Tony Locascio. Courtesy photo

Mercer Island Girls Select Basketball’s seventh-graders are back in the champion’s spot for the second time in the last three years.

With resilience and determination on their side, the locals notched another state gold division crown after losing in last year’s championship contest.

This time out, the girls defeated last year’s state champion Sumner, 49-45, to secure the title in Spokane. The tourney occurred over the March 7-9 weekend and games took place at The Podium sports facility and Lewis and Clark High School.

MI tipped off the tournament with a 48-29 victory over Wesco League champion Jackson, and then the locals triumphed over Eastside Travel League champion Bellevue, 37-24. In semifinal play, MI defeated Tahoma, 46-38, to roll into the championship match.

Head coach Tony Locascio said this year’s championship-game victory is a true testament to the squad’s dedication and teamwork. The team returned to state stronger than ever with its commitment, hard work and selflessness paying off to finish at the top, he added.

“This team exemplifies what it means to be a champion. United by a shared promise after last year’s loss to return to the state championship, they dedicated countless hours in the gym — through practice, early morning workouts and extra training sessions — all in pursuit of their goal,” he said.