Archbishop Mitty turns anticipated girls basketball showdown in Nike Tournament of Champions final into lopsided win against Ontario Christian to secure back-to-back crowns

MESA, Ariz. – There will be a rematch and possibly even a trilogy in the state final this season involving the girls basketball teams from Archbishop Mitty and Ontario Christian.

As for the first showdown of California and national heavyweights Saturday night in the Vincent Cannizzaro Division final at the Nike Tournament of Champions, it was a reminder that while the future is incredibly bright for Ontario Christian, the present spotlight continues to shine on Archbishop Mitty.

Post-game interviews

The Monarchs relied on a disciplined and determined defense, a deep and versatile lineup, and plenty of experience to frustrate and often overwhelm Ontario Christian, with junior McKenna Woliczko earning most outstanding player honors for the second year in a row to lead Archbishop Mitty to back-to-back titles with a 59-34 victory at Skyline High.

Woliczko had 25 points, 10 rebounds and four assists for the Monarchs (8-0), who became the first program to repeat in the top division since Mater Dei achieved a three-peat from 2012-14.

Archbishop Mitty won its first championship in the highest division since 2017 with a 73-72 victory last year against Long Island Lutheran from New York.

Woliczko, who finished with 100 points in four tournament contests including a 38-point, 17-rebound effort Thursday in an 83-77 overtime victory against Clackamas High from Oregon, became the first female athlete to secure the most outstanding player award in consecutive seasons since Katie Lou Samuelson was honored in 2012-14 for Mater Dei.

Both Katie Lou Samuelson and Karlie Samuelson shared the award in 2012, with Katie Lou receiving additional recognition for Mater Dei in 2013-14.

Emma Cook, left, with McKenna Woliczko and Tiera McCarthy for Archbishop Mitty | Erik Boal photo

Emma Cook added 14 points and Tiera McCarthy contributed eight points for the Monarchs, both receiving all-tournament recognition.

Ze’Ni Patterson and Devin Cosgriff both scored five points for Archbishop Mitty, which is expected to take over the top spot nationally ahead of another matchup Jan. 4 against Ontario Christian (14-1) at the SI20 Showcase at Carondelet High in Concord.

Ontario Christian girls basketball | Erik Boal photo

Tatianna Griffin, a freshman, scored 12 points to grab all-tournament honors for the Knights, who led 7-6 in the opening quarter, before Archbishop Mitty responded with six unanswered points and never looked back.

Sophomore Kaleena Smith was an all-tournament pick for the second year in a row for Ontario Christian, but the dynamic point guard was limited to 11 points and held without a field goal for more than 24 minutes following her lone 3-pointer with 3:08 remaining in the opening quarter.

The Knights produced at least 73 points in each tournament contest – including 86 and 88 in consecutive games to open the event – on their way to advancing to the final for the first time in program history, but Archbishop Mitty followed a 59-42 semifinal triumph Friday against Mater Dei by limiting Ontario Christian to its lowest output since suffering an 82-35 setback to Long Island Lutheran in the opening round of last year’s event.

Sydney Douglas, a freshman, scored six points and Alanna Neale had four points for the Knights, who demonstrated fatigue during the final three quarters after competing four days in a row with a limited bench.

In other Vincent Cannizzaro Division games:

Mater Dei 72, Bullis School (Maryland) 57: The Monarchs (12-2) achieved their best finish at the event since 2018, with Addie Deal contributing 28 points – including a pair of 3-pointers – as well as five assists and rebounds in the third-place matchup at Skyline High.

Kaeli Wynn received all-tournament honors for the second year in a row, connecting on seven 3-pointers and finishing with 25 points for Mater Dei, which relied on a nine-point surge during the third quarter to establish a 45-37 lead, one the Monarchs wouldn’t relinquish the rest of the way.

Mater Dei girls basketball | Erik Boal photo

Ivanna Wilson-Manyacka, who led Bullis School (4-4) with 21 points Saturday, helped the Bulldogs win the Joe Smith Division title in Arizona last season.

Meghan Yarnevich added nine points, with Sanai Troutman and Adore Nwude both producing eight points for Bullis School, which tied the score at 30-30 in the second quarter.

Devyn Kiernan contributed eight points, five rebounds and three assists for the Monarchs, with Stella Hoss scoring five points, in addition to leading a strong defensive effort over the final three quarters for Mater Dei.

The Bulldogs got as close as eight points on multiple occasions in the second half, but Mater Dei avoided back-to-back losses for the first time this season following a 17-point semifinal setback to Archbishop Mitty.