KSC Thunder 7th Grade D1 State Champs

KSC Thunder found itself in a familiar place for the second year in a row: in a tight NEAAU D1 state title game against the Bay State Jaguars. In 2014, the Thunder suffered a one-point loss. In 2015, the Thunder returned the favor to the Jags winning a close one, 49-47.

The Thunder had experience in nail biter games having just knocked off the Mass Gym Rats in the semi-final earlier in the night, 41-39. Brittany Gacicia scored the game winner with about seven seconds left to put the Thunder in the final.

“The championship game against the Jaguars was great from start to finish,” said KSC Thunder head coach Matt DellaBarba. “They have such a talented team.”

Megan Marcel was a key player in the championship and Coach DellaBarba cited her leadership.  “She has really stepped up vocally and taken a large leadership role on the team,” said DelleBarba of Marcel.

Down seven in the second half of the championship game, Olivia Martin went on a personal 7-0 run for KSC Thunder to tie the game.

Other notable players were Ryley Blasetti, who did a great job with her perimeter defense, and Jordan Hue with her ability to control the tempo and knock down clutch free throws. Brittany Gacicia played well on both ends in the victory.

As we’ve learned, teams need more than just a few players to step up to win the big tournaments. This team used its depth to overcome some stiff competition.

“We have preached all season that we are 1 through 10 and everyone has to make plays,” said DellaBarba. “Dorothy Tilden, Holly Reeder-Morning, Caroline Kenney, Kendall McDonald and Liz Slein really stepped up throughout the whole tournament to make big plays and help regain momentum.”  

Congrats to KSC Thunder for the victory and we look forward to watching this team continue to succeed.

Roster:
G – Jordan Hue, Mashpee
G – Ryley Blasetti, Hingham
G – Dorothy Tilden, Hanover
G – Kendall McDonald, Plymouth
F – Brittany Gacicia, Hanson
F – Olivia Martin, Hanson
F – Holly Reeder-Morning, Kingston
F – Caroline Kenney, Norwell
C – Megan Marcel, Plymouth
C – Elizabeth Slein, Scituate