MT Elite Crowned 8th Grade State Champs

It’s a lot easier playing with a lead rather than trying to play catch up. MT Elite 8th grade girls’ team jumped out to early leads in both the semi-final and final game and never looked back en route to the NEAAU MA D1 State Championship.

MT Elite defeated reigning champion New England Crusaders (51-35) in the semi-final and then Bay State Magic Elite (44-36) in the championship. Bay State Magic Elite had beaten MT Elite six straight times before Friday’s championship game.

In the win against New England Crusaders, MT Elite was led by Sarah John (15 points), Amanda Minsk (8) and Sam Hourihan (8). Bay State Magic Elite defeated KSC Ducks 61-49 in the other semi-final matchup.

In the championship, Norton trio Rachael Johnson (12 points), Kassidy Fields (9) and Sarah John (7) led the scoring drive for MT Elite. Sam Hourihan was an eraser with 11 blocks.

"There were no easy games," said head coach Missy Traversi. "Each team presented a different challenge with multiple threats. After coming up short the last two years, these young girls were on a mission this year."

This MT Elite squad earned the title in a great Final Four field that included great teams and great players. This is a very deep class with a lot of fun teams to watch. 

This team is the first in the MT Elite program to win a D1 MA state title.

MT Elite Roster:
Nataliya Amaral – Walpole
Bea Bondhus – Franklin
Jacqueline Conroy - Norton
Emma Eberhardt – Sharon
Kassidy Fields – Norton
Shannon Gray – Franklin
Samantha Hourihan – Bridgewater
Sarah John - Norton
Rachael Johnson – Norton
Kawai Martin – Lexington
Amanda Minsk - Walpole
Abby Struminski - Attleboro