New Team Wins Basketball Title in Undefeated First Season

A brand new girls' basketball team just proved that fresh starts can lead to championship finishes.

St. Thomas More's 14U girls' basketball team won the Catholic Youth Organization championship on February 15 at Georgetown Visitation Preparatory School in Washington. The victory was especially sweet because the team had never competed before this season.

The championship game against St. Jerome's of Hyattsville was a nail-biter from start to finish. With just over two minutes left, the score was tied 24-24, and neither team was backing down.

That's when Sanaa Graham and Brianna Hose took over. The duo led a decisive 10-2 run that sealed the 34-26 victory and capped an undefeated 10-0 season.

Graham earned tournament MVP honors after scoring 12 points, including a crucial three-point play late in the game when she followed up a teammate's miss. Hose led all scorers with 16 points, showcasing smooth drives to the basket that left defenders scrambling.

The victory came against formidable competition. St. Jerome's had won five previous CYO championships and played with heart despite a size disadvantage, battling evenly on the boards throughout the game.

Why This Inspires

These young athletes showed that experience isn't everything. Building a team from scratch, they learned to trust each other, perfect their game, and compete at the highest level in just one season.

Their success proves that with dedication and teamwork, newcomers can stand toe-to-toe with established champions. The girls played tough defense, supported each other through poor shooting stretches, and never lost confidence even when the game was on the line.

For St. Thomas More, this championship represents more than a trophy. It's validation that their program can compete with the best and a foundation for years of excellence ahead.

A perfect first season ends with these young champions showing every rookie team what's possible when you believe in each other.