Girls basketball: Ketcham rallies to beat Albertus Magnus, wins first Section 1 title

YORKTOWN - History was made.

There were a few firsts for the Roy C. Ketcham girls basketball team Sunday, moments that created indelible memories they’ll always cherish.

Nia Rencher had never been hugged by as many people in a day before. Cali Chiocchi said she can’t ever remember being asked to pose for as many photographs or be greeted by as many smiles.  

“I could never have imagined this,” Jaylyn Chorba said. “I still don’t even really believe it. It hasn’t sunken in yet. We really got the gold ball?”

Oh yeah, and they really got the gold ball.

Ketcham rallied from an eight-point deficit in the final minutes and defeated Albertus Magnus, 53-50, to capture their first Section 1 Class AA championship.

Chiocchi’s driving layup tied it at 42 and Chorba hit two corner threes on successive possessions to put No. 3 Ketcham ahead in a game that fifth-seeded Magnus had led for almost its entirety. The Ketcham student section, many of them clad in shorts and Hawaiian shirts, roared loudly as a 17-0 run put their team in control late.

The upset: Albertus Magnus takes down No. 1 Ursuline to reach section final

Waterworks: Ketcham makes a splash, upsetting Lourdes in semifinals

Unsurprising 'surprise': Chiocchi, sophomores lead Ketcham's turnaround season

Ketcham faces Section 9’s Warwick in a regional semifinal on Tuesday, 7 p.m. at Kingston High School.

“I can’t even put into words the feeling of excitement,” coach Pat Mealy said while smiling widely.

He has coached the Ketcham baseball team to multiple section titles but right now, he said, “it would be hard to argue” this championship with an unheralded program isn’t more rewarding.

“Winning section titles is expected of our baseball program and we’re proud of that,” he said. “But our basketball team getting a gold ball is an afterthought. This is an incredible feeling.”

Chiocchi is the star whom this team was rebuilt around as it struggled in recent years, and the quick ascension of a cadre of sophomores spurred a turnaround season.

“I knew this program would get there eventually,” said Meg Nardelli, a former standout who graduated in 2019. Her sister, Jenny Nardelli, is part of that sophomore core. “My team had some good years and it’s amazing to see the next generation get over the hurdle.”

Turning point

Sierra Linnin (20 points) hit a three at the third-quarter buzzer, sending the Falcons to the fourth with a 37-34 lead and momentum. Another Linnin three put them up 42-34 two minutes into the period.

During a timeout, Mealy said, he emphasized the team needed to play “amazing defense” and to create efficient attempts early in the shot clock.

“There were definitely nerves at that time,” Chiocchi, a senior, admitted. “But we knew we still had time; we just had to get it together and play as a team.”

Threes from Caitlin Robertson and Jenny Nardelli stopped Magnus’ run, and Chiocchi’s driving layup tied it at 42 with four minutes left.

Chorba then hit two consecutive threes, and Chiochi added three points at the free throw line for a 51-42 lead with 1:35 remaining.

“This is an amazing group, win or lose,” Mealy said. “Just getting here was a huge accomplishment, and for them to respond that way in the fourth quarter, it’s priceless.”

Magnus chipped away in the final minute, and Linnin made her sixth 3-pointer with a second left to create the margin. But the celebration was on for Ketcham.

“We had a good season, so we have no reason to hang our heads,” Magnus’ Kaleigh McGuinness said. “I think everyone will be reflecting on how far we came.”

Player of the Game

Chiocchi earned tournament MVP after posting 23 points, five rebounds, three assists and three steals.

“She means everything to us,” Chorba said of the point guard. “She’s always stepped up in big moments and she did it again when we really needed it.”

By the numbers

Albertus Magnus (14-10) — Karly Fischer had 12 points, 13 rebounds, eight blocks and four steals. Allie Falesto and Sophia Malpeli each added seven points.

Ketcham (21-3) — Rencher had 12 points and 19 rebounds, and Chorba had 10 points, five assists and a block.

Quotables

“We weren’t supposed to get this far,” said Falesto, whose team stunned defending champion Ursuline in the semifinals. “We went to White Plains and Ursuline and won. I’m really proud of us for getting here.”

“In the beginning of the season, we were doubted by a lot of people and look where we are,” Rencher said. “It feels good to be a champion.”