Throughout the past decade, the Dixie Heights girls basketball program has ruled the 34th District.
Thursday night was no different as the Colonels defeated St. Henry 48-22 to claim their 10th straight 34th District title.
Ahead of the championship match, the Crusaders were out for revenge after dropping their last meeting with the Colonels at home.
St. Henry ran their first two offensive sets as designed and gathered four early points. Unfortunately for the Crusaders, those were all the points they would see for the next 11 minutes.
While it took the Colonels nearly three minutes to find their first basket, the wait was worth it after all. Senior forward Abby Thelen got the Colonels going with a bucket inside that helped spark a 10-0 run to end the quarter.
As Dixie’s strong offense carried over into the second quarter, the Colonel bench caught fire. Eighth grader Peyton Gibson sank two catch and shoot triples in the corner while junior Jordan Puitz secured all of her nine points from behind the arc in the first half.
“We definitely contributed as a team tonight,” says Dixie head coach Joel Steczynski. “Our defense definitely led the way which helped us facilitate production on offense.”
While the Crusaders are often led by senior Kayla Unkraut who averages just over 14 points a game, Unkraut was held to three points in the championship thanks to Dixie senior Jalynn Brooks.
“You know, obviously I’m not usually the top scorer,” says Brooks. “It doesn’t affect me though, I do my job on defense and just try to lead the offense and find people that are open.”
The Crusaders were met with heavy pressure at midcourt which slowed their offense and led to difficult shots. St. Henry found some late momentum in the second quarter as senior Josie Knollman hit a triple to spark hope for a comeback despite being down 26-11 at the half.
“St. Henry has a great program,” says Steczynski. “We had about an 11 minute stretch where we held them off the board which felt really good.”
As the third quarter rolled around, defensive pressure on both ends led each team to a stalemate. Dixie was held to just four points over the eight minute stretch while St. Henry converted on just six to shorten the deficit to 13.
While St. Henry entered the fourth quarter looking to give it one final push, Dixie’s bench responded yet again.
Gibson hit two deep triples which sent the Colonel crowd into a frenzy and extended their lead to 18 with just four minutes left to play.
“It doesn’t matter what grade you’re in,” says Brooks. “We look to lift everyone up whether they’re on or off the court. We all pick up after each other’s energy and I think it gives us all the confidence to make big plays.”
Even though St. Henry had their fair share of opportunities, time had just about ran out. Unable to find a consistent offensive rhythm, the Crusader’s couldn’t combat the Colonel’s offensive spark.
St. Henry finished with just four scorers on the night. Senior forward Taylor Hill scored in all four quarters as she finished with 10 points while fellow senior Aubrey Logan contributed with six.
Dixie saw an array of production from seven different scorers as Gibson had four triples and 14 points to lead the way. Puitz followed behind with nine while junior Catherine Buddenburg had seven.
For the Colonels, success has become an expectation in Steczynski’s tenure with the program. In all of his eight seasons, Steczynski has claimed the 34 District title each year.
“We’re building and we’re on the rise,” says Steczynski. “I think we’ll just look to continue with the same effort. Even though the court will be a bit larger, these girls are ready to compete and contribute.”
St. Henry’s Taylor Hill and Kayla Unkraut and Dixie’s Abby Thelen and Bella Crawford were named to the District All Tournament Team. Brooks’ efforts were recognized as she was awarded All Tournament MVP.
“You know it’s crazy,” says Brooks. “It’s so exciting, being able to win this tournament especially in our senior year is so special.”
The celebrations and frustrations won’t last long as both teams will shift their priorities to the 9th Region Tournament. Each team will know their opponent Friday afternoon as the tournament kicks off this Sunday at Truist Arena. Dixie Heights will face one of three district runner-ups in Ryle, Notre Dame or Bellevue, St. Henry faces potential matchups with district champs Cooper, Holy Cross or Highlands.