The girls’ basketball season has concluded, but unlike many surrounding metro teams, the Saints ended their season in the semi-finals at the state tournament in Des Moines. On Tuesday, February 21, the Saints won their regional final game against Waverly-Shell Rock to begin their journey at the Wells Fargo Arena.

The last time the Xavier girls’ basketball team made it to state was in 2015. This year, the girls’ basketball team played their quarter-final game at state on Tuesday, February 28 against third-ranked Grinnell. The Saints beat the Tigers 60-55, advancing the Saints to the semi-finals.

Class 4A semi-final games took place on Friday, March 3. The Saints matched up against the North Scott Lancers at 10 a.m. to see who would advance to the Class 4A championship game.

The sixth-ranked Saints fell to the eighth-ranked Lancers, 58-49. The Lancers then upset the first-ranked Marion Indians, beating them in overtime with a score of 52-40, making North Scott the Class 4A champions.

Although the Saints were wishing for a different outcome, they overcame obstacles throughout their season and were able to persevere. The Saints attribute their success to many factors, but believe that the team bond was critical in determining how they played.

“I think our team chemistry played a huge role in our success,” senior guard Lexi Noonan said. “Everyone put the team’s interests ahead of their own personal goals.”

The journey to state helped to bring both the Xavier community and the girls team together. The team showed great determination throughout the season and worked hard to reach the state tournament. This effort was not in vain, as it helped the Saints get to the Wells Fargo Arena. The trip to state was also important in helping the team chemistry.

“Our journey to state helped the team bond because we spent a lot of time together both on and off the court,” freshman point guard Caitlynn Daniels said.

Daniels was not the only player to mention how the team bonded.

“We have grown a lot closer as a team by qualifying for state since we had the chance to extend the season, and nobody wanted it to end,” Noonan said. “We had contributions from all four grade levels, which is what made this experience extra special.”

The girls’ basketball season was full of great memories for both the players and the fans. Despite being a season full of memories, some stand out more than others to the girls.

“My favorite memory was beating Grinnell in the quarter-finals and celebrating on the bus ride home with all of my teammates,” Noonan said.

For both Noonan and Daniels, the journey to state was an incredible experience.

“My favorite memory was when we beat Waverly-Shell Rock to go to state,” Daniels said.

These memories are not only treasured by the players and coaches but also the Xavier community.

Max Hoxie

Sports Writer