Girls Basketball (2024-2025)
Panthers Win NCS D3 Title! Beat Dougherty Valley 50-39
March 1, 2025—On a cold evening on the campus of Pinole Valley High School, the Varsity Girls Basketball team took on the Dougherty Valley Wildcats in the North Coast Section (NCS) D3 Championship Game with an opportunity to bring home their first section title since the 2019-2020 season.
In fact, despite being down at the half by 10 points to the Wildcats, the Panthers would overcome that adversity to claim the NCS title by the score of 50-39, adding another section title in program history since the last one in the 2019-2020 season. The Panthers made critical second half adjustments as their pressure defense forced critical Wildcat turnovers where the team would capitalize on to give them the victory. Senior, Neiyah Thompson, was a force to be reckoned with for the Panthers as she would score 21 of the Panthers’ 50 points to help lead the team to the championship victory.
Despite finishing the regular season and league playoff with one game above a .500 record, the team made on of the more memorable postseason runs to cap of this championship-winning season. Congratulations Panthers!
Elia Kudemus’ Late Three in Final Seconds Sends Panthers to NCS Semifinal Round
February 21, 2025—After not playing for about a week since their defeat to the Pinole Valley Spartans in the Tri County Athletic League (TCAL) Semifinal Round, the Varsity Girls Basketball team played host to the Monte Vista Mustangs out of Danville, California, in the Quarterfinal Round of the North Coast Section (NCS) Division III Playoffs with hopes of getting to the NCS Semifinal Round for the first time since the program won an NCS title in 2019-2020 season.
The Panthers entered the NCS tournament as the #2 seeded team, while the Mustangs entered as the #10 seeded team. The Mustangs won their First-Round matchup against the James Logan Colts of Union City to get to the Quarterfinal Round against the Panthers. In addition, these two opponents squared off earlier in the season where the Mustangs prevailed over the Panthers by the score of 46-43 back on December 20th, so this was an opportunity to exact revenge for the Panthers in this playoff showdown.
In this Quarterfinal matchup, it would primarily be a back-and-forth affair with both teams not gaining huge leads against each other, and no one clearly gaining full momentum of the game. By halftime, the Mustangs would be ahead by 1 point with a 25-24 lead and then would hold a three-point lead at the end of the 3rd quarter by the score of 37-34, setting up what could be an exciting 4th quarter.
In the fourth quarter, both the Mustangs and Panthers would trade points with the Mustangs clinging on to a 2-point lead and setting themselves up for the upset victory. With 16 seconds left, the Panthers were called for a backcourt violation that gave the Mustangs possession to just inbound the ball and get themselves to the free throw line to seal the deal. However, on their next inbound play, the Mustangs were able to inbound the ball, but the Mustangs player’s foot stepped out of bounds to give the Panthers one more opportunity to win the game on what would be the final possession of the fourth quarter. As the Panthers inbounded the ball and made their way into the offensive zone, the ball would find Junior, Elia Kudemus, beyond the 3-point arc, who would drill her shot to give the Panthers a 46-45 lead with 4 seconds left. The Mustangs would try to inbound the ball, but Junior, Gabriela Clement, would force a turnover and be fouled by the Mustangs to get herself to the free throw line. Clement would nail her two free throws, and the Panthers would go on to win this exciting Quarterfinal matchup by the score of 48-45, sending the Hagler Court crowd into a frenzy.
The trio of Kudemus, Clement, and Senior, Tatianna Wilson, would have big nights for the Panthers as they wpuld score 12 points, 12 points, and 13 points, respectively, to propel the Panthers to the Quarterfinal victory, and earn their trip to the NCS Semifinal Round for the first time since the aforementioned 2020 basketball season.
In regards to the upcoming Semifinal Round, the Panthers will return to Hagler Court to play host to the #6 seeded Fortuna Huskies. Tip-off is scheduled for Tuesday, February 25th, at 7:00pm.
Spartans Make it Three in a Row vs. Panthers in TCAL Semifinal Round
February 13, 2025—With an opportunity to play for the Tri County Athletic League (TCAL) Championship Game this Saturday at the Kaiser Center in Downtown Oakland, the Varsity Girls Basketball team traveled to Pinole Valley to take on the Spartans. The Spartans have been a thorn in the side of the Panthers this season, winning both regular season matchups. The Panthers, however, were looking to see if this third rendition of this matchup will provide good fortune for them.
Unfortunately, the Panthers would not find that good fortune as the Spartans would make it three in a row against the Panthers, winning by the score of 56-43 and earning a trip to the TCAL Championship Game this Saturday, February 15th.
The Panthers will now wait this Sunday to find out what their future holds in the North Coast Section Playoffs when the seedings and brackets come out.
Panthers Win Season Finale at Richmond, Await TCAL Playoffs
February 6, 2025—In the final game of the 2024-2025 regular season, the Panthers traveled to Richmond High to take on the Oilers with hopes of finishing the season on a great note before starting league play. In fact, the Panthers would have no issues whatsoever in accomplishing that as they would go on to defeat the Oilers by the score of 55-18. With the victory finished with a league record of 6-4, which is good for 3rd place in league, and an overall record of 15-13.
The Panthers will now have a few days off before they begin their quest for a Tri County Athletic League (TCAL) Tournament Championship as they will play host to the Richmond Oilers, once again, on Tuesday, February 11th, on Hagler Court. Tip-off is set for 7:00pm.
Panthers Heading to NCS Finals! Beat Huskies 63-36
February 25, 2025—With the Varsity Girls Basketball team with one win away from a trip to the North Coast Section (NCS) Championship Game, a feat they have not experienced since the 2019-2020 season, they needed to take care of business against the #6 seeded Fortuna Huskies to have that opportunity.
In fact, the Panthers would have zero issues doing that as they would roll to a dominating 63-36 victory over the Huskies, clinching a trip to the NCS Championship Game where they will take on the #5 seeded Dougherty Valley Wildcats out of San Ramon, California.
The Panthers constant pressure on defense was critical in this rout as they forced numerous Husky turnovers that led to constant fastbreaks that the Panthers would take advantage of and cash in on easy layups. The Panthers got a strong performance from Senior, Tatiana Wilson, who would score 12 points on the evening; and Junior, Gabriela Clement, would finish with a double-double (14 points, 12 rebounds) to help lead the Panthers to the 27-point victory.
The Panthers will now look to finish the deal this Saturday, March 1st, when they will take on the Wildcats at Pinole Valley High School for the NCS title. Good luck Panthers.
Panthers Fall to Pride in Second Meeting of Season
January 31, 2025—With the end of the regular season quickly approaching, the Varsity Girls Basketball team sit with an overall record of 14-12 and are looking to string together some wins in order to build momentum heading into the Tri County Athletic League (TCAL) Tournament. In fact, a Friday night game against the Salesian Pride provided an opportunity to get on that very roll. However, it would be the Pride who would have none of that as they would go on to defeat the Panthers for the second time this season by the score of 68-51.
The Panthers will now have a few days of rest before they enter the final week of the regular season, starting with a trip to Pinole Valley on Tuesday, February 4th, where they will look to avenge their earlier defeat against the Spartans back on January 17th on Hagler Court by the score of 56-53. Tip-off is set for 7:00pm.
Senior Day Success as Panthers Top Jaguars 54-39
January 28, 2025—With the Panthers riding high on a three-game win streak, the Panthers looked to continue their winning ways as they played host to the Jesse Bethel Jaguars on Tuesday evening. In addition, this would also be the final regular season home game for the Varsity Girls Basketball program, and, therefore, it would be Senior Day where the team honored four of their Senior players—Marlowe Kuroki, Marlee Richard, Tatiana Wilson, and Neiyah Thompson—for their four years of hard work and dedication to the program.
Following the pregame festivities, the Panthers would come out on a great note capitalizing on a couple of Jaguars turnovers and fastbreak opportunities, ultimately sending them on their way to a 54-39 victory to cap of a great Senior Day. The Panthers were led by Junior, Gabriela Clement, and Senior, Marlee Richard, who would go on to score 15 and 18 points, respectively.
The Panthers will now look to extend their winning streak five games as they will look for revenge when they travel to Richmond to take on the Salesian Pride. In their first meeting, the Pride defeated the Panthers 68-54. The second meeting between the two will take place this Friday evening, January 31st, at 7:00pm.
Panthers Top Bruins 65-50; Complete Season Sweep
January 24, 2025—Following their dominant performance a few evenings ago against the Richmond Oilers, the Varsity Girls Basketball team looked to follow it up with another victory against the St. Patrick-St. Vincent Bruins to cap off a successful week.
In fact, the Panthers would not disappoint in that regard as they would go on to defeat the Bruins by the score of 65-50. The Panthers showcased yet another great performance both offensively and defensively to propel themselves to the victory. Offensively, the Panthers were led by Senior, Marlee Richard, who arguably has been one of their more consistent players, who scored 17 points on the night. In addition, Senior, Tatiana Wilson, and Junior, Gabriela Clement, would both score 13 and 16 points respectively.
Defensively, Wilson was a force to be reckoned with as she would record 4 steals and 4 rebounds to go along with her 13 points. In addition, Clement would also offer a helping hand on the defensive side of the court as she would record 3 steals and 3 rebounds.
The Panthers will now have a few days off before the return to Hagler Court on Tuesday, January 28th, for their final home game of the regular season against the Jesse Bethel Jaguars. This will also be the program’s Senior Day game where they will honor four of their Senior players prior to the start of the game—Marlowe Kuroki, Marlee Richard, Tatiana Wilson, and Neiyah Thompson. Tip-off is set for 7:00pm.
Panthers Win in Dominating Fashion Over Oilers
January 22, 2025—On a cold evening on Hagler Court, the Varsity Girls Basketball team hosted the Richmond Oilers where they would ultimately hit a dominant stride as they would go on to defeat the Oilers by the score of 94-27.
The Panthers were dominant on both the offensive and defensive side of the court. In fact, Senior, Marlee Richard, continued her fine play as of late as she would lead the Panthers in scoring on the evening. In addition, Senior, Marlowe Kuroki, and Juniors, Gabriela Clement and Elia Kudemus, also had big games from a scoring standpoint as well. In fact, Kuroki would hit a 3 three pointer right at the buzzer to end the first half. Defensively, Kudemus led the team with 8 steals that were pivotal in creating fastbreak opportunities that the Panthers would capitalize on.
The Panthers will return to action again this Friday, January 24th, on Hagler Court where they will play host to the Saint Patrick-Saint Vincent Bruins. In their first meeting back on January 8th, the Panthers defeated the Bruins by the score of 46-40. Tip-off is set for 7:00pm.
Panthers Regroup & Earn 16-Point Victory Over Trojans
January 20, 2025—In their second and final game at the Martin Luther King (MLK) Classic at Bishop O’Dowd High School, the Varsity Girl’s Basketball team came out with a much-needed victory over the Castro Valley Trojans by the score of 57-41.
The Panthers came out in the first quarter as the more aggressive team as they dictate the pace of the game, putting up 23 points in the first quarter while holding the Trojans to 9 points on the defensive end of the court. In regards to their defense, the Panthers would continue their dominance in the second quarter by holding the Trojans to 3 points, and going into halftime with only giving up 12 total points in the first half.
In the second half of the game, the Panthers would continue with their fine display of basketball, finishing out the game with their 16 -point victory.
Junior, Elia Kudemus, was, yet again, a threat beyond the three-point arc as she would score 17 points on the afternoon with 15 of those points coming from three. Kudemus’ fellow classmate, Gabriela Clement, would also have strong showing in the game as she would tally 13 points of her own. Lastly, Senior, Marlee Richard, would go on to score 19 points on the game with 11 of those points coming from the free throw line.
The Panthers will now return home this Wednesday, January 22nd, when they take on the Richmond High Oilers in another non-league matchup. Tip-off is set for 7:00pm.
Panthers Drop 3rd Straight in Bishop O’Dowd MLK Classic; Lose to Grizzles 55-45
January 18, 2025—With the Varsity Girl’s Basketball team looking to find their winning ways in the second half of their season, the Panthers traveled to Bishop O’Dowd High School in Oakland, California, for the Martin Luther King Classic to take on the California High Grizzlies of San Ramon, California.
Despite their sense of urgency to get the wins that desperately this time of year, the Panthers would come up short in this matchup, losing by the score of 55-45 and moving their overall record to 10-11 on the season. Despite the defeat, the Panthers had four of their players score in double figures for the game—Juniors, Gabriela Clement and Elia Kudemus, would both score 10 points each; and Seniors, Neiyah Thompson and Tatiana Wilson, would score 11 and 12 points respectively.
The Panthers will return to Bishop O’Dowd High School on Monday, January 20th, for their second game in the MLK Classic when they take on the Castro Valley Trojans. Tip-off is set for 9:00am.
Panthers Drop Second Straight Game; Lost to Spartans 56-53
January 17, 2025—On a cold and chilly evening on the campus of Saint Mary’s College High School, the Varsity Girl’s Basketball team played host to the Pinole Valley Spartans in their second straight Tri County Athletic League (TCAL) at Hagler Court, hoping to get back on track following their Tuesday night defeat against the Salesian Pride.
However, even though they would have the lead through three full quarters, the Panthers would ultimately come up short against the Spartans in the final minutes of the game, losing by the score of 56-53. The Panthers leading scorers were Seniors, Marlee Richard and Tatiana Wilson, who would score 15 points and 11 points respectively; and Junior, Elia Kudemus, would score 11 points on the evening as well as she would be threat from the three-point line for the Panthers.
The Panthers will now have a quick turnaround as they will travel to Bishop O’Dowd High School in Oakland, California, to take on the California High Grizzlies in the MLK Classic. Tip-off is set for Saturday, January 18th, at 10:30am.
Panthers Fall to Pride 68-54, Move to 10-9 on the Year
January 14, 2025—With the team having been on the road for the past month, the Panthers made a return home to Hagler Court for the first time in 2025 playing host to their historic rival, the Salesian Pride, with hopes of extending their recent win streak to three games.
However, thanks to their depth and overall execution, the Pride would ultimately defeat the Panthers by the score of 68-54. The turning point of the game took place at the start of the second half as the Pride would come out on fire offensively as they would hit 5 straight three pointers that would not only extend the Pride’s lead to 20 points at that point, but would also be the difference in the outcome as well.
The Panthers would make a late push cutting their deficit to 10 points, but the Pride would then score a few more buckets to put the game away by the score of 68-54.
With the defeat, the Panthers now move to 2-1 in league play and move their overall record to 10-9. The Panthers will return to Hagler Court this Friday, January 17th, when they play host to the Pinole Valley Spartans. Tip-off is set for 7:00pm.
Panthers Win Second Straight in Vallejo, Top Jaguars 60-35
January 9, 2025—In their second straight road trip to Vallejo, California, the Varsity Girl’s Basketball team traveled to take on the Jesse Bethel Jaguars with hopes of earning their second straight Tri County Athletic League (TCAL) victory and staying atop the league standings. In fact, the Panthers would have no issues accomplishing that as they would roll to a 60-35 victory over the Jaguars.
The Panthers had strong performances from three of their players—Junior, Gabriela Clement, recorded a double-double with 21 points and 10 rebounds; and Seniors, Neiyah Thompson and Marlee Richard, would also score 12 points and 10 points, respectively.
The Panthers will now look forward to returning to Hagler Court starting next week when they play host to longtime rival, the Salesian Pride, in what will be a battle for sole control of first place in the TCAL standings. Tip-off is scheduled for Tuesday, January 14th, at 7:00pm.
Panthers Return to Win Column with Crucial League Victory Over Bruins
January 8, 2025—After their defeat at the hands of the Lick Wilmerding Tigers this past Saturday, the level of desperation and sense of urgency was at an all-time high for the Varsity Girls Basketball team as they traveled to Vallejo, California, to take on the St. Patrick-St. Vincent Bruins in a crucial Tri County Athletic League (TCAL) matchup.
However, the moment would not be too big for the Panthers as they would earn this very critical TCAL victory by defeating the Bruins by the score of 46-40. The Panthers got a strong performance Senior, Marlee Richard, who led the way with 18 points; and Junior, Elia Kudemus, would add 12 points of her own to help propel the team to their first league win of the season.
The Panthers will now have quick turnaround as they will return to action tomorrow evening when they return to Vallejo to take on the Jesse Bethel Jaguars. Tip-off is set for 7:00pm.
Panthers Fall Short to Tigers in Non-League Matchup, 61-47
January 4, 2024—In a rematch of last year’s North Coast Section First Round Playoff Game where the Panthers prevailed in overtime, the Varsity Girl’s Basketball Team traveled to San Francisco to take on the Lick Wilmerding Tigers with hopes of history repeating itself once again.
However, it would be the Tigers that would have none of that as they would go on to defeat the Panthers by the score of 61-47, exacting their revenge from last year’s playoff matchup. The key moment of the game took place in the second quarter as the Tigers would outscore the Panthers, 30-6, in the quarter, and giving themselves a 41-16 advantage at halftime.
The Panthers would not give up easily as they would have an impressive fourth quarter by outscoring the Tigers by 11 points in the quarter. However, it would be too little, too late as the Tigers would ultimately earn the 14-point victory.
Despite the loss, the Panthers had three players score in double figures as Juniors, Elia Kudemus and Gabriela Clement, would each score ten points; and Senior, Neiyah Thompson, would score 11 points of her own.
The Panthers will now return to league play when they travel to Vallejo to take on the Saint Patrick-Saint Vincent Bruins on Wednesday, January 8th. Tip-off is set for 7:00pm.
Panthers Take 2nd Place in the West Coast Jamboree, Three Players Earn All-Tournament Honors
December 30, 2024—On the final day of the West Coast Jamboree at Chabot College in Hayward, California, the Varsity Girls Basketball Team looked to take home the Championship crown by defeating the Punahou High Buff n’ Blue out of Honolulu, Hawaii.
However, it would be a slow start for the Panthers as Punahou jumped out to an early 11-point lead after the first quarter, putting the Panthers in a difficult hole early in the game. The Panthers would then outscore Punahou in the second quarter but would still trail at halftime by the score of 29-21. Punahou would then score 16 points in the third quarter compared to Panthers’ 11 points, giving them a 45-32 lead at the end of third. In the fourth quarter, the Panthers would outscore Punahou, but it would be too little, too late as Punahou would defeat the Panthers by the score of 52-43.
Even though the Panthers fell short and took home 2nd place, they played a great brand of basketball in the Jamboree as they would go 2-1 in the winner’s bracket. In addition, three Panthers earned All-Tournament Team Honors as Junior, Gabriela Clement, and Seniors, Marlee Richard and Tatiana Wilson, would be recognized for their fine play in the tournament.
The Panthers will now have some time off to rest before they return to non-league action Saturday, January 4th, when they travel to San Francisco, California to take on the Lick-Wilmerding Tigers. This will be a rematch of last year’s thrilling North Coast Section (NCS) First Round Playoff Game where the Panthers defeated the Tigers in overtime by the score of 64-60. Tip-off is set for 2:30pm.
Three Panthers Score In Double Figures In The Comeback Win Over Coronado of Nevada.
December 28, 2024—Saint Mary's entered the first round of the West Coast Jamboree on a three-game losing streak, all of which came during the Justin-Siena Christmas Tournament.
The Panthers started slow, managing just 7 points in the first quarter. Early foul trouble for Neiyah Thompson forced the Panthers to go to their bench sooner than expected. Coronado capitalized on solid three-point shooting to build a 10-point lead by the end of the first quarter.
Saint Mary's responded in the second quarter, outscoring Coronado to cut the deficit to 8 points at halftime, with the score at 25-18 in favor of the Cougars.
The Cougars bounced back in the third quarter, outscoring the Panthers 17-12 and pushing their lead to 42-29 heading into the fourth. Saint Mary's faced an uphill battle and would need a strong final period to overcome Coronado's strong shooting.
After trailing for nearly 31 minutes, the Panthers pulled off the improbable. They would hold Coronado to just 8 points in the fourth quarter, and with 49 seconds remaining, Saint Mary's took the lead. Seniors Tatiana Wilson and Marlee Richard scored 14 of the Panthers' 22 points in the final period, pushing the game into overtime after Coronado tied it with 5.9 seconds left.
In overtime, the Panthers outscored the Cougars 6-2, securing a thrilling 57-53 victory.
Three Panthers scored in double figures--Gabby Clement with 10 points, Marlee Richard with 16, and Tatiana Wilson leading the way with 22 points.
With the win, the Panthers advance to the winner's bracket and will face West Campus tomorrow at 5:30 PM.
Panthers Extend Winning Streak to 4 Games; Beat Bulls 53-41
December 17, 2024—After two successful outings at the Mr. Mike Event in Antioch, California, where the Panthers went 2-0 with victories over both Heritage High School and Cornerstone Christian, the Varsity Girl’s Basketball looked to maintain their winning ways as they would play host to the Branson Bulls on Hagler Court on Tuesday evening.
In fact, the Panthers would continue their winning ways as they would go on to defeat a very good shooting Bulls team by the score of 53-41. The first half of the game was a very close back-and-forth affair as both teams would hit big shots and trade off fastbreak points to keep the game close. However, it would be the Panthers in the second half who would be the better team thanks to their overall team speed and timely execution to propel them to their 12-point victory, and also their fourth victory in a row.
The Panthers were led by Senior, Marlee Richard, who scored 23 points on the evening. Senior, Neiyah Thompson, and Junior, Elia Kudemus, would also hit big three-point shots down the stretch to ensure the Panther victory as well.
The Panthers will now prepare for the three-day Justin-Siena Christmas Classic in Napa, with their first game taking place on Thursday, December 19th, where they will take on the Clovis High Cougars. Tip-off is scheduled for 4:30PM at Justin-Siena High School.
Panthers Return to Win Column with Dominant Victory Over Yellowjackets
December 10, 2024—After dropping the last two games in their early season, the Varsity Girls Basketball team returned to their winning ways as they would cruise to a 73-21 victory over fellow crosstown high school, the Berkeley High Yellowjackets.
The Panthers had four players in double figures as Seniors Marlee Richard, Marlowe Kuroki, and Neiyah Thompson would dominate the scoresheet. Richard would also record a game high of 15 points as well. Juniors, Elia Kudemus and Gabriela Clement, also found themselves on the scoresheet consistently thanks Elia’s long-range shooting, and Gabriela’s dominant play in the low post.
The Panthers will look to build off their decisive victory when they travel to Antioch to take on the Heritage Patriots in the first game of the Mr. Mike Event Showcase. The game is set for 5:00pm.
Panthers’ Effort Comes Up Short in Napa Against Braves
December 3, 2024—With an opportunity to extend their winning streak to two games in their young season, the Varsity Girls Basketball team traveled north to take on North Coast Section (NCS) foe in the Justin-Siena Braves. The two teams meet last year on Hagler Court where the Braves cruised to their victory over the Panthers, so the Panthers were look to exact revenge.
However, revenge would come up short as the Panthers would lose to the Braves by the score of 54-48 in what would be a tightly, contested matchup. The Panthers could not overcome key turnovers and missed opportunities that they committed to rally and complete the comeback. However, the silver lining of the Panthers was that Senior, Tatiana Wilson, scored 16 points and had 4 steals, while Junior, Elia Kudemus, would score 8 points and have 3 steals of her own.
The Panthers will look to regroup when they travel to Moreau Catholic High School to take on the Saint Francis Lancers of Mountain View, California, in the Galloway Invitational. The game is scheduled for Saturday, December 7th, at 2:00pm.
Panthers Drop Season Debut to Marin Catholic Despite Valiant Effort
November 23, 2024—On a Saturday afternoon on the campus of Saint Mary’s College High School, the Varsity Girl’s Basketball Team began their 2024-2025 campaign playing host to the Marin Catholic Wildcats. The Panthers came into the game dressing only five players going up against the Wildcats’ eleven players. However, despite these odds, the Panthers did not back down one bit in this game against a strong program.
Even though the Panthers found themselves on the losing side of this one by the score of 67-61, they outplayed the Wildcats for most of the game. In fact, the Panthers would find themselves with a 7-point lead in the second quarter, and then even up three with only playing with four players in the 4th quarter after one of their players fouled out of the game. However, numbers would catch up to them and the Wildcats would take advantage of the fact that the Panthers played with only four players left in the latter stages of the 4th quarter, giving themselves the victory.
The Panthers were led by Senior, Marlowe Kuroki, who hit big three pointers and forced numerous Wildcat turnovers to keep the Panthers in the game. Junior, Elia Kudemus, would also have a fantastic season debut as she displayed her own long-range shooting capabilities beyond the three-point arc. She would also have a strong defensive game forcing critical turnovers as well to help the Panthers cash in on fastbreak points as well.
The Panthers will now look towards the Pinole Valley Tip-Off Classic where they play in next Saturday, November 30th. The time of the game and their opponent have yet to be announced.