St. Mary's girls basketball, Kayla Solomon set sights on state title with tune-up win over Baldwin
St. Mary's Kayla Solomon rises for a three-pointer against Baldwin during a non-league basketball girls basketball game at Baldwin High School on Wednesday, Feb. 11, 2026. Credit: Derrick Dingle
The St. Mary’s girls basketball team is looking to prove it deserves a CHSAA state championship. What better way to do it than to stun a Nassau powerhouse?
St. Mary’s served Baldwin its first loss of the season, 76-32, in a non-league matchup on the road Wednesday night. Kayla Solomon netted a game-high 36 points, including seven three-pointers, to lead the Gaels (17-3).
After falling short in the state championship game last season, coach Kevin White said formulating a challenging schedule is a key to making a return to the playoffs. And this year’s group is determined to win a title.
“My five seniors were in that position last season, and now they understand what it takes to get back there,” White said. “We try to schedule these top-level teams like Baldwin because we know this is the type of competition we’ll see in the playoffs.”
Solomon scored 20 of her points in the first half with four three-pointers in the second quarter. The senior guard said once her shots start falling, it’s easy for her to gain momentum.
“Whenever I shoot the ball, I have the confidence that it’s going in every single time,” Solomon said. “Once I see one go in, I know I’m going to keep hitting them. I don’t let it faze me if I miss, I just keep shooting.”
Senior Tiana Thompson netted 11 points and, at 5-8, grabbed four rebounds. Even while competing against Baldwin’s 6-foot junior Ajeya Nicholas under the net, Thompson said it doesn’t matter who her matchup is when she wants the ball. Nicholas pulled down six rebounds.
“It comes down to who wants it more,” Thompson said. “I’m not always the tallest on the court. No matter who I’m playing, if you’re taller than me, bigger than me, it doesn’t matter. I want it more so I’m confident in those matchups.”
Thompson also tallied seven assists.
Senior Scarlet Cubero added eight assists and six points and said her team’s ability to move the ball efficiently plays a major role in the Gaels’ success.
When it comes to her own vision on the court, Cubero said her trust in her teammates makes it easy to find those connections.
“I trust my teammates with my life,” Cubero said. “We all work really hard so it’s really easy getting them the ball. When I see my teammates working hard, it’s almost like a reward for me to find them open.”
Though still undefeated (13-0) in league play, Baldwin fell to 15-1 overall. Chinaya Okogeri scored 10 points for the Bruins, who are trying to defend their Class AA state title.
For Solomon, Thompson and Cubero, one last chance to bring St. Mary’s a state crown is a strong motivation to keep rolling.
“Falling short last year, we have a chip on our shoulder and a point to prove,” Thompson said. “Now that we’re seniors, we just have to leave with a ‘W.’ ”
Tess Ferguson is a reporter on Newsday's high school sports staff. She joined the team after graduating with a journalism degree from Ithaca College in 2025.
