Cassandra Rohan, Meagan Doherty lead Stony Brook School past Portledge for PSAA girls basketball title
Cassandra Rohan had 24 points and 16 boards for Stony Brook on Friday, Feb. 16, 2024. Credit: Bob Sorensen
Four out of the five starters on the Stony Brook School girls basketball team are new additions, but their chemistry is so strong, you’d probably never know it.
They used that chemistry to defeat Portledge, 57-39, in the PSAA girls basketball championship game on Friday at Stony Brook University.
“At the beginning of the season, I said to them, ‘Let’s get to the championship game,’ ” coach Kevin Foley said. “And that’s what we did, and we were able to hold a great team to just 39 points.”
Cassandra Rohan finished with 24 points and 16 rebounds and Meagan Doherty added 18 points and six rebounds for Stony Brook.
This wasn’t the first time the Bears have faced Portledge this season. They defeated the Panthers twice during the regular season.
“Even though we’ve seen them twice before, I think we still came out a little nervous,” Foley said.
Stony Brook led 9-7 after a quarter and extended its lead to 10 points going into halftime with the help of Rohan’s 12 points and Doherty’s eight in the second quarter.
“Cassandra plays with her heart. She plays hard all the time,” Foley said. “We’re successful when we play with a smile on our face and a love for the game, and she’s always doing that.”
“The coaches always preach that defense wins games,” Rohan said. “So I’m always thinking I got to get every rebound because every rebound is another opportunity for us to do something great on offense.”
Every time Doherty got the ball, Portledge would scream “Shooter!” That’s exactly what she is for Stony Brook. Doherty shot 4-for-6 on three-pointers, and they always came just when the team needed them.
“She’s like a robot when she shoots,” Rohan said. “She’s so poised, and we can always count on her.”
Stony Brook improved to 21-2, tying the school mark for wins in a season.
“It’s pretty neat that at the end of such a great season, we were able to tie the school record,” Rohan said.
Foley said, “They deserve it.”
Laila Folkes scored 17 points for Portledge (14-7).
Stony Brook advanced to the NYSAIS Tournament next week. The exact date, location and opponent are to be determined.
“We’re so excited,” Doherty said. “We knew this wouldn’t be the end. We still have a lot to prove.”
