Morgan Township Girls’ Basketball etched its name at the top of the conference this season by capturing the PCC Girls Basketball Championship in dramatic fashion. Facing what many would consider the toughest possible road to a title, the Lady Cherokees rose to every challenge, proving their resilience, composure, and belief in one another when it mattered most.
Morgan’s path to the championship was anything but easy. To claim the title, they were required to defeat the #4, #1, and #3 seeds in the conference—an unforgiving gauntlet that tested both physical endurance and mental toughness. Each game brought a new challenge, yet Morgan consistently answered the call, executing with confidence and refusing to back down against the conference’s top competition.
One of the most meaningful moments of the tournament came in the semifinals, when Morgan faced last year’s conference champion—the same team that had ended Morgan’s championship hopes a season ago. This time, the outcome was different. Fueled by determination and unfinished business, Morgan flipped the script, earning a statement win that not only sent them to the championship game but also symbolized the growth and grit of this year’s squad.
Throughout the tournament, Saffy Thompson-Woods led the charge for Morgan, delivering clutch shot after clutch shot when her team needed them most. Her poise under pressure and ability to rise in key moments anchored the offense and kept Morgan within striking distance in every contest, setting the stage for a memorable championship finish.
That finish came in unforgettable fashion. With just seven seconds remaining in the championship game and Morgan trailing by one, Addison LaMere slashed through the defense and finished an acrobatic layup to give Morgan a 53–52 lead. The basket proved to be the game-winner, as Morgan held on in the final seconds to secure the PCC Championship. It was a defining moment for a team that battled adversity all tournament long—and a championship victory that will be remembered for years to come.
The championship run was made even more special by the incredible support from Morgan’s student section, which was by far the loudest and most involved it has ever been. From tip-off to the final buzzer of every game, the energy they brought helped fuel the team through each tough matchup, turning the gym into a true home-court advantage throughout the tournament. Head coach Carl Patz credited both the atmosphere and his team’s mindset for the historic run, noting, “We talked all season about unfinished business after last year, and this group never lost sight of that.” He also emphasized the program’s focus and culture, adding, “From day one, we stressed staying locked in, trusting each other, and doing things the right way. This championship is a result of that commitment.”
(Photo Credit: Owen Brown and J. Johnson)