Basketball (Girls) | 3/4/2025 9:27:00 PM

In a game packed with heart-stopping drama, the #3 seeded Cathedral Catholic Dons edged out #14 seed Oak Hills 53-52 in an overtime classic on Tuesday, March 4th, to advance in the Division 2 State Playoffs.

The night started strong thanks to "Ana" Anastasia Miskova, who delivered a career-high 15 points on 7/11 shooting, along with 3 blocks. Miskova's early buckets were crucial, helping the Dons break through Oak Hills' zone pressure and keeping the offense afloat during a tough first half.

The matchup saw an incredible 13 lead changes, clutch performances from key players, and moments that had the crowd on their feet from start to finish.

The Dons held a 31-22 lead late in the third quarter, but Oak Hills stormed back, eventually tying the game at 33 and pushing ahead to lead 42-36 with just 1:15 remaining in regulation.

Mckinley Hanlon (20 points, 11 rebounds) sparked the rally, attacking the rim for a tough basket and drawing a foul. Though the free throw didn't fall, the Dons stayed relentless. After an Oak Hills free throw, Cathedral pushed the ball in transition and found an open "Nia" Alofania Talataina in the corner for a massive 3-pointer, cutting the deficit to 43-41, now a one possession game.

The Dons' defensive pressure forced a backcourt violation, and Hanlon capitalized with another determined drive to tie the game. With 12 seconds remaining, the Dons didn't stop pressing and Khloe Lopez (9 points, 4/5 FT) made a game-changing steal and dished to a trailing Talataina, who drilled another clutch 3 at the top of the key — sending the gym into an absolute frenzy as it seemed the Dons had sealed the game with that shot.
Oak Hills answered with a game-tying triple, forcing overtime.

In the extra period, Hanlon struck first on a backdoor layup from "Lilly" Lillianna Teresi (7 steals, 6 assists), but Oak Hills responded with a 3-pointer and eventually took a 51-48 lead with 1:30 to go. Hanlon would continue to attack the basket and draw contact. Her free throws made it 50-51, but Oak Hills managed one more point from the line after being fouled, making it 52-50 with 15 seconds remaining.

With the game on the line, Oak Hills committed a costly off-ball foul, sending Hanlon to the line again! She hit the first to pull within one, but missed the second — a seemingly devastating moment.

Enter Khloe Lopez.

The freshman fought through the box-out, snagged the offensive rebound, and smartly put up a shot, drawing another foul. Ice in her veins, Lopez sank both free throws, giving the Dons a 53-52 lead with 4 seconds left.

Oak Hills had one last chance, but Talataina sealed the win with a game-ending block on a desperation 3.

This instant classic had it all — gritty defense, sharpshooting, and unforgettable hustle plays. The Dons move on, battle-tested and ready for the next challenge.

Final Score: Cathedral Catholic 53, Oak Hills 52 (OT)