With ESPN’s cameras rolling and Mitty down by three points in the fourth quarter of the Nike Tournament of Champions title on the line, sophomore McKenna Woliczko did what great players do.
She made game-changing plays in Mitty’s thrilling 73-72 victory over top-ranked Long Island Lutheran.
The game’s MVP and 2022-23 Bay Area News Group player of the year dropped in two layups and swished a pair of midrange jumpers to score eight of her team-high 22 points. In the team’s first close game of the season, Woliczko displayed the poise of a senior.
“During every game, I get nervous, but there was just something about this championship game, that I just felt like I was ready,” Woliczko told the Bay Area News Group after getting back to the Bay Area on Friday afternoon.
Woliczko wasn’t a one-person band, of course. UConn commit Morgan Cheli scored 17 points, made the game-winning free throws and had 10 assists. Many of those passes went to Woliczko, who knew how to get open for her five-star point guard.
“We always kind of know where each other is on the floor, and know what each other is thinking,” Woliczko said
Belle Bramer scored 12, and forward Elana Weisman, who shares the frontcourt with Woliczko, made two big baskets down the stretch.
“She’s a competitor,” Woliczko said of Weisman. “She is always competing and wanting to get better, and wants to make you better.”
Archbishop Mitty had proven it deserved its Top-5 MaxPreps national ranking by steamrolling three NorCal opponents and dismantling a trio of powerhouses at the tournament.
The Monarchs routed Miami Country Day 62-35, and then waxed Xavier College Prep 72-42 in the second round. In the semifinal, Mitty faced off with Canadian powerhouse Crestwood.
It was the first somewhat competitive game Mitty had played all season, the Monarchs eventually winning 69-55. Woliczko, Cheli and Weisman each scored exactly 20.
Woliczko enjoyed the opportunity to test herself against the best.
“Whatever happened (on the court), we were getting better, because the competition in this tournament is great,” Woliczko said.
After defeating Long Island Lutheran in the final, Woliczko and company will only get to rest for a few days.
Up next is another national tournament, this time the Holiday Classic in Portland. The Monarchs’ first opponent is DeSoto, the Texas powerhouse that beat reigning CIF Open champion Etiwanda at the TOC.
If Mitty can reach league play unscathed, it could be a while before the Monarchs are seriously challenged again.
“We’re hoping to make that unbeaten streak go until next season, and hopefully we’ll win state this year, or that we’ll make it,” Woliczko said. “But I feel like as a team, we’re just ready to keep competing no matter who we end up facing.”