Northwestern girls edge South Dade in overtime to hoist GMAC championship trophy
Northwestern has had long-standing championship traditions in football, track and field and even boys’ basketball.
But it had been a long time since its girls’ basketball team got to lift a championship trophy.
That changed on Saturday night after the Bulls topped South Dade 56-55 in overtime to secure the GMAC championship at the Reagan High gym in Doral.
“It feels amazing. We came across a lot of adversity this season and we trusted each other,” Newton said. “This is our first GMAC (championship) in like 20-30 years I think. We just wanted to make a statement.”
Northwestern (15-7) is hoping to make an even bigger statement in the coming weeks.
The Bulls, who were eliminated in the regional semifinals last season, are one of the top contenders in Region 4-4A again this season. Northwestern is aiming to make its first trip to the state final four since 1983. The Bulls have never won a state title in girls’ basketball, and have finished state runner-up three times (1979, 1980, 1983).
“This is a big plus for us because none of these girls have been on a championship team before,” Northwestern coach Lester Patterson said. “So, this is a stepping stone in the right direction for us. It all comes from what we practice every single day.”
Senior guard Myah Newton led the Bulls with 13 points and made four clutch free throws in overtime to help secure the win.
“I shoot tons of free throws in practice,” Newton said. “I make sure to get it done. I just stay calm and tune out the noise.”
South Dade (7-8), which was believed to be making its first appearance in a GMAC final, was led by Yarianna Torres’ game-high 22 points and had one last chance with three seconds left. But Northwestern stole the ball at halfcourt as time expired to seal the win.
Newton led a balanced effort for the Bulls as Jade Yacinthe had 11 points and Ari Jean-Baptiste scored 10. Kaylin Gibson and Demara Gatlin each scored nine points.
“I told them we’re going to win this game on the defensive side. We just had to not give up when we were down,” Patterson said. “(Newton) has been doing that all season long and we ride with her all day long.”
South Dade, which sported a roster of only seven players, also had Sakura Barnes score 13 points. Barnes transferred from defending 6A state runner-up Southridge where she was part of another team with a small roster, which defied the odds last season and made it to the state final.
Northwestern will now prepare for the District 16-4A playoffs, which includes St. Brendan, Key West and Miami Jackson before regionals, which could feature matchups against Mater Lakes and Plantation American Heritage.
The Bulls are confident performances like Saturday’s will have them ready.
“We’ve lost a lot of games we shouldn’t have and my team’s confidence wasn’t there, but this gives us that confidence and I’m proud of the way this team responded today,” Newton said. “This was a statement to show that the Northwestern girls are ready for the playoffs and we’re coming.”
