In a finish that has come to be almost customary for a PA Girls Basketball season, the Cavaliers won state title number 14 last Saturday, defeating James River Midloathian 80-70. After a thrilling run through the regional and state tournaments, the Cavs can again end the season with a hard fought win, and defend a state title for the first time since 2021.
After an undefeated regular season against regional opponents, PA entered the VHSL 5A playoffs ranked by 757Teamz as the top team in the state. They were challenged by Kellam and Deep Creek in the second and third round, but held on to advance to the state tournament, which consisted of eight teams from four regions.
The state quarterfinals put PA against longtime rival Menchville, who they beat at the 2023 Boo Williams Holiday Classic. They were aided by a supportive home crowd at PA’s “Dozier Dome,” named for legendary head coach Darnell Dozier. Senior Tinasia Spencer led the team with 20 points, as Princess Anne outlasted Menchville to win 62-50.
Princess Anne’s semifinal opponent was none other than Deep Creek, who defeated Norview to set up a rematch with the Cavaliers. Senior Celeste Bailey explained the team’s outlook on the unusual situation of playing a team again in playoffs, saying “usually it’s harder to play a team a second time, especially when it’s a postseason game. We needed to make sure that we were locked in, watching film [of the previous Deep Creek game].”
Playing at Echols Hall at Norfolk State University on March 1st, PA once again defeated Deep Creek, only this time by 15 more points, 70-48. The Cavs led the entire game, and put on an offensive masterclass, excelling with midrange jumpshots and corner threes. Bailey, who felt that the team’s preparation had paid off well, added “Knowing what we did wrong and building on that, shows that we can take our criticism and turn it into something great, not shy away from it.”
In the state championship, PA played 25-3 James River Midlothian, in front of a packed crowd at the VCU Siegel Center in Richmond. Senior Tinasia Spencer explained the team’s strategy was to “focus on defense, and not let them shoot the ball. But, they still shot the ball, so we just had to execute on offense.”
James River Midloathian Junior Lanie Grant, who was described by Dozier as “probably the best player in the state of Virginia”, put up 40 points for James River, keeping the game close into the final minutes. PAHS Freshman Micah Ojo answered with 31, contributing to what eventually became the highest scoring game of the Cavaliers’ season. In the final minutes, Princess Anne pulled away, and ran out the clock to become the 2024 state champion.
Dozier reflected positively on the game, saying it was “a good challenge, one of the best games I’ve ever been involved in, and the girls played the best basketball of the season.” For years, Girls Basketball has been a dynasty at Princess Anne, and each new championship is a source of pride and accomplishment for the entire school. Dozier, who says his next step is simply to get ready for next season, added the win “feels good, kids are happy, school spirit is up, and the fact that we won makes it even better.”
