NEW YORK – The Ardsley High School girls basketball team is on the verge of making history by reaching the New York State Final Four for the first time. After a strong 47-35 victory against Williamsville South, the team has secured a spot in the championship game, aiming for the school’s inaugural state title.

Recent Performance and Historic Achievement

With their recent triumph over Williamsville South, the Ardsley Panthers have not only advanced to the New York State Class A championship game but also marked a significant milestone in the school’s athletic history.

The final match is scheduled for Saturday evening at 7:45 p.m. in Troy, New York.

This remarkable journey to the state finals began with an impressive performance against Johnson City in the Class A regional final, solidifying their place among the top teams in the state.

Spotlight on Key Players

Senior forward Iva Corluka, who has committed to play at St. Bonaventure University, emphasized the importance of this achievement, stating, “It’s a really big deal. We’ve been trying to win the section for as long as we can remember. So to be able to make it to the state Final Four is really cool.”

Team Dynamics and Strategy

The Panthers attribute their success to a solid team chemistry and a defense-first approach. Corluka added, “We come into every game focused on our defense, and I think that’s what makes us stand out. Our goal is to try and hold them to the least amount of points as possible, and then we just make sure that translates into our offense.”

Teammate Levy highlighted their preparation methods, saying, “We go through all their games… It’s just the preparation.” The rapport developed during team activities strengthens their performance on the court.

“Our greatest strength is honestly our defense, but it’s also the connections we have on and off the court,” Levy remarked, suggesting that their camaraderie contributes significantly to their achievements.

Coach’s Perspective

Head coach Nick Resavy shared his pride in this group of players, many of whom he has coached since elementary school. “I’ve coached girls for eight years now, starting when they were in fourth and fifth grade. And this is kind of the group that made me fall in love with coaching youth basketball. So for them to be the girls that are doing it, it’s pretty special,” he expressed.

Season Statistics

• Current Season Record: 23-3
• Latest Game Result: 47-35 win against Williamsville South
• Date and Time of State Championship Game: Saturday, 7:45 p.m.

Community Support and Future Prospects

The community of Ardsley is rallying behind the girls as they approach this monumental game. As they prepare to compete for a state championship, the support from their school and local fans adds an extra layer of motivation for the team.