LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- For the fourth straight year Sacred Heart basketball has been crowned state champions.
ZaKiyah Johnson claimed her third straight MVP award as Sacred Heart defeated McCracken County 60-49 on Saturday in the championship game of the Mingua Beef Jerky/KHSAA Sweet 16 at Rupp Arena.
This was a rematch of last year's state championship where Sacred Heart won by 15.
𝐇𝐈𝐒𝐓𝐎𝐑𝐘 𝐌𝐀𝐃𝐄.For the first time in Kentucky history, Sacred Heart wins back-to-back-to-back-to-back state basketball titles.#GoHeart | #QueensOfTheCommonwealth pic.twitter.com/y1WTg4HvxC
— Sacred Heart Basketball (@ValkyriesBBall) March 17, 2024
On Saturday, McCracken County kept the game close through the first half. Claire Johnson led the Mustangs at the break with 14 points but both teams combined to shoot 2-11 from the 3-point line.
But Sacred Heart got out to a 12-point lead in the 3rd quarter after Johnson had a 3-point play followed by a steal and a layup then found Reagan Bender for a 3-pointer.
The Valkyries completed the 4-peat by holding McCracken County to six points in the fourth quarter. Johnson finished with 21 points, six rebounds and four assists
This also marks the 73th win in a row for Sacred Heart against Kentucky opponents and the eighth basketball state championship for the program overall.
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