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FRESNO − The Monache High School girls basketball team wanted to make a statement this season and prove it belonged in the conversation as one of the top programs in the Central Section.
The Marauders accomplished that on Friday night, dispatching No. 3 Tehachapi, 41-37, as the top seed to win the 2024 CIF Central Section Division II championship at Selland Arena.
Monache (31-2) turned in one of the best seasons in school history, winning 16 straight games en route to a section title.
"These kids worked hard all year long to be here," Monache head coach Jonathon Bartlett said. "Last year, we fell in the second round. We were disappointed. This year, we worked hard, played some tough games and that's what prepared us for tonight."
Monache led 24-21 at halftime behind senior point guard Alisha Verdejo's eight points and pulled away in the second half.
In the third quarter, Verdejo sparked a 9-3 run. Her triple with 3 minutes and 20 seconds left in that period gave the Marauders a 33-24 lead.
Tehachapi (26-3) didn't go away easily, though, and battled back in the final period. Jamie Neaderbaomer drilled a 3-pointer for the Warriors to tie the championship game at 35-all with 2:55 to play.
But Monache had an answer.
Verdejo.
The senior point guard knocked down a trey in front of the Monache bench and the Marauders grabbed a 38-37 advantage with 1:27 remaining.
And she wasn't done.
With the clock winding down to single digits, Verdejo sealed the section championship with another clutch 3-pointer as the Marauders faithful erupted into celebration.
Verdejo dropped a game-high 19 points. She was named the Monache's most valuable player of the game after hitting a superb 4-of-5 from 3-point land.
"Big-time player tonight," Bartlett said. "Best game I've seen her play in three years. I love her, too. Great kid."
Monache captured its first section championship since the 2011-12 season.
The Marauders will graduate Verdejo but will return a sophomore class headlined by Milly Rojas, Kyah Bartlett, London Haynes and Shelley Andrade.
Rojas had eight points in the championship game. Bartlett added two and Haynes finished with four. Andrade netted three points.
Andrade also led the Marauders with eight rebounds and three assists. Bartlett registered five steals and Rojas had four steals.
Coach Bartlett has coached this sophomore class since the third grade
"This group is special," Bartlett said. "A lot of people know that."
Verdejo shared similar sentiments.
"I've known these girls for a very long time," Verdejo said. "We're sisters. We're like family, so we click. I don't know how to explain it. We just have this connection, this vibe of a team that when we're out there, we're having fun. Even when we're down, in our minds, we're like, 'This is not over yet.' We never give up either. We play. We punch. We want to win."
Monache avenged January's 62-50 loss to Tehachapi.
How did the Marauders find themselves on the winning end?
"We came even more prepared," Verdejo said. "We just worked harder I feel like because this was a Valley game. We all wanted a ring. That was it. We played with our hearts."
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