Most teams, especially in the CHSAA AA division, have at least one dominant player who turns heads whenever she’s on the court. Whether she can score from anywhere or is a powerful presence on defense, if you’re not careful she can wreck havoc.
Sometimes, however, a team is lucky enough to have all of these traits and more in one special player. Enter Christ the King’s Olivia Vukosa.
“Big O,” as teammates and coaches alike refer to her affectionally as, pushed through a slow start to lead the Royals to a 85-63 CHSAA AA state final victory over St. Joseph by-the-Sea Saturday afternoon at Hofstra University. The six-foot-five sophomore, standing over six inches taller than any other player on the court, led all scorers with 24 points alongside a game-high 16 rebounds and four blocks. Aiyanna Culver added 17 points, seven assists, and three steals for the Royals while Arielle Lopez (five rebounds, three steals) and Skylah Kemp combined for 22 markers.
St. Joseph by-the-Sea, despite a promising start, fell to powerhouse Christ the King in the CHSAA AA state final at Hofstra University. Above, CTK’s Olivia Vukosa grabs one of her game-high 16 rebounds. (Staten Island Advance/Annie DeBiase)(Staten Island Advance/Annie DeBiase)
Sea’s Danielle Williamsen, in her final career high school game, poured in 20 points, four rebounds, and four steals in defeat while junior Angelina Hodgens added 19 markers, eight caroms, and three assists. Maria O’Connell (seven rebounds, block) and Daniella Cordova (steal, charge) split 14 points.
Despite the final score, the Vikings held a lead throughout the first quarter and a half thanks to a balanced effort from Sea’s starters. Williamsen (steal and basket) and Hodgens added six and four points, respectively, while Cordova, O’Connell, and point guard Madeline Lanza scored a layup apiece to build a 16-12 lead after one stanza. Furthermore, they were able to temporarily disrupt CTK’s offense and didn’t allow a basket until…
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