Alexa Wilder and Jessica Schiavone are the best of friends. One is the president of Park School's senior class, the other the vice president.
"We knew we'd be going our separate ways after today, at least as far as basketball was concerned, so we wanted to go out as winners," said Schiavone.
That's exactly what they did. The seniors combined for 18 of Park's 25 second-half points as the Bruins defeated Severn, 57-42, to win their first Association of Independent Schools A Division championship at the College of Notre Dame yesterday.
Wilder led the Bruins (17-5) with 18 points, and freshman Rebecca Shapiro added 17, all in the first half. Schiavone finished with 13.
The Admirals (12-11) were led by Kate Graw's 14.
The win is Park's first championship in the A Division. The Bruins won the B championship in 1991.
The Bruins were most effective containing Severn's Monique Jennings. The senior, who averages 18.5 points, was held to 12 yesterday.
"Our strategy was to stop Jennings from driving, and stop Kate [Graw] from taking the outside shot. I think we did a good job with that tonight," said Park coach Robin Willard.
The Bruins played a 3-2 zone, forcing Severn to shoot from the outside. The strategy paid off, as Park built a 13-point lead, 29-16, with 3:27 left in the first half. The Admirals' eventually cut the deficit to eight, 34-26, with 6:21 left in the third quarter, but could get no closer.
"We weren't getting back on defense," said Severn coach Maurice Jennings. "They were getting back and setting up. While they were shooting layups, we were shooting jumpers, and not making our shots."
Both Schiavone and Wilder, who have played together at Park and for AAU teams, savored the victory.
"[Jessie and I] had a lot of confidence in each other, and it carried over to everyone else," said Wilder. "Everyone played great. We made most of our foul shots [the Bruins were 21 of 24] and I think that's why we won."
Schiavone agreed. "We've been friends for a long time, and we know each other's moves," she said. "We had a chance to do this in 10th grade, and didn't come through. We knew this was our last chance."
Severn's coach Jennings said the game will set the tone for his team next year. The Admirals will return all but two players. "We've never had any experience playing in a championship game, so I think this really helped us," he said. "This year, we went home with the little cup; next year, we'll be gunning for the big one."