Stone Bridge Claims District Title, Briar Woods Battles On

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>In a championship battle that showcased grit on both ends of the floor, Stone Bridge pulled away in the second half to defeat Briar Woods 43-31 and capture their first Potomac District title in 15 years. After a tight first half that saw Briar Woods trail just 22-18, defensive pressure and physical rebounding created separation in the third quarter. While the Bulldogs celebrated the trophy, both programs now turn their attention to Regionals, with key contributors on each side proving they're built for postseason basketball.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Stone Bridge</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"Ava Ryan","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"2027","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"5'10u0022","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"12124","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"Stone Bridge","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_program":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_program":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_0_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-69969f361b96c"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Ryan was the anchor inside, finishing with 14 points and 7 rebounds in a performance defined by toughness and timing. She battled through traffic early for a strong putback to tie the game 2-2, setting a physical tone in the paint. Later, she established position, called for the ball, and powered through contact for an and-one that gave Stone Bridge a 14-13 lead midway through the second quarter.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Her awareness stood out just as much as her strength. When cut off along the baseline, she calmly found a cutter for a key assist before halftime. In the third quarter, Ryan controlled momentum, converting second-chance opportunities, drawing fouls in heavy traffic, and going a perfect 6-for-6 at the free-throw line during crucial stretches. She also used length defensively to contest shots and secure rebounds, closing the game with late free throws to seal the championship.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["859625"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-69969f361b9e0"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Suarez filled the stat sheet with 12 points and 7 rebounds, impacting the game as a scorer and competitor. She crashed weakside for a putback in the first quarter and followed with a quick wing jumper to give Stone Bridge a one-point lead. Her confidence showed when she banked in a 3-pointer to tie the game late in the second quarter.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Beyond scoring, Suarez embraced the physicality of a title game, stepping in to take a charge against a taller opponent and helping limit clean looks inside. In the third quarter, she attacked an opening in the paint to extend the lead to 33-25 heading into the fourth. Her off-ball movement led to a late layup in transition, and she added defensive rebounds down the stretch to help Stone Bridge maintain control.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"Keeley Billings","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"2028","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"null","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"12125","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"Stone Bridge","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_program":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_program":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_0_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-69969f361ba74"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Billings delivered 9 points, 5 rebounds, and 2 assists, consistently making winning plays. She was active on the glass, turning defensive rebounds into immediate transition pushes to settle Stone Bridge into its half-court sets. Her readiness off kickouts paid off when she knocked down a key perimeter shot to cut the deficit to one in the second quarter.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>She later attacked aggressively from the corner to help give Stone Bridge a 22-18 halftime advantage and buried a clutch three in the fourth quarter to extend the lead to 36-30. Billings also showed composure late, adding a free throw and helping manage the clock after securing a defensive rebound.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"Emma Spizuoco","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"2027","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"null","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"12122","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"Stone Bridge","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_program":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_program":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_0_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-69969f361bb00"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Spizuoco's 8 points and 7 rebounds reflected her physical impact on both ends. She backed down a defender in transition early to draw contact and get to the line, and she repeatedly battled for position in the paint. Her defensive intensity showed in tying up a post player for a jump ball and protecting the block.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Offensively, she demonstrated strong instincts, kicking out after an offensive rebound to create a perimeter look and following penetration plays to the rim for timely finishes. Her aggression on the boards late in the game helped limit second chances for Briar Woods, and she added a key assist in transition to stretch the lead to 40-30 in the final minutes.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Briar Woods</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["984283"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-69969f361bb4c"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Srinivas led Briar Woods with 10 points, relentlessly attacking downhill. With the Falcons spaced high and wide, she capitalized on driving lanes, finishing multiple left-handed layups in traffic, including an early bucket to give Briar Woods a 5-2 lead. Her curl into the lane for an and-one midway through the second quarter briefly put the Falcons back in front.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Even as Stone Bridge tightened defensively, Srinivas continued to challenge the paint, splitting defenders for tough finishes and earning trips to the free-throw line. Her physicality showed in ripping the ball away on the baseline and battling for rebounds against bigger opponents. Her fearless drives kept Briar Woods within striking distance entering the fourth.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"Tanvi Kancharla","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"2026","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"null","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"12123","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"Briar Woods","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_program":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_program":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_0_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-69969f361bbd2"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Kancharla provided leadership and defensive spark, finishing with 9 points and 4 steals. She opened the scoring from beyond the arc, knocking down the first 3-pointer of the game to give Briar Woods early confidence. Her voice on the floor kept the offense organized throughout.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Defensively, she was relentless, diving on the floor to disrupt a fast break, pressuring ball-handlers, and turning steals into transition opportunities. In the fourth quarter, she attacked the rim with athletic extension, converting an and-one to cut the deficit to three. She continued to pressure the defense and draw contact late, embodying the competitive edge Briar Woods will carry into Regionals.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"Brianna Zaher","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"2026","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"null","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"12125","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"Briar Woods","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_program":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_program":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_0_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-69969f361bc53"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Zaher controlled the glass with 9 rebounds while adding 7 points and 2 steals. After winning the opening tip, she scored the first points of the game at the free-throw line and stayed active around the rim throughout. She consistently secured weakside boards, protected possessions in traffic, and delivered strong outlet passes to ignite transition.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Her floor-running paid off when she spotted up for a winning three early in the second quarter to put Briar Woods ahead. On defense, she used active hands to disrupt entry passes and force contested looks inside, providing two-way production.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"Rianna D'souza","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"2028","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"null","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"12125","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"Briar Woods","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_program":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_program":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_0_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-69969f361bccc"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">D'souza's energy fueled Briar Woods early. She secured the opening tip, applied defensive pressure, and quickly turned steals into transition pushes. Her dribble penetration collapsed the defense and created kickout opportunities for shooters, helping build early momentum.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Midway through the second quarter, she forced a turnover after pressuring a rebounder and finished a layup in transition to give thee Falcons a 17-14 advantage. She also hustled for long rebounds and consistently looked to advance the ball quickly, setting a tempo that will be valuable as Briar Woods prepares for regional play.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->