Virginia Academy and Steward Trade Momentum in VISAA DII Final

[program_tooltip program_id='1623113' first='Virginia' last='Academy'] and Steward showcased high-level performances in the VISAA Division II State Final. The teams were separated by just one point at the end of each of the first three quarters, trading momentum through disciplined execution and poised decision-making. Guards controlled tempo, forwards battled inside, and timely shot-making on both sides kept the game within reach throughout. [program_tooltip program_id='1623113' first='Virginia' last='Academy'] ultimately created late separation to secure their 6th straight state title in a 68-57 victory, as individual efforts from both programs defined a championship that remained competitive deep into the fourth quarter.   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">[program_tooltip program_id='1623113' first='Virginia' last='Academy']</h2>    Moore delivered a championship-level shooting performance, finishing with 22 points. She set the tone early with a 3-pointer and never cooled off. She knocked down six 3's in total, including multiple contested shots that shifted momentum and helped [program_tooltip program_id='1623113' first='Virginia' last='Academy'] build separation in the second half. Beyond her perimeter shooting, she found space inside for a key late basket and converted free throws down the stretch. Her scoring burst proved to be the difference-maker as [program_tooltip program_id='1623113' first='Virginia' last='Academy'] created its first double-digit lead in the fourth quarter.     Kang orchestrated the offense with confidence and control, finishing with 18 points while balancing scoring and facilitation. She knocked down timely 3's, attacked off the bounce to draw fouls, and consistently found shooters rotating into open space. Her ability to read the floor while maintaining her dribble allowed [program_tooltip program_id='1623113' first='Virginia' last='Academy'] to stay composed in tight stretches. Late free throws sealed the game, reflecting her poise and leadership at the point.     Ramey contributed 11 points, including [program_tooltip program_id='1623113' first='Virginia' last='Academy']'s first 4 points of the fourth quarter to help shift momentum. She demonstrated patience in the paint, using pivots and body control to finish over defenders, and added a clutch step-back from the short corner. Defensively, she hustled for loose balls, rebounded in traffic, and quickly turned stops into transition opportunities.     Washington played with patience and purpose, particularly in transition. She secured defensive rebounds and pushed the pace, using hesitation moves and strong ball control to navigate traffic and finish at the rim. Her ability to recognize defensive mismatches and attack decisively led to clutch buckets. Washington's size and IQ made her a reliable two-way contributor throughout the game.     Weis provided interior balance, occupying space on the block and finishing efficiently around the rim. She contributed on the glass, collected long rebounds, and made smart outlet decisions to initiate transition. In the fourth quarter, she converted key interior opportunities and added an assist to extend [program_tooltip program_id='1623113' first='Virginia' last='Academy']'s lead. Her physical presence complemented the team's perimeter shooting.     Grant impacted the game with hustle and physicality. She boxed out effectively, collected tough rebounds, and capitalized on driving lanes, including an and-one finish that energized her team. Defensively, she disrupted ball handlers and showed a willingness to get on the floor. Grant executed her role with discipline and intensity in key stretches.    <h2 class="wp-block-heading">The Steward School</h2>    Martin's offensive instincts and footwork were on full display throughout the game, as the junior reached the 1,000-point milestone and finished with 22 points on the championship stage. She finished effectively in transition, knocked down multiple timely 3's, and consistently found soft spots in the defense. Her ability to attack gaps and convert through contact, including an and-one to tie the game at 48-48, highlighted her poise. Whether spotting up on the wing or navigating traffic in the paint, Martin delivered key baskets that kept Steward in it.     Thoman controlled the tempo and filled the stat sheet with 17 points and 7 assists, balancing scoring with playmaking. She attacked the rim with crafty finishes, knocked down a pull-up 3 in transition to give Steward the lead, and converted an and-one late in the half to keep pressure on. Her vision in transition led to multiple quality looks, including kick-outs to shooters and well-timed interior feeds. Defensively, she handled tough assignments and applied strong halfcourt pressure, while her late step-back 3 showed her confidence in tight situations.     Peterson contributed 10 points and 4 rebounds, impacting the game with activity and composure beyond her years. She moved well without the ball, cutting baseline for finishes and sealing defenders to create scoring opportunities. Her effort on second-chance plays resulted in key free-throw trips, including tying the game at 38-38. Peterson's willingness to run the floor and make herself available in transition added another layer to Steward's offense.     Saunders embraced her role and impacted the game in ways that don't always show up in the box score. She hustled back in transition to take a charge and consistently cleaned up the defensive glass, quickly looking to ignite the break with smart outlet passes. Her awareness stood out, including a poised entry bounce pass while off balance and a timely wing 3 that cut the deficit to one. Late in the game, she continued to battle on the boards and created scoring opportunities for teammates, doing the little things that kept Steward within reach.     Kavanaugh anchored Steward inside with her size and defensive pressure. She won the opening tip, battled for rebounds on both ends, and altered shots as a rim protector. Her ability to use her length to score over defenders and draw fouls added valuable production in the paint. A late third-quarter block preserved momentum in a 1-point game, showcasing her impact as a strong interior presence on both ends.

Virginia Academy and Steward showcased high-level performances in the VISAA Division II State Final. The teams were separated by just one point at the end of each of the first three quarters, trading momentum through disciplined execution and poised decision-making. Guards controlled tempo, forwards battled inside, and timely shot-making on both sides kept the game within reach throughout. Virginia Academy ultimately created late separation to secure their 6th straight state title in a 68-57 victory, as individual efforts from both programs defined a championship that remained competitive deep into the fourth quarter.