The Archbishop Wood girls basketball team clinched their fourth consecutive PIAA Class 5A title and set a record with their ninth state championship in Hershey, defeating Cathedral Prep 37-27, writes Andrew Robinson for The Philadelphia Inquirer.  

Alexa Windish, a senior guard, led her team with a chant, “Can’t chop Wood. Can’t chop it,” that she initiated two years ago.  

 Despite being a non-varsity player when she created the chant, Windish’s words have since become a rallying cry for every significant victory. 

Amid a challenging start against Cathedral Prep, with a size disadvantage and early nerves leading to a 7-0 deficit, Archbishop Wood bounced back, ending the first half tied at 16.  

The team’s resilience and strategic play, highlighted by defensive efforts and key shots in the second half, cemented their victory with a 10-1 run, finishing the game at 37-27. Players like Lauren Greer and Emily Knouse, alongside Windish, were pivotal in this win.  

With Windish playing her last game, the hope is that this tradition will continue, inspiring future teams.  

Read more about the Archbishop Wood girls basketball team’s PIAA win in The Philadelphia Inquirer.

Cathedral Prep falls to Archbishop Wood in PIAA 5A state championship