Jacksonville Fl- The Bishop Kenny Crusaders girls basketball put together a strong performance when it mattered most, defeating American Heritage girls basketball in the Class 4A state semifinal. With sharp shooting and steady defense, Bishop Kenny pulled away for a 43–28 win and secured a spot in the state championship game.
From the very beginning, the Crusaders looked confident. Early in the first quarter, #22 Kathleen Crawley made a two-point field goal to tie the game at 2–2. Soon after, Crawley struck again with another basket, giving Bishop Kenny a 6–2 lead and setting the tone for the night.
Bishop Kenny is up 27-10 on American Heritage at the half.#fhsaabasketball #fhsaachampionships pic.twitter.com/qT31rFWhms
— FHSAA (@FHSAA) March 10, 2026
American Heritage quickly responded. #23 Wang Yinuo knocked down a three-pointer to bring the Patriots closer at 6–5. However, Bishop Kenny continued to lean on Crawley’s hot hand. The talented forward scored again in the paint, pushing the Crusaders ahead 10–5.
As the first quarter ended, Bishop Kenny had the momentum and a solid lead. More importantly, Crawley had already established herself as a tough matchup inside.
Moving into the second quarter, the Crusaders kept the pressure on. Crawley continued to hit shots around the basket, forcing the American Heritage defense to adjust. Once the defense collapsed inside, Bishop Kenny’s shooters made them pay.
First, #10 Sienna Williams drilled a three-pointer, stretching the lead to 19–7. Not long after, #15 Elle Deegan knocked down another three from deep, making it 24–10 and sending the Crusader fans into a roar.
Then Bishop Kenny added another key play late in the half. #23 Makala DesJarlais finished a strong basket and converted the free throw to complete a three-point play. That sequence pushed the Crusaders’ lead to 27–10 at halftime and gave them full control of the game.
After the break, Bishop Kenny stayed aggressive. Williams opened the second half with another big three-pointer, pushing the lead to 33–13. The Crusaders were moving the ball well and finding open shooters.
Meanwhile, American Heritage kept battling. The Patriots tried to climb back into the game with strong effort on both ends of the floor. Later in the third quarter, Wang Yinuo scored on a two-point basket to cut the deficit to 40–28.
American Heritage trails Bishop Kenny 40-28 in the Girls Class 4A Semifinal.#fhsaabasketball #fhsaachampionships pic.twitter.com/gFvzgQYUD3
— FHSAA (@FHSAA) March 10, 2026
Still, Bishop Kenny continued to make timely shots. Deegan hit another three-pointer earlier in the quarter, helping the Crusaders maintain a comfortable lead. By the end of the third period, Bishop Kenny was firmly in front and in control.
In the fourth quarter, the Crusaders focused on finishing the job. Their defense limited American Heritage’s scoring chances while the offense continued to work the ball inside.
Finally, #1 Shea Donovan added a two-point basket to push the lead to 43–28, putting the finishing touch on a strong team performance.
Q4
— Bishop Kenny Athletics (@BKHS_Athletics) March 10, 2026
6:30
BK 43
American Heritage 31
Shea Donovan drives for a layup after a big steal. pic.twitter.com/Jgk3VXDJBi
Throughout the game, Bishop Kenny showed balance and confidence. Crawley led the early scoring surge, while Williams and Deegan provided key outside shooting. Meanwhile, the team’s defense kept American Heritage from finding any consistent rhythm.
With the victory, Bishop Kenny now turns its attention to the biggest game of the season. The Crusaders will face Bishop Moore Hornets girls basketball in the Class 4A State Championship on Thursday at 5:30 p.m.
The Lady Crusaders stamp the board! pic.twitter.com/0OSm21LKbo
— Bishop Kenny Athletics (@BKHS_Athletics) March 10, 2026
For Bishop Kenny, and head coach Will Mayer, the mission is clear. After a dominant semifinal performance, the Crusaders are just one win away from finally bringing home a state title after several tries. They’ll have the home crowd behind them.
