The varsity basketball team knocked off Bishop O'Connell 44-41 in a defensive slugfest Wednesday, February 28 in the VISAA state quarterfinals.

This is only the second time in school history that basketball will play in the VISAA semifinals. The other time took place in 2015, also with a win over O'Connell in the quarters. The 2023-24 team is now the winningest team in school history at 25-7, eclipsing the mark of the 2015-16 team of 24 wins.

Sonny Bridges '25 poured in a game-high 19 points, going 8 for 12 from the field, including a 3 for 4 performance from deep. Brandon Jennings '24 stuffed the stat sheet with 12 points, 8 rebounds, 2 assists and 2 blocks. Darius Gray '26 was superb with 6 points, 7 rebounds, 3 steals, 3 assists and 2 blocks.

The No. 6 Saints led for the entire game, and were up as much as nine points before O'Connell, seeded third, rallied behind full-court defense, cutting the lead to one. Kellen Welch '24 knocked in two clutch free throws with 14 seconds left to help seal the deal.

StC will head to St. Anne's-Belfield Friday, March 1 at 6 pm. STAB is seeded second and has defeated StC three times this season, including a 63-59 heartbreaker February 24 in the Prep League final in Charlottesville.

With a win, StC will advance to the state championship on March 2 at 6 pm at Benedictine versus the winner of the Paul VI-Blue Ridge contest.

To advance to the state quarters, StC topped #11 Flint Hill 80-66 February 27. Jennings poured in a game-high 25 points with 7 rebounds, 6 assists and 3 blocks, while Bridges registered 23 points, 5 boards and 4 steals. Stuart Cosby '25 added 14 points with four 3-pointers.