As the final seconds of the fourth quarter ticked off the clock at the Dunn Sports Center, junior Mairin Fowler dodged and weaved through the West Orange defenders, avoiding an intentional foul. Once she reached half-court, the crowd erupted and the Blue Devils knew they were headed to Jersey Mike’s Arena to play in the Group 4 State Final after defeating West Orange 56-52.
The game remained close throughout the first half, but Westfield was able to maintain their lead to end the half up by three. Coming out of halftime, West Orange made a statement, going on a 7-0 run and taking the lead before a Westfield timeout. In the huddle, head coach Liz Mckeon told the team, “We just have to manage [their two very good guards] and poise ourselves through those runs, which we did, and then we make our own runs ourselves.”
After the timeout, Westfield did just that. Senior tri-captain Megan Logan came out hot, hitting a three and making both free throw attempts on the following possession. Following that, senior tri-captain Darby Hubner knocked down another 2 threes to extend their lead. The Blue Devils went on a 13-0 run, gaining momentum moving into the fourth quarter.
With West Orange defeating Westfield earlier in the season 52-43, the Blue Devils knew they had to bring more energy and momentum to the semi-final. “Since we played them before, we knew we were getting ourselves into it, and the last game we played was not our best game,” said Logan. “We knew we needed to come off strong, share the ball, hustle and give 110 percent effort.
With just under six minutes remaining in the contest, freshman Gella Hollins hit a crucial three to extend Westfield’s lead to nine points. The following five minutes would prove to be a huge challenge for Westfield, as West Orange went on a run and closed the gap to just one point with 90 seconds remaining.
A layup from senior tri-captain Sophie Lane widened the gap, and Logan’s subsequent free throws made it a two-possession game. West Orange was able to hit a three with eight seconds remaining to bring the lead to just two, but Fowler iced the game, making both of her shots at the line. After a final attempt at a comeback, Fowler got the rebound from West Orange’s missed shot and dribbled through defenders, running over to the bench as the crowd erupted and the celebrations began.
Holding off West Orange’s late push seemed to be a challenge that Westfield had to overcome. Lane attributed their success to “staying together as a team and playing great defensively. Then, we were able to get that momentum on offense which all translated very well.”
The Blue Devils, winning their first and only Group 4 State Final in 2022, were disappointed in their 2024-2025 season, losing in the state semifinal. McKeon said, “This win means so much, and it’s been all the girls have thought about. They were so upset last year because they fought so hard. And to come here, back in this gym, beat West Orange and to go to the state championship; I don’t think there are words to express it.”
In agreement, Logan said, “I think it definitely shows our growth throughout the last two years and staying strong throughout the whole season.”
The Blue Devils look ahead to Saturday as they take on Lenape at 12 p.m. in hopes of winning their second Group 4 State Championship.
