Sacred Heart Academy basketball recaps the 71-25 win over Johnson Central in the 2025 Sweet 16 state tournament.
Johnson Central postgame vs Sacred Heart
Sacred Heart Cheer Squad Performs At Rupp
Johnson Central Cheer performs at Rupp
Sacred Heart Dominates Johnson Central in Sweet 16 Rout, 71-25
March 12, 2025 – Sacred Heart delivered a commanding performance in the Clark’s Pump-N-Shop Girls’ Sweet 16®, overwhelming Johnson Central 71-25 in a game that showcased their offensive firepower and defensive tenacity. The Valkyries led from start to finish, building an insurmountable lead early and cruising to victory in a one-sided affair.
Game Recap
Sacred Heart wasted no time asserting their dominance, racing out to a 63-16 lead by the 7:54 mark of the fourth quarter. The Valkyries’ relentless attack was fueled by a balanced scoring effort and a suffocating defense that held Johnson Central scoreless in the final 3:16 of the game. By the final buzzer, Sacred Heart had turned the contest into a 46-point blowout, underscoring their status as a tournament favorite.
The Valkyries’ offense was a well-oiled machine, with 54 of their 71 points coming from two-point field goals, including 40 from layups. Their speed and precision shone through with 28 fast-break points, while their defense forced turnovers that led to 31 points. Sacred Heart’s bench also played a significant role, contributing 39% of the team’s scoring (28 points), highlighting the squad’s depth.
Johnson Central struggled to keep pace, managing just 25 points on the night. The Golden Eagles found some rhythm late, with Kenzleigh Stanley scoring seven straight points in a 7-0 run between the 5:01 and 3:16 marks of the fourth quarter, cutting the deficit to 69-25. However, it was too little, too late. Stanley finished as Johnson Central’s standout, scoring 11 points, including four layups and a free throw, but the team couldn’t overcome Sacred Heart’s overwhelming pressure.
Sacred Heart closed the game with a jumper in the paint by Leah Mabaya at the 00:53 mark, capping a performance that saw five players contribute to the scoring in the final eight minutes alone. ZaKiyah Johnson opened the fourth-quarter scoring with a jumper at 7:54, while Gracie Wathen, Reagan Gilvin, and Abigail Smith added layups to keep the lead ballooning.
Scoring Breakdown
- Sacred Heart: 71 points
- Three-Pointers: 12 points (17%)
- Two-Pointers: 54 points (76%), including 40 from layups
- Free Throws: 5 points (7%)
- Key Stats: 50 points in the paint (70%), 31 points off turnovers (44%), 28 fast-break points (39%), 28 bench points (39%)
- Johnson Central: 25 points
- Three-Pointers: 6 points (24%)
- Two-Pointers: 18 points (72%), including 10 from layups
- Free Throws: 1 point (4%)
- Key Stats: 14 points in the paint (56%), 10 points off turnovers (40%)
Key Moments
- Early Separation: By the 7:54 mark of the fourth, Sacred Heart had built a 47-point lead (63-16), effectively putting the game out of reach.
- Johnson Central’s Late Push: Stanley’s seven consecutive points in the fourth quarter marked the Golden Eagles’ best stretch, but it only trimmed the margin to 44 before Sacred Heart responded.
- Defensive Clampdown: Johnson Central failed to score in the final 3:16, while Sacred Heart added two more points to close out the rout.
Standout Performances
- Kenzleigh Stanley (Johnson Central): 11 points (5-of-6 scoring in the fourth), including four layups and a free throw, providing a lone bright spot for the Golden Eagles.
- Sacred Heart’s Depth: Five players scored in the final frame alone—Johnson (2), Wathen (2), Gilvin (2), Smith (2), and Mabaya (2)—reflecting the team’s balanced attack and bench strength.
What’s Next
Sacred Heart advances in the Sweet 16 tournament with a statement win, showcasing their ability to dominate both ends of the floor. Their high-octane offense, led by a lethal inside game and transition scoring, paired with a defense that suffocates opponents, makes them a formidable contender. Johnson Central, despite the loss, showed resilience late, with Stanley’s effort offering a glimpse of potential for future matchups, though their tournament run ends here.
This lopsided victory sets the tone for Sacred Heart’s pursuit of the Sweet 16 title, while Johnson Central heads home with lessons learned from a tough outing against an elite opponent.
