The Sacred Heart Valkyries (32-3), chasing their fifth consecutive Kentucky girls’ basketball state championship, face off against the Cooper Lady Jaguars (26-5) in the quarterfinals of the 2025 KHSAA Sweet 16 on March 14 at 8:30 PM at Rupp Arena. This matchup pits a dynasty with an unmatched pedigree against a gritty, rising squad, promising an electrifying clash in the Clark’s Pump-N-Shop Girls’ Sweet 16®.
Team Overviews
Sacred Heart Valkyries (32-3)
- Nickname: Valkyries
- Coach: Donna Moir
- Region: 7
- District: 27
- Record: 32-3 (12-0 in Region 7, 5-0 in District 27)
- RPI: .72149
- Scoring: Averages 73.0 points per game (2554 points in 35 games)
- Defense: Allows 44.9 points per game (1571 points allowed)
- Path to the Quarterfinals: The Valkyries cruised through the 7th Region tournament, defeating Christian Academy-Louisville (79-26), Assumption (45-44), and DuPont Manual (77-61) to claim the title. They opened the Sweet 16 with a dominant 71-25 win over Johnson Central. Their season boasts wins over top teams like George Rogers Clark (80-68), Frederick Douglass (77-61), and Incarnate Word Academy (82-76), with losses only to Lawrence Central (49-69), American Heritage (47-48), and Simon Kenton (70-75).
Cooper Lady Jaguars (26-5)
- Nickname: Lady Jaguars
- Coach: Justin Holthaus
- Region: 9
- District: 33
- Record: 26-5 (12-1 in Region 9, 5-0 in District 33)
- RPI: .68934
- Scoring: Averages 57.5 points per game (1781 points in 31 games)
- Defense: Allows 43.6 points per game (1351 points allowed)
- Path to the Quarterfinals: The Lady Jaguars secured the 9th Region championship with victories over Holy Cross (48-38), Dixie Heights (64-54), and Notre Dame (60-57). They advanced in the Sweet 16 with a 70-45 rout of Mercy Academy. Their season highlights include wins over Frederick Douglass (58-38), DuPont Manual (57-44), and Anderson County (50-46), though they fell to Sacred Heart earlier this year (49-60) and to strong foes like Purcell Marian (55-72) and Assumption (56-66).
Key Players
Sacred Heart
- ZaKiyah Johnson (Sr.): Averages 21.4 points per game, shooting 55.3% from the field and 39.4% from three (63/160), with 7.1 rebounds per game. A dominant force and the team’s cornerstone.
- Amirah Jordan (So.): Averages 13.0 points per game, shooting 48.7% from the field and 36.4% from three (32/88), adding 2.5 rebounds per game. A dynamic guard complementing Johnson.
- Brianna Wilkins (Jr.): Averages 11.7 points per game, with 48.2% field goal accuracy and 36.9% from three (38/103), plus 3.8 rebounds per game. A versatile scoring threat.
Cooper
- Haylee Noel (So.): Leads with 15.5 points per game, shooting 45.2% from the field and 40.9% from three (56/137), and grabs 7.5 rebounds per game. The Lady Jaguars’ top scorer and rebounder.
- Addyson Brissey (Jr.): Averages 9.9 points per game, shooting 42.0% from the field and 36.1% from three (39/108), with 3.5 rebounds per game. A key outside shooter.
- Zene Thompson (Sr.): Averages 9.5 points per game, shooting 41.9% from the field, and adds 3.6 rebounds per game. A steady presence in the paint.
Statistical Breakdown
| Category | Sacred Heart | Cooper |
|---|---|---|
| Points Per Game | 73.0 | 57.5 |
| Points Allowed Per Game | 44.9 | 43.6 |
| Field Goal % | 49.5% | 41.3% |
| 3-Point Field Goal % | 34.1% | 33.5% |
| Free Throw % | 72.1% | 73.4% |
| Rebounds Per Game | 32.3 | 26.0 |
- Offense: Sacred Heart’s high-powered attack (73.0 PPG) significantly outpaces Cooper’s 57.5 PPG, with a superior field goal percentage (49.5% vs. 41.3%).
- Defense: Both teams are stingy, with Cooper allowing slightly fewer points (43.6 vs. 44.9 PPG).
- Rebounding: Sacred Heart holds a clear edge (32.3 vs. 26.0 RPG), which could lead to more second-chance opportunities.
- Three-Point Shooting: Both teams are close in three-point accuracy (34.1% vs. 33.5%), setting up a potential long-range battle.
What to Watch For
- Johnson vs. Noel: ZaKiyah Johnson’s all-around dominance (21.4 PPG, 7.1 RPG) will test Haylee Noel’s ability to match her scoring (15.5 PPG) and rebounding (7.5 RPG). This matchup could dictate the game’s tempo.
- Perimeter Shooting: Sacred Heart’s trio of Johnson, Jordan, and Wilkins will face Cooper’s shooters like Brissey and Noel. A hot hand from three could swing the momentum.
- Rebounding Edge: Sacred Heart’s 32.3 rebounds per game dwarf Cooper’s 26.0, giving the Valkyries a chance to control possession and limit Cooper’s opportunities.
- Prior Meeting: Sacred Heart beat Cooper 60-49 on January 3, 2025, on the road. The Lady Jaguars will need to adjust their strategy to counter the Valkyries’ depth and experience.
The Stakes
Sacred Heart, ranked No. 1 in Kentucky with a .72149 RPI, is a juggernaut aiming for a historic fifth straight title under coach Donna Moir. Their 32-3 record, including a perfect 12-0 mark in Region 7, reflects their dominance, tempered by lessons from three losses against elite competition. Cooper, with a 26-5 record and a .68934 RPI, has emerged as a formidable challenger, riding a wave of momentum from a tight 9th Region title win and a convincing Sweet 16 opener. This quarterfinal is a classic David vs. Goliath matchup—can the Lady Jaguars pull off the upset, or will the Valkyries’ championship pedigree prevail?
Final Thoughts
This game pits Sacred Heart’s relentless offense and championship experience against Cooper’s scrappy resilience and balanced attack. The Valkyries’ depth and rebounding prowess give them an edge, but Cooper’s defensive tenacity and outside shooting could keep it close. Tip-off is at 8:30 PM on March 14 at Rupp Arena—don’t miss this blockbuster quarterfinal showdown!
