They had worked all season long for this moment, laid it all out on the court. By the time the final buzzer sounded Sunday, May 5, the Mt. Hope Huskies unified basketball team had done it again, reclaiming the Division II state championship title as they defeated the Portsmouth Patriots, 34-26.

As the only team to defeat the defending state champions during the regular season, Portsmouth had high hopes going into the afternoon’s final, played at LaSalle Academy. From the moment the game started, however, the Huskies proved they were ready to battle. Star seniors Mylan Jackson and Patrick Fraime dominated the court, combining for 16 points in the first half alone to carry Mt. Hope to a 20-12 lead after 16 minutes of play. 

Even so, the Patriots were not about to go down without a fight. Despite pressure from Mylan, Portsmouth junior Chris Sherwood kept knocking in baskets, helping to close the gap Mt. Hope had built. Though their opponent came within four with just five minutes remaining on the clock, the Huskies held on tight, refusing to give up as the final seconds wound down and the crowd of spectators cheered them on. When it was all said and done, Mt. Hope stormed the court in celebration, the back-to-back DII champs. 

“I give them credit; they played hard, they deserved it,” said Portsmouth head coach Miss Allder.

Graduating seniors on this year’s championship team include: athletes Mylan, Patrick, Lara Krzywicki, Nicholas Fartura and Michael Riley, as well as partners Thea Brum, Charles Faulkner, Jacob Holt, Jacob Brassard and Dylan Sartrys.