Today is July 24, 2026, and if you’re in Century, Florida, there’s plenty to celebrate in the world of high school basketball! The Bishop Kenny girls basketball team has just clinched the Class 4A state title, marking a monumental moment for the Crusaders. After 34 long years since their last championship, they’ve done it again, defeating Bishop Moore with a score of 58-48. Shea Donovan shined brightly during the final, scoring essential points and leading her team to victory!
The championship game was a nail-biter right from the start. Both teams exchanged leads like a fierce tug-of-war, keeping fans on the edge of their seats. Shea Donovan got things rolling by scoring the first points for Bishop Kenny, quickly followed by a three-pointer from Alex Wolsonovich of Bishop Moore. The first quarter was a whirlwind of excitement, with lead changes that had everyone cheering. But as the game progressed, Bishop Kenny managed to carve out a slim advantage, thanks to some clutch plays.
Celebrating the Stars of the Game
Throughout the season, Bishop Kenny has shown resilience, finishing with an impressive record of 28-4. Kathleen Crawley led the scoring for the Crusaders, averaging 16.5 points per game, while Shea Donovan contributed significantly with 5.9 assists and 3.4 steals. The head coach, with over 300 career wins, had previously guided the team to a state appearance in 2024, so this victory is particularly sweet after the long wait.
The excitement doesn’t stop there! The Times-Union has taken a moment to honor the best of the best in high school girls basketball from Northeast Florida by compiling an All-Quarter Century team. This team highlights players from 2000 to 2025 and includes a roster of 15 impressive athletes. Among the honorees are Day’Neshia Banks, Antoinette Bannister, and Kayla Brewer, just to name a few. Each player left a mark during their high school years, and their achievements continue to inspire young athletes in our community.
For instance, Day’Neshia Banks, who played for Ribault from 2013 to 2017, scored an astounding 1,853 career points, averaging 16.2 points and 6.8 rebounds as a sophomore. Then there’s Antoinette Bannister, who racked up 4,758 points during her high school career, making her the second-highest scorer in Florida history! And let’s not forget about Taliah Scott, a recent standout who averaged a jaw-dropping 36.2 points as a senior at Bolles. These athletes have truly set the bar high!
A Legacy of Excellence
The 2026 season has officially wrapped up, and champions have been crowned across all classifications in Florida. Each team fought hard to reach the state finals, proving that dedication and talent flourish in our high schools. The full brackets, along with detailed information on the champions and runners-up, can be found here.
This year has been remarkable for Bishop Kenny, and for the players recognized on the All-Quarter Century team. The hard work, the sweat, the tears—it’s all paid off. Here’s to the athletes who’ve left their mark, and those who continue to dream big on the court! For more details on the highlights of the season, check out the full story here and relive the excitement of this unforgettable championship journey!