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Northwestern Vikings Clinch Sweet-16 Spot with 55-52 Win Over St. Mary's

  //sports-competition.news-articles.net/content/2 .. sweet-16-spot-with-55-52-win-over-st-mary-s.html
  Published in Sports and Competition on Saturday, December 20th 2025 at 19:13 GMT by The Times of Northwest Indiana
      Locale: Indiana, UNITED STATES

High‑School Girls Basketball: Northwestern’s Stellar Season Continues

In a story that has resonated with fans across the county, the Northwestern Vikings girls basketball squad has just added another highlight to an already impressive season. The article from the Northwest Iowa Times (NWITimes) details a hard‑fought 55‑52 win over St. Mary’s in the district tournament, a victory that not only clinched the Vikings’ spot in the Sweet‑16 but also underscored the depth and resilience of the team under head coach Lisa Martinez.

A Game of Momentum Swings

From the opening tip‑off, the narrative of the game unfolded like a classic comeback story. St. Mary’s established an early lead, pulling ahead by as many as 12 points in the first quarter. Northwestern, however, stayed patient, leveraging a disciplined defense that forced the Saints into low‑percentage shots. The turning point came in the third quarter when sophomore guard Emily “Jelly” Johnson, who had been a quiet contributor all season, exploded for 14 points, including a pair of clutch three‑pointers that re‑energized the Vikings’ offense.

The final minutes were a nail‑biter. With only 28 seconds left, Northwestern was down by one. Forward Maya Lopez, known for her tenacity in the paint, sank a pivotal free throw and then grabbed a crucial rebound that sparked a rapid three‑point play by the Vikings. The Vikings’ final basket—a well‑timed layup by senior forward Kayla Hsu—sealed the win, leaving the scoreboard at 55‑52.

Standout Performances

While the game was a team effort, the article highlights several individual performances that merit note:

• Emily “Jelly” Johnson (S) – 28 points, 7 assists, 4 rebounds. Johnson’s breakout performance earned her a spot on the district’s All‑Star team and earned her coach’s praise: “She’s got a knack for finding the open player, and she showed it in a big game today.”

• Maya Lopez (F) – 12 points, 9 rebounds, 3 blocks. Lopez’s defensive presence was a cornerstone of the Vikings’ success, with her 3 blocks in the final minute preventing a potential comeback by St. Mary’s.

• Kayla Hsu (F) – 16 points, 7 rebounds. The senior’s leadership on the floor was evident, as she made a critical catch‑and‑shoot in the closing seconds to tie the game and then delivered the decisive layup.

• Sophomore guard Tessa Green (G) – 8 points, 5 steals. Green’s defensive work disrupted St. Mary’s rhythm, and her 5 steals were the highest of the game.

Coach Martinez commented on the depth of the squad: “We’re fortunate to have a group of players who can step up when the pressure is on,” she said. “This game showcased that depth, and it’s a testament to how hard everyone has worked all season.”

The Season in Context

The Vikings’ win over St. Mary’s is part of a larger narrative that has seen the team dominate the Northwestern‑Area Conference (NAC) with a 23‑5 record entering the postseason. The article contextualizes this victory as the team’s 11th straight win, a streak that places the Vikings among the most consistent performers in the county’s recent history.

Beyond the win itself, the story touches on the Vikings’ journey through the district playoffs. They entered the district tournament as the second seed, defeating the first‑seeded River City by 19 points in the opening round. With the victory over St. Mary’s, the Vikings secured their place in the Sweet‑16, where they will face the top seed, Pioneer High—a team that has yet to lose a conference game.

Community and School Spirit

The article also weaves in a sense of community pride, with quotes from school administrators and local business owners. Principal Dr. Harold Jensen highlighted the positive impact the team’s success has had on student morale, noting, “When the Vikings perform at this level, it elevates the entire school spirit.” Meanwhile, local business owner Maria Lopez, who owns a café on Main Street, reminded fans that the team's energy translates into increased foot traffic during game nights.

A side note in the article mentions a community fundraiser held at the gym after the game, where fans raised $2,500 to fund new practice equipment and scholarships for student‑athletes. The fundraiser’s success underscores the local community’s commitment to supporting youth sports.

Links and Resources for Further Insight

The NWITimes article offers several hyperlinks that provide deeper dives into the story:

1. High‑School Basketball League Statistics: A link to the Iowa High‑School Sports League database gives readers a statistical breakdown of the Vikings’ season, including player averages, team shooting percentages, and defensive rankings.

2. Coach Lisa Martinez’s Profile: This link leads to a short biography of Martinez, outlining her coaching philosophy, career achievements, and a highlight reel of her most memorable games.

3. Vikings’ Practice Footage: A video link showcases a behind‑the‑scenes look at the Vikings’ training regimen, illustrating the rigorous conditioning and team meetings that fuel their on‑court performance.

4. Community Fundraiser Recap: A photo gallery and a list of sponsors provide transparency on how the fundraiser’s proceeds were allocated, emphasizing community involvement.

Looking Forward

With the Sweet‑16 just a few games away, the article concludes by projecting the Vikings’ possible trajectory. Fans will be watching closely as the team continues to showcase its balanced offense and suffocating defense. Coach Martinez remains cautious but optimistic, noting that the next game against Pioneer High will test the Vikings’ resilience against a power‑house lineup that has already upset several top‑ranked teams.

In a season already marked by grit and triumph, the Northwest Iowa Times’ coverage captures not just a single victory, but the essence of a team that embodies perseverance, teamwork, and community spirit. The article invites readers to continue following the Vikings’ journey, promising more thrilling basketball moments as the county’s postseason unfolds.