Roncalli girls’ basketball enters sectionals with an impressive 21-3 season, the record for most wins in the regular season. This remarkable achievement is the result of months of hard work, determination, and commitment. The team has worked together for countless years, encouraging, reassuring, and inspiring each other, all leading up to their season. From the very first game to the final regular-season buzzer, the Royals have established themselves as a controlled, cohesive team capable of many things.
“It feels great,” said senior Brennah Cerny. “Never thought we would be able to do it, but all of
our hard work paid off.”
Throughout the entire season, the Royals have proven that they are a team with disciplined defense, consistent effort, and a balanced approach of both ends of the floor. These qualities will be vital as the team prepares for the intensity and physicality of the sectionals. Their experience and depth as a team, coming off of an 18-win season and a Final Four appearance in the IHSAA State Tournament, will allow them to maintain a high level of performance, even against strong competition.
“I am preparing by watching all the film I can, resetting my body with normatec and ice,” said Cerny. “I just need to make sure my mindset and my team mindset is in the right place to win.”
Pressure during sectionals is unavoidable, but the team is entering having already faced it throughout the regular season. Their expectations have risen with each win, especially for the seniors, and the Royals have learned to stay grounded even as they carry them. That experience allows the team to focus on execution and effort, treating pressure not as something to escape, but as part of the environment that comes with competing at this level.
“We have so much pressure going into sectionals because we are number 1 in the state so everyone wants to beat us,” said Cerny. “As a senior, I just wanna win, I wanna go to state because that’s all I’ve been wanting to get to is state. I just know I need to put it all out there and never slack off.”
With higher expectations comes greater opportunity, and Roncalli enters sectional play embracing both. The confidence built during a record-setting regular season provides a strong foundation, but sectionals demand a renewed level of focus and intensity. The team understands that success in sectionals will not be defined by past accomplishments, but by execution, resilience, and consistency in the moments that matter most. Prepared for the pressure and committed to the process, the Royals are ready to compete for more as tournament play begins.
