SLIPPERY ROCK, Pa. – A great season for the Fairview Tigers came to an end at the hands of Blackhawk for the second season in a row.
Aubree Hupp scored 23 points to lead Blackhawk (25-3) to a 43-19 win over the Tigers (22-6).
“They didn’t do anything that we didn’t expect,” said Fairview coach Aaron Garrity. “That’s a state runner-up team (in 2023) right there. They have seven or eight really skilled players, they play basketball year round and have a great tradition and are well-coached. That’s a really good team that we played.”
Hupp at one point scored seven straight points for Blackhawk to help them extend the lead to 16-4.
Fairview battled back to within 21-11, as Ella Garrity had a bucket and also knocked down a pair of free throws, and Riley Sholes connected on a 3-pointer.
Blackhawk scored the last five points of the half, however, to take a 26-11 lead.
The Tigers were unable to get their offense going in the second half, with the stout Blackhawk defense having a lot to do with that.
Bre Heidt led Fairview with five points.
“We had a heck of a year, a heck of a run,” Garrity said. “Back-to-back D10 champs, back-to-back Elite 8 appearances. We play for each other and we definitely got better as the season went on.”
Blackhawk will play Wyomissing in the semifinals on Tuesday, while Fairview reflects on another successful season.
Fairview doesn’t plan on going anywhere, as they graduate just one senior, Ella Garrity.
“Proud is an understatement,” Garrity said. “The resume from this year is outstanding. They are mature, responsible, just great kids. This is a tough ending, but there’s only one team that wins at the end.”
