Crestwood’s Unforgettable Run Ends in Heartbreak, But History Was Made
By: Brad Loff | Sportzwire | March 22, 2025 | Photo courtesy Bob Gaetano
It’s the kind of season every coach dreams of — a group of players who bought in, improved every day, and shattered expectations. Crestwood’s girls basketball team did all of that and more, writing their names into the school’s record books before falling in the state semifinals to powerhouse Archbishop Wood, 68-29.
After the final buzzer, Crestwood head coach spoke with SportzWire’s Bob Gaetano.
“I am super proud of them. They are officially the best basketball team to ever play at Crestwood High School,” the coach said. “Setting records, making marks — some that may not ever be broken. The effort, the intensity, the commitment… we could not ask for more.”
Crestwood’s historic run saw them knock off Strath Haven, Freire Charter, and Manheim Central on their way to the Final Four. But against Archbishop Wood, they ran into a juggernaut. Archbishop Wood hit 11 three-pointers and held Crestwood to just one made shot from beyond the arc. Crestwood struggled offensively, scoring 5, 6, 7, and 11 points across the four quarters.
Still, the effort never wavered. Charlie Hiller led Crestwood with 8 points, finishing 4-for-10 from the field. Seniors Kendall Petrosky and Jackie Gallagher each added 6 points, with Gallagher hitting the team’s only three-pointer. Jordan Andrews and Norah Sklarosky chipped in 2 points apiece, while senior captain Kate Gallagher, despite not scoring from the field, knocked down four clutch free throws and played with her trademark toughness in the paint.
“Everyone’s season is going to end with a loss except for one — the state champion,” the coach added. “This game shouldn’t define who we are. We made it to the Final Four. Look what we did.”
Crestwood was outshot from the field, with Archbishop Wood connecting on 26 field goals to Crestwood’s 10. Wood’s Ryan Carter poured in 23 points, leading a balanced attack that overwhelmed Crestwood’s defense early.
For the Comets, this loss hurts — but the legacy remains. A 26-5 record, a Wyoming Valley Conference championship, and the first trip to the state semifinals in program history.
Bob Galeto, a Crestwood alum and former administrator, closed the interview by thanking the coach for giving the school and community a season they’ll never forget.
“They’ll feel this loss right now, but one day they’ll understand,” Galeto said. “This team set the bar higher than anyone imagined. They made history.”
Final Game Stats Recap:
Crestwood Scoring
• Charlie Hiller: 8 points (4-10 FG)
• Kendall Petrosky: 6 points (2-5 FG, 2-4 FT)
• Jackie Gallagher: 6 points (2-4 FG, 1-2 FT, 1 three-pointer)
• Jordan Andrews: 2 points (1-4 FG)
• Norah Sklarosky: 2 points (1-3 FG)
• Kate Gallagher: 4 points (4-4 FT)
• Emilie Stofko: 1 point (1-2 FT)
Archbishop Wood Scoring Leaders:
• Ryan Carter: 23 points (10 field goals)
• Emma Yogis: 12 points (4 three-pointers)
• Emily Knouse: 10 points (2 three-pointers)
• Sophia Topakas: 10 points (4 field goals)
Team Shooting Percentages
• Crestwood: 10 made field goals on 41 attempts (24%)
• 1-of-11 from three-point range (9%)
• 8-of-12 from the free-throw line (67%)
