Loyalsock Township Secures State Championship with 55-43 Win Over Shady Side Academy
By: Matt Flanagan | Sportzwire | March 28, 2025 | Photo courtesy Bob Gaetano
March 27, 2025 — GIANT Center, Hershey, PA
Loyalsock Township captured the Pennsylvania state championship on Thursday night with a 55-43 victory over Shady Side Academy at the GIANT Center. In a game filled with physical defense, momentum swings, and key scoring runs, Loyalsock took control late and never looked back.
The Lancers were led by standout performances from Lacey Kriebel and Alaina Dadzie. Kriebel finished with a game-high 23 points, hitting five three-pointers and grabbing 11 rebounds. Dadzie contributed 21 points on 9-of-15 shooting, consistently finding success in the paint and at the free-throw line.
Loyalsock shot 43.5% from the field and 37.5% from beyond the arc while holding Shady Side Academy to 47.1% overall shooting. The Lancers made nine of their 17 free throws and secured 24 total rebounds, matching their opponent on the glass.
Despite the loss, Shady Side Academy had strong individual efforts. Karis Thomas scored 22 points on 9-of-12 shooting, while Cameron Capel recorded a double-double with 10 rebounds and 5 points. Leah Buford added 8 points and 2 rebounds.
Turnovers were a key factor, as SSA committed 12 compared to just 6 from Loyalsock. Loyalsock capitalized on those mistakes, turning them into fast break opportunities and second-chance points.
The game remained close through the first half, with Loyalsock holding a narrow 30-28 lead at halftime. The Lancers slowly pulled away in the second half, outscoring SSA 25-15 over the final two quarters, including a 12-6 advantage in the fourth quarter.
Kriebel’s ability to stretch the floor with timely three-point shooting and Dadzie’s presence in the paint gave Loyalsock the balance they needed to close the game. Loyalsock also received contributions from Jillian Kennedy (3 points, 4 rebounds, 2 steals) and Julie Ellis (8 points, 4 assists).
Shady Side Academy shot a perfect 5-for-5 from the free-throw line but struggled to generate enough offensive consistency in the second half. Their biggest lead came early in the first quarter, while Loyalsock’s largest margin came in the final minutes of the fourth.
With the victory, Loyalsock Township earns the 2025 state title, capping off a season marked by discipline, depth, and execution in critical moments.
