The Utica Notre Dame girls basketball team, known as the Jugglers, emerged victorious as the state champions in March 2024. They won the Class B title with a score of 55-51 over Albany Academy-II in the NYSPHSAA Championships final held in Troy, N.Y. Throughout the season, the Jugglers displayed dominance with a record of 24-3 and clinched the Section III Class B championship.
The team’s success was recognized at syracuse.com’s All-CNY High School Sports Award show where they were honored as the team of the year. Led by All-CNY player of the year finalist, Ella Trinkaus, who averaged 25.4 points per game, along with her sisters Maggie (9.3 PPG) and Erin (9.2 PPG), the Jugglers outscored their opponents by over 500 points throughout the season.
The team’s best performance was during the postseason when they secured victories in their first playoff games by significant margins. Despite facing tougher opponents in the later stages, Notre Dame remained composed and emerged victorious to win their first state title since 2014 in a narrow 63-59 win over Marcellus in the section championship that paved their way to double-digit victories leading them to state championship.
This triumph was a culmination of their hard work and dedication throughout the season, earning them recognition as one of top teams in CNY region and beyond.
In conclusion, Utica Notre Dame’s Maggie Trinkaus (11), Vita Waters (13), Emma Johnson (12) and Ella Trinkaus (20) ran to their teammates to celebrate after winning state championship title on Saturday, March 16th at Troy Civic Center in Troy NY with a score of 55-51 over Albany Academy II
