Girls’ Varsity Basketball Wins NEPSAC Championship

Throughout the tournament, defense was the Red Wings’ hallmark. They started strong by limiting Greens Farms Academy (No. 6) to just 45 points, before narrowly defeating Berkshire School (No. 2) 44-43 in the semifinals. A clutch, last-second pass from Natalia Hall-Rosa ’25 (Seton Hall) to Grace O’Sullivan ’25 (Princeton) propelled the team to the final.

The Red Wings saved their best defensive performance for the championship game. The team came back from a 44-41 loss to St. Luke’s on January 18 with a commanding 53-37 win over St. Luke’s Storm (No. 5) to secure the title. Chase Anderson ’25 (Amherst) and Joy Robinson ’28 were key to the team’s defensive dominance. Anderson averaged over three blocks per game during the tournament, while Robinson consistently shut down the opposition’s top scorer.

On the offensive side, Hall-Rosa led the charge in the final with 21 points, while captain Rissi Smith ’25 (Stonehill) added 11. Her fellow captain O’Sullivan had a standout performance, contributing 14 points in the final and earning NEPSAC Class B Tournament MVP honors. Averaging over 18 points per game in the tournament, O’Sullivan’s leadership was instrumental to the team’s success. Head Coach Kenny Small praised her impact on the team. “Her consistency and voice led us all season. She was one of the driving forces of our success and the backbone of our team, and delivered when it mattered most.”

The championship win was a fitting way to close out the careers of the senior class, which includes O’Sullivan, Smith, Izzy O’Brien ’25, Reagan Whitaker ’25, Anderson, and Hall-Rosa.

The title was the culmination of months of hard work and perseverance, marking a great start to Coach Small’s tenure at Rivers. In his first season as head coach, Small led the Red Wings to a 19-8 record and earned NEPSAC Class B Coach of the Year honors. Reflecting on the season, he praised both his team and the senior class.

“Winning the championship in my first year as head coach is something truly special, but what makes it even more meaningful is this incredible senior class,” said Small. “Their leadership, dedication, and belief in each other set the tone for our success. This group set the standard every day—pushing themselves and their teammates to be better, embracing every challenge, and leading with heart. Their impact on this program will last well beyond this season. I feel so lucky to have coached this group, to have been a part of their journey, and to witness their growth both on and off the court.”