Div. 4 girls basketball: Kate Phillips’ late bucket lifts No. 3 South Hadley past No. 2 Millis 45-42, into state title game (PHOTOS)

South Hadley's Kate Phillips (24) attempts a layup during the MIAA Division 4 state semifinal basketball game against Millis at Worcester State University, Wednesday, March 12, 2025, in Worcester.

South Hadley's Kate Phillips (24) attempts a layup during the MIAA Division 4 state semifinal basketball game against Millis at Worcester State University, Wednesday, March 12, 2025, in Worcester. STAFF PHOTO / DANIEL JACOBI II—

South Hadley's Olivia Athas (5) attempts a three-point shot during the MIAA Division 4 state semifinal basketball game against Millis at Worcester State University, Wednesday, March 12, 2025, in Worcester.

South Hadley's Olivia Athas (5) attempts a three-point shot during the MIAA Division 4 state semifinal basketball game against Millis at Worcester State University, Wednesday, March 12, 2025, in Worcester. STAFF PHOTO / DANIEL JACOBI II—

South Hadley's Ava Asselin (10) and Millis forward Molly Rand (23) compete for the ball during the MIAA Division 4 state semifinal basketball game at Worcester State University, Wednesday, March 12, 2025, in Worcester.

South Hadley's Ava Asselin (10) and Millis forward Molly Rand (23) compete for the ball during the MIAA Division 4 state semifinal basketball game at Worcester State University, Wednesday, March 12, 2025, in Worcester. STAFF PHOTO / DANIEL JACOBI II—

South Hadley's Cara Dean, right, dribbles around Millis forward Grace Higgins, left, during the MIAA Division 4 state semifinal basketball game at Worcester State University, Wednesday in Worcester.

South Hadley's Cara Dean, right, dribbles around Millis forward Grace Higgins, left, during the MIAA Division 4 state semifinal basketball game at Worcester State University, Wednesday in Worcester. STAFF PHOTO/DANIEL JACOBI II

South Hadley's Cianna Gurek, left, dribbles around Millis guard Lucy Miller (20) during the MIAA Division 4 state semifinal basketball game at Worcester State University, Wednesday, March 12, 2025, in Worcester.

South Hadley's Cianna Gurek, left, dribbles around Millis guard Lucy Miller (20) during the MIAA Division 4 state semifinal basketball game at Worcester State University, Wednesday, March 12, 2025, in Worcester. STAFF PHOTO / DANIEL JACOBI II—

Millis guard Caroline Connors (5) attempts to keep the ball from South Hadley's Ava Asselin, right, during the MIAA Division 4 state semifinal basketball game at Worcester State University, Wednesday, March 12, 2025, in Worcester.

Millis guard Caroline Connors (5) attempts to keep the ball from South Hadley's Ava Asselin, right, during the MIAA Division 4 state semifinal basketball game at Worcester State University, Wednesday, March 12, 2025, in Worcester. STAFF PHOTO / DANIEL JACOBI II—

South Hadley's Ava Asselin (10) attempts a shot over Millis forward Grace Higgins, right, during the MIAA Division 4 state semifinal basketball game at Worcester State University, Wednesday in Worcester.

South Hadley's Ava Asselin (10) attempts a shot over Millis forward Grace Higgins, right, during the MIAA Division 4 state semifinal basketball game at Worcester State University, Wednesday in Worcester. STAFF PHOTO/DANIEL JACOBI II

South Hadley's Kate Phillips, left, and Cara Dean celebrate after winning the MIAA Division 4 state semifinal basketball game against Millis 45-42 at Worcester State University, Wednesday in Worcester.

South Hadley's Kate Phillips, left, and Cara Dean celebrate after winning the MIAA Division 4 state semifinal basketball game against Millis 45-42 at Worcester State University, Wednesday in Worcester. STAFF PHOTO/DANIEL JACOBI II

South Hadley's Cara Dean (12) attempts a shot during the MIAA Division 4 state semifinal basketball game against Millis at Worcester State University, Wednesday, March 12, 2025, in Worcester.

South Hadley's Cara Dean (12) attempts a shot during the MIAA Division 4 state semifinal basketball game against Millis at Worcester State University, Wednesday, March 12, 2025, in Worcester. STAFF PHOTO / DANIEL JACOBI II—

South Hadley's Kate Phillips (24) attempts an and-one free throw during the MIAA Division 4 state semifinal basketball game against Millis at Worcester State University, Wednesday, March 12, 2025, in Worcester. Eventually scoring, Phillips' basket would put South Hadley ahead 43-42 with less than 30 seconds left in the fourth quarter.

South Hadley's Kate Phillips (24) attempts an and-one free throw during the MIAA Division 4 state semifinal basketball game against Millis at Worcester State University, Wednesday, March 12, 2025, in Worcester. Eventually scoring, Phillips' basket would put South Hadley ahead 43-42 with less than 30 seconds left in the fourth quarter. STAFF PHOTO / DANIEL JACOBI II—

South Hadley's Cara Dean, second from right, and Kate Phillips laugh after crashing to the court while celebrating after winning the MIAA Division 4 state semifinal basketball game against Millis 45-42 at Worcester State University, Wednesday, March 12, 2025, in Worcester.

South Hadley's Cara Dean, second from right, and Kate Phillips laugh after crashing to the court while celebrating after winning the MIAA Division 4 state semifinal basketball game against Millis 45-42 at Worcester State University, Wednesday, March 12, 2025, in Worcester. STAFF PHOTO / DANIEL JACOBI II—

South Hadley's Kate Phillips (24) spins around Millis guard Caroline Connors, left, during the MIAA Division 4 state semifinal basketball game at Worcester State University, Wednesday, March 12, 2025, in Worcester.

South Hadley's Kate Phillips (24) spins around Millis guard Caroline Connors, left, during the MIAA Division 4 state semifinal basketball game at Worcester State University, Wednesday, March 12, 2025, in Worcester. STAFF PHOTO / DANIEL JACOBI II—

South Hadley's Cara Dean (12) is fouled by Millis guard Ella Maher (25) during the MIAA Division 4 state semifinal basketball game at Worcester State University, Wednesday, March 12, 2025, in Worcester.

South Hadley's Cara Dean (12) is fouled by Millis guard Ella Maher (25) during the MIAA Division 4 state semifinal basketball game at Worcester State University, Wednesday, March 12, 2025, in Worcester. STAFF PHOTO / DANIEL JACOBI II—

Millis guard Caroline Connors (5) fouls as South Hadley's Kate Phillips (24) attempts a shot during the MIAA Division 4 state semifinal basketball game at Worcester State University, Wednesday, March 12, 2025, in Worcester. The basket would eventually fall through, tying the game 42-42 and would send Phillips to the free throw line.

Millis guard Caroline Connors (5) fouls as South Hadley's Kate Phillips (24) attempts a shot during the MIAA Division 4 state semifinal basketball game at Worcester State University, Wednesday, March 12, 2025, in Worcester. The basket would eventually fall through, tying the game 42-42 and would send Phillips to the free throw line. STAFF PHOTO / DANIEL JACOBI II—

South Hadley's Cianna Gurek (11) controls the ball during the MIAA Division 4 state semifinal basketball game against Millis at Worcester State University, Wednesday, March 12, 2025, in Worcester.

South Hadley's Cianna Gurek (11) controls the ball during the MIAA Division 4 state semifinal basketball game against Millis at Worcester State University, Wednesday, March 12, 2025, in Worcester. STAFF PHOTO / DANIEL JACOBI II—

South Hadley's Cara Dean (12) attempts to pass Millis guard Caroline Connors (5) during the MIAA Division 4 state semifinal basketball game at Worcester State University, Wednesday, March 12, 2025, in Worcester.

South Hadley's Cara Dean (12) attempts to pass Millis guard Caroline Connors (5) during the MIAA Division 4 state semifinal basketball game at Worcester State University, Wednesday, March 12, 2025, in Worcester. STAFF PHOTO / DANIEL JACOBI II—

South Hadley's Kate Phillips attempts to keep the ball in bounds during the MIAA Division 4 state semifinal basketball game against Millis at Worcester State University, Wednesday, March 12, 2025, in Worcester.

South Hadley's Kate Phillips attempts to keep the ball in bounds during the MIAA Division 4 state semifinal basketball game against Millis at Worcester State University, Wednesday, March 12, 2025, in Worcester. STAFF PHOTO / DANIEL JACOBI II—

South Hadley's Kate Phillips, left, attempts to dribble past Millis guard Ella Maher, right, during the MIAA Division 4 state semifinal basketball game at Worcester State University, Wednesday, March 12, 2025, in Worcester.

South Hadley's Kate Phillips, left, attempts to dribble past Millis guard Ella Maher, right, during the MIAA Division 4 state semifinal basketball game at Worcester State University, Wednesday, March 12, 2025, in Worcester. STAFF PHOTO / DANIEL JACOBI II—

South Hadley's Kate Phillips (24) attempts to block an inbounding pass during the MIAA Division 4 state semifinal basketball game against Millis at Worcester State University, Wednesday, March 12, 2025, in Worcester.

South Hadley's Kate Phillips (24) attempts to block an inbounding pass during the MIAA Division 4 state semifinal basketball game against Millis at Worcester State University, Wednesday, March 12, 2025, in Worcester. STAFF PHOTO / DANIEL JACOBI II—

South Hadley's Kate Phillips (24) attempts a layup during the MIAA Division 4 state semifinal basketball game against Millis at Worcester State University, Wednesday, March 12, 2025, in Worcester.

South Hadley's Kate Phillips (24) attempts a layup during the MIAA Division 4 state semifinal basketball game against Millis at Worcester State University, Wednesday, March 12, 2025, in Worcester. STAFF PHOTO / DANIEL JACOBI II—

South Hadley's Cara Dean, right, reaches for the ball around Millis guard Caroline Connors (5) during the MIAA Division 4 state semifinal basketball game at Worcester State University, Wednesday, March 12, 2025, in Worcester.

South Hadley's Cara Dean, right, reaches for the ball around Millis guard Caroline Connors (5) during the MIAA Division 4 state semifinal basketball game at Worcester State University, Wednesday, March 12, 2025, in Worcester. STAFF PHOTO / DANIEL JACOBI II—

South Hadley's Cara Dean (12) attempts a three-point shot during the MIAA Division 4 state semifinal basketball game against Millis at Worcester State University, Wednesday, March 12, 2025, in Worcester.

South Hadley's Cara Dean (12) attempts a three-point shot during the MIAA Division 4 state semifinal basketball game against Millis at Worcester State University, Wednesday, March 12, 2025, in Worcester. STAFF PHOTO / DANIEL JACOBI II—

By GARRETT COTE

Staff Writer

Published: 03-12-2025 7:39 PM

WORCESTER — After making the MIAA Division 4 state final and graduating only one senior from last season’s team, the town of South Hadley, all of western Mass. and competition across the state expected the South Hadley girls basketball team to end up in that same exact spot come March 2025.

It’s one thing to say it, it’s a whole different beast to actually do it.

But on Wednesday night at Worcester State University, sophomore Kate Phillips banked home the biggest shot of her life – an and-one with 28 seconds left – to put the No. 3 Tigers ahead by one point in the state semifinals against No. 2 Millis, propelling them to a 45-42 win and a spot in the championship game for the second straight season.

South Hadley will play No. 1 Cathedral just as it did a year ago on Sunday at 2 p.m. at the Tsongas Center in Lowell.

“That was crazy,” South Hadley head coach Paul Dubuc said. “We’ve been through everything this year. We just work at it. Every single day.”

The Tigers briefly trailed 2-1 in the first quarter, but jumped ahead and remained in front until late in the fourth quarter. Now down 40-37, Cara Dean drilled a 3-pointer from the top of the key to knot it up at 40 with 2 minutes, 22 seconds to go. It was South Hadley’s first field goal of the frame. The score stayed deadlocked, however Millis’ Ella Maher put in an acrobatic layup to bring her team back in front, 42-40, with 48 seconds left.

Dubuc called a play on the Tigers’ ensuing possession, and freshman Olivia Athas set up shop at the top of the key. She fired a 3, and as it rimmed out, Phillips jumped up to grab it. Just as quickly as Phillips brought the ball down, she went right back up – catching a Millis defender out of position. The official underneath the basket whistled a foul.

Phillips made the shot anyway, tying things at 42 apiece.

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She knocked down the free throw and South Hadley was back in front with less than 30 seconds on the clock. Maher found herself wide open for 3 on Millis’ next trip down, but couldn’t connect. Phillips snatched another monster rebound and Millis intentionally fouled.

Two more shots at the line, two more points for Phillips. Millis only had 3.1 seconds to work with, and settled for a half-court heave that didn’t come close. South Hadley punched its ticket to another state title tilt with its thrilling, come-from-behind 45-42 victory.

“That’s just focus,” Phillips said. “Offensive rebounds are just hard work and being in the right place at the right time. There’s a lot of points under – it’s a really underrated spot on the floor. That was just good timing.”

Dubuc noted that he doesn’t call plays for certain individuals. Yes, he has his sets that the Tigers run, but they aren’t specific for any player.

He has one message for his team if they want to score, and Phillips seems to have received it.

“We tell them all, ‘You wanna touch the ball? Go get it. Go get an offensive rebound and score,’” Dubuc said. “We’re not calling plays for anybody. Very rarely do we do that.”

Phillips finished with 18 points, Athas put up 10 and Cara Dean tossed in eight as all three underclassmen showed up huge for South Hadley. Ava Asselin had five points including a big 3-pointer in the third quarter and Caitlin Dean tossed in four to round out the Tigers’ scoring.

Phillips exited the game early in the fourth quarter after picking up her third foul and showed some frustration on the bench. South Hadley’s trio of assistant coaches helped calm her down, and when she went back in, she took over the game – scoring nine points in the fourth alone.

“My coaches talked to me on the bench, and then when I [went] back out there, I have my teammates who are like, ‘Just focus, just play your game,’” Phillips said. “And that’s really what it comes down to, and then all you can do is just leave the rest to fate.”

South Hadley used three 3s in the second quarter to build a 24-14 lead, but Millis ended the half on a 7-0 run to pull within three. The Tigers stayed in front until Millis made its push in the fourth. Yet South Hadley remained poised, under control and didn’t let the moment rattle them.

That’s a sign of a battle-tested team that can handle business in the midst of adversity.

“All in all, our effort, our grit, our experience [got the job done],” Dubuc said. “[Even when Millis made a comeback], we still had it going kind of the way we wanted it to go. And that offensive rebound was Kate being in great shape, going up against the trees, getting the ball – and not only getting it, but finishing and then making the foul shot. That’s tough.”

South Hadley has its eyes set on revenge in the D4 championship against Cathedral, which took down No. 4 Bourne in the other semifinal Wednesday night by a 71-31 margin.