STATEN ISLAND, N.Y.— This week, four Staten Island teams will take center stage in the CHSAA Archdiocesan girls’ basketball playoffs, with each looking to claim a championship for the borough.
St. Joseph by-the-Sea has secured a spot in the AAA Championship versus Monsignor Scanlan, while Moore Catholic will host Kennedy Catholic in the AA semifinals. Meanwhile, longtime foes Notre Dame and St. Joseph Hill are set to add another chapter to their storied rivalry in the other AA semifinal, rounding out an exciting stretch of borough hoops.
With a pivotal few days ahead for Staten Island basketball, let’s take a look at each team’s road to a championship.
Sea’s Maria O’Connell pushes the ball up the floor during a Borough President’s Cup matchup against Tottenville on Jan. 29, 2026.Michael O’BrienSt. Joseph by-the-Sea
The Island’s lone AAA squad, the Vikings have already secured a spot in their division’s championship game, putting them just one win away from capturing both the Borough President’s Cup and their league playoff title.
The only thing standing in their way: A formidable Monsignor Scanlan squad that defeated Sea twice during the regular season, posting decisive 70-45 and 71-42 victories.
Vikings head coach Josh Suslak views those previous games as valuable lessons rather than setbacks.
“I think the losses we’ve had to Scanlan this year taught us what championship basketball requires,” he said.
“Our focus in practice this week needs to be on toughness, discipline, and competing on every possession. To beat a high-powered team like Scanlan, you can’t have empty trips or mental lapses. We have to defend, rebound, and trust each other. If we do that consistently, we hope the game will look different this time when it matters most.”
The Vikings have also followed up their Borough President’s Cup triumph with quality league wins, including a 62-49 victory over Nazareth, the 2025 AA state champions who are now in AAA following re-alignment
Sea has built its identity around an uptempo run-and-gun style, with seniors Olivia DiMonda, Giovanna Grima, and Maria O’Connell sharing the offensive load, while players like Isabella Castania and Teagan Rowley provide energy and impact on both ends of the floor.
If the Vikings can stay true to that identity and execute against Scanlan, they’ll have a strong opportunity to avenge two regular-season losses on the biggest stage.
Moore Catholic’s Emma Bruno-Dunn takes the ball up the floor during a matchup against St. Joseph Hill on Thursday, Jan. 8, 2026. (Advance/SILive.com | Michael O’Brien)Michael O’BrienMoore Catholic
The Mavericks captured the A Division’s state title last year, and after a perfect 12-0 run through AA play this season, there’s every reason to believe head coach Gene Henderson’s squad can recreate the magic of its previous postseason run.
“As we head into the playoffs, we’re treating this like a brand-new season. Earning the No. 1 seed and a home game is a great reward for the hard work and success we had in the regular season — but from this point on, none of that matters. What matters is how we prepare and perform right now,” Henderson said.
“Our focus is on the task in front of us. Practices will be intense and demanding so we can build the mindset and toughness needed for playoff basketball. If we stay locked in, play the way we’re capable of, and compete every possession, good things will follow.”
Set to host Kennedy Catholic on Wednesday, the Mavericks will enter the matchup with confidence after sweeping the season series, earning decisive 67-44 and 66-34 victories over the Gaels.
Henderson’s squad has evolved into a well-balanced inside-out team. Center Mackenzie Felci has consistently dominated in the paint, posting 18 points, 11 rebounds, four blocks, and three steals in their most recent matchup against the Gaels.
Meanwhile, sister guards Emma and Olivia Bruno-Dunn have been a force from the perimeter, combining for 24 points against Kennedy Catholic in January while showcasing sharp shooting and strong playmaking throughout the season.
Add in Emma Costanzo — the Mavericks’ skilled point guard and offensive orchestrator, who contributed eight points and seven assists against Kennedy Catholic — and Moore shores up its reputation as the team to beat.
The Mavericks may have just missed out on Borough President’s Cup glory, but with the opportunity to finish the league season unbeaten and capped with a championship, expect the, to play with plenty of hunger on Wednesday.
The Gators earned the victory after outscoring the Hilltoppers 10-4 in the extra period. (Annie DeBiase for the Advance/SILive.com)(Annie DeBiase for the Advance/SILive.com)Notre Dame Academy
Following one of the season’s biggest games — a signature 68-62 overtime win over St. Joseph Hill in the electric Silent Night contest in December — Notre Dame Academy is set to meet the Hilltoppers again in the AA semifinals, an occasion Notre Dame head coach Bobby Della Valle hopes to have his squad well-prepared for.
“This time of year, talent alone isn’t enough. The playoffs come down to discipline and details — every possession, every rotation, every box-out, every bit of communication can swing momentum. We’ve stressed all season that improvement doesn’t have to be huge, just consistent: one thing better every day,” he said.
“Those small improvements add up. Our defensive rotations are sharper, communication is stronger, and our toughness in key moments has grown. Anything can happen in the postseason, which is why we focus on preparation and consistency. By staying disciplined, connected, and focused, and bringing hard work and heart every night, we trust everything else will fall into place,” he continued.
Like Moore, the Gators have built a balanced inside-outside attack. Sophomore forward Aliya Monroe dictated the paint in their second matchup with Hill, scoring 16 points and blocking five shots in a 66–45 win, while three-point specialist Caroline Kasegrande lit it up from deep with five treys in the earlier Silent Night contest.
With a deep supporting cast including Lindsay McAllister (who scored a career-high 16 points in Silent Night), Emma Blomquist, and Gianna Lorenzo, the Gators have a strong chance to book a trip to the AA title game if they can replicate the success they’ve had against Hill this season.
The Gators earned the victory after outscoring the Hilltoppers 10-4 in the extra period. Lauren Rodriguez looks to drive to the hoop. (Annie DeBiase for the Advance/SILive.com)(Annie DeBiase for the Advance/SILive.com)St. Joseph Hill
Despite their two regular-season losses to NDA, Hill head coach Ashley Vogel believes they can get it done in the third matchup.
“Success is no accident — it is hard work, perseverance, and sacrifice. We have been pushing that if everyone shows up to play, anyone is talented enough to execute a good game and be able to take a victory,” Vogel shared.
“We have been pushing each other all week and continue to encourage each other to embody hard work and dedication on and off the court,” she went on.
If Hill is to make the third time the charm, they’ll likely need yet another big game from point guard Lauren Rodriguez, who has been fantastic for the Hilltoppers all season long.
In front of a packed gym during Silent Night, the junior couldn’t be stopped, scoring a career-high 33 points in a playoff-like atmosphere. Ella Onesto also provided a big spark for Hill in that contest, adding 19 points, and this dynamic duo will be critical if the Hilltoppers hope to come out on top Saturday.
Additionally, Hill could benefit from a late-season surge from Brielle Longo. After scoring 16 points in a BP Cup win over Wagner and an admirable showing in a tough loss to Sea, she was the only Hilltopper named to the All-Tournament Team, rounding out a mighty solid top-three scoring trio for Vogel’s squad.
There’s nothing like a clean slate in the playoffs. With the focus shifting away from the regular season, if Hill can keep their heads down and execute against a tricky opponent, they could put themselves one win away from AA glory.