Sacred Heart Academy Basketball Season Preview

Season Overview The Sacred Heart Academy Valkyries continued their reign over Kentucky high school basketball with another incredible season, finishing with a 35-3 record and capturing their fifth consecutive Kentucky State Championship. Unlike most states, Kentucky crowns just one state champion, making this achievement even more remarkable. The Valkyries also earned national recognition, finishing the season ranked #21 in the MaxPreps national poll. Key Contributors The team was led by ZaKiyah Johnson, a McDonald’s All-American and the 2025 Kentucky Miss Basketball. Her leadership and dominance on both ends of the court anchored Sacred Heart throughout the season. Other major contributors included: Tootie Jordan (So.) – An outstanding point guard who ran the offense with poise and energy. Morgan Frey (Sr.) – A dominant presence on the boards, bringing toughness and leadership inside. Bri Wilkins (Jr.) – The team’s second-leading scorer, providing consistent offense throughout the season. Defining Moments One of the season’s biggest wins came in January, when Sacred Heart upset national powerhouse Incarnate Word (St. Louis, MO). The team’s only in-state loss came in February to Simon Kenton, ending a staggering 92-game Kentucky win streak. That loss served as motivation, and the Valkyries bounced back stronger, ultimately capturing the state title. Emerging Talent Sacred Heart’s success also came from its depth. Several young players stepped into bigger roles: Riley Gilvin & Tahri Ralston (Fr.) – Contributed valuable minutes off the bench. Becca Carson (So.) – Provided outside shooting and backcourt stability. Caroline Osting (Sr.) – Stepped up after an early-season ACL injury to 6’3” post Addison Kincaid, excelling in her new role. Team Resilience The Valkyries demonstrated grit and adaptability throughout the season. Despite injuries and the pressure of being defending champs, the team remained focused. The early loss of Kincaid tested the team’s depth, but players like Osting filled in seamlessly. The program’s culture of accountability and preparation played a crucial role in navigating tough moments. Senior Leadership The senior class brought experience, work ethic, and determination to a team that had lost five key players from the previous year. Their commitment set the tone for another championship run and helped maintain the standard of excellence Sacred Heart is known for. Looking Ahead The future remains bright. With Tootie Jordan, one of the best point guards in the state, and scoring threat Bri Wilkins returning, Sacred Heart is poised for continued success. Several underclassmen have already shown they’re ready to contribute at a high level. Offseason Focus While the team enjoys the success of another title, the focus now turns to improvement. With a young core in place, the offseason will be crucial for development and preparing for another deep postseason run. Where to Find Stats Complete team and individual statistics can be found on the KHSAA website and MaxPreps.