Sacred Heart Academy Girls Basketball 2025 Season Recap: A Dynasty Reinforced
For most high school programs, winning a single state championship is a dream. For Sacred Heart Academy, it’s becoming tradition. Under the leadership of longtime athletic director and coach Donna Moir, the Sacred Heart Valkyries capped off an extraordinary 2025 season by winning their fifth consecutive Kentucky State High School Basketball Championship, solidifying their legacy as one of the most dominant programs in state history.
The Valkyries didn’t just win — they inspired. With a season record of 35-3, a final ranking of #21 nationally by MaxPreps, and the ability to weather adversity with poise, this year’s Sacred Heart squad combined elite talent, championship DNA, and an unwavering commitment to excellence.
Championship Pedigree and Key Contributors
At the heart of Sacred Heart’s success was ZaKiyah Johnson, a McDonald’s All-American and the 2025 Kentucky Miss Basketball. Johnson, widely regarded as one of the top high school players in the country, brought explosive scoring, lockdown defense, and veteran leadership to the court — all while still commanding national attention.
She was supported by a deep and versatile roster that included sophomore point guard Tootie Jordan, whose vision, quickness, and court sense made her one of the top young playmakers in the region. “Tootie was outstanding,” said Coach Moir, a sentiment echoed in Jordan’s highlight performances throughout the season.
Inside the paint, senior post player Morgan Frey anchored the rebounding effort. Her dominance on the boards was a key reason Sacred Heart controlled the tempo in so many games. Junior Bri Wilkins, the team’s second-leading scorer, provided consistency and firepower, giving the Valkyries an offensive balance few teams could match.
A Season to Remember: Dominance and Redemption
The 2025 season wasn’t just statistically successful — it was filled with pivotal moments that defined the team’s journey. One of the biggest came in late January, when Sacred Heart delivered a signature win over national powerhouse Incarnate Word from St. Louis, Missouri. The upset sent shockwaves through the high school basketball landscape and showcased Sacred Heart’s national relevance.
But even dynasties face challenges. In February, Sacred Heart suffered a rare in-state defeat to Simon Kenton, a loss that ended an incredible 92-game Kentucky winning streak. Rather than unravel, the Valkyries responded like champions. The setback refocused the team, and they surged through the remainder of the season, culminating in yet another state championship — their fifth straight and a testament to their resilience.
Stepping Up: Growth from the Bench
Part of Sacred Heart’s ongoing success is its ability to develop talent year after year. This season, several underclassmen stepped into larger roles and shone.
Freshmen Riley Gilvin and Tahri Ralston made their mark off the bench, delivering quality minutes and showing maturity beyond their years. Their contributions allowed the Valkyries to maintain depth and intensity throughout the season. Sophomore Becca Carson also emerged as a key contributor, offering stability and consistent outside shooting when the team needed it most.
These young players didn’t just fill roles — they embraced the moment and grew stronger as the season wore on. That growth gives Sacred Heart more than just depth; it gives them a future.
Handling Adversity Like Champions
No championship journey is without its hurdles. Early in the season, the Valkyries suffered a significant setback when 6’3” post player Addison Kincaid went down with a season-ending ACL injury. Her loss could have upended the team's plans, but Sacred Heart didn’t flinch.
Senior Caroline Osting stepped up in a big way, embracing the challenge and delivering solid performances in the paint. The seamless transition reflected not only her preparation and heart but also the team's overall commitment to unity and next-player-up mentality.
Coach Moir praised the group for how they handled the pressure of being defending champions, highlighting their composure and focus in even the toughest situations. In a season filled with pressure, expectation, and high-stakes games, the Valkyries held firm and won big.
Senior Leadership: A Legacy of Commitment
Sacred Heart’s 2025 senior class brought more than just skill — they brought leadership, dedication, and pride. According to Coach Moir, this group "showed up every day ready to play and worked extremely hard," setting the tone for the rest of the roster.
After losing five seniors from the previous championship team, many believed this would be a rebuilding year. Instead, the seniors embraced the challenge, led by example, and helped mold a young and talented roster into another championship-caliber team.
Their legacy will be one of leadership, consistency, and an unrelenting standard of excellence.
Looking Ahead: The Future Burns Bright
If there’s one thing more impressive than Sacred Heart’s recent five-year run, it’s what’s still to come. The Valkyries are not slowing down.
With Tootie Jordan, one of the best young point guards in the nation, returning next season, the team has a strong leader to guide the offense. Paired with Bri Wilkins, a dynamic scorer capable of heating up quickly, the team already boasts a potent 1-2 punch.
Add to that the continued development of freshmen and sophomores like Gilvin, Ralston, and Carson, and it’s clear the Valkyries are reloading, not rebuilding.
Coach Moir expressed excitement for this young core: “We have several young players who are going to be really good.” That’s a promising statement from a coach who knows what greatness looks like.
Offseason Goals: Sharpening the Edge
Though the team achieved tremendous success, there's always room to grow. This offseason, Sacred Heart will focus on refining its execution, improving strength and conditioning, and preparing for another grueling in-state and national schedule.
Given the expectations surrounding the program, maintaining hunger and discipline will be key themes this summer. If history is any indication, this group will rise to the challenge.
Where to Find More: Following the Valkyries
Fans can follow Sacred Heart's stats and player performance through the KHSAA website and MaxPreps, both of which provide in-depth coverage of game results, season summaries, and individual player data.
For those following high school basketball in Kentucky and beyond, Sacred Heart Academy is a program worth watching — not just because of its trophies, but because of the way it earns them.
Conclusion: A Legacy That Continues to Grow
The 2025 Sacred Heart Valkyries didn’t just win another title — they rewrote what sustained excellence looks like in high school athletics. Led by a generational talent in ZaKiyah Johnson and backed by a roster full of poise, depth, and determination, they faced adversity with grace and showed that championship cultures are built not in moments but over time.
As the team prepares for the future with a new wave of stars and a burning desire to improve, the rest of Kentucky — and the country — will be watching. The Valkyries aren’t just champions. They’re a dynasty in motion.
For full team stats and player profiles, visit KHSAA.org or MaxPreps.com.
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