Girls Basketball Dominates in Governor’s Challenge Holiday Basketball Festival

In their first appearance in the Governor’s Challenge, the team handily won their bracket, beating Maryland team Mardela and New York squad St. Joseph By The Sea by an average of 37 points. Freshman forward Samantha Pollich was named Most Outstanding Player in the bracket. Samantha was joined by her teammates Lauren Park-Lane--who was named Girls 1st Team--Chrishyanah Alston, Olivia Tucker, Taylor Samuels, Taylor Sparks-Faulkner, Kendra Warren, Mesha Mosley, Hannah Bescript, Lexi Fotakos, and Natalie Bianchi. Noting the many talented underclassmen on the squad, the tournament organizers proclaimed them “an immensely talented young core for Sanford.”

This year’s Governor’s Challenge tournament welcomed more than 100 teams from across the region. It takes its name from a friendly bet on its outcome by then-governor of Maryland Martin O’Malley and current Governor Jack Markell of Delaware. If Maryland won, it would claim a Peach Pie from Delaware; if the reverse, Delaware would receive a Smith Island Cake from Maryland. The tournament was partly sponsored by DMVelite, which hosts football and basketball showcase events from across the region.

Congrats to Girls Basketball on their fantastic performance!