The (22-2) Stateswomen, who entered this weekend's final four as the top-ranked team in the state, becomes the first Section 9 girls team to capture a state basketball crown since John S. Burke Catholic won the Class C title in 1997, and the area's first Class D winner since Eldred won the title in 1988. Coleman's crown Sunday gives Section 9 girls squads 10 state titles since the tournament started in 1981.

Coleman advanced to its second straight Class D championship game with a dominant 50-35 triumph over two-time defending state titlist Hammond, who had defeated the Stateswomen 47-38 in last year's final, on Saturday.

Coleman Catholic also holds the distinction of being the alma mater of Rock Basketball® founder/inventor John Stote III (a former Coleman Catholic Basketball standout). Plus, the Coleman Catholic Men's Basketball squad was once coached by current Rock Basketball® National Sales Manager, Les Lombardi.