The best thing that could have happened to DeLaSalle -- and the worst thing for the rest of the Class 3A field -- was the resounding slap the Islanders received in the days leading up to the tournament.
It wasn't a literal slap: But the Islanders were keenly aware that they had been seeded third despite winning the 2011 state championship and being ranked No. 1 in the Associated Press polls.
After their 65-45 dismantling of top-seeded Richfield in Saturday's Class 3A championship game, it was obvious that DeLaSalle was not only very good but also very focused.
"It was motivation for us throughout the tournament," said guard Allina Starr, the Islanders' floor general. "We've been there before, so we have confidence in ourselves. I knew we would win if we just played together like we have all season."
The Islanders made their intent clear in the opening minute when Starr sank back-to-back three-pointers for a 6-0 lead.
But Richfield (27-5), making its first state tournament appearance, showed why it earned the top seed, battling back with a tight zone defense and strong interior play from senior center Bryann Guyton to take its only lead of the game, 12-10.
Bright spots were few and far between for the Spartans after that, however. DeLaSalle went on an 11-2 run, capped by three-pointers from Starr and freshman Taylor Toney, and not long after Richfield's heart, junior guard Jessica January, was relegated to the bench with three fouls.
"We wanted to wear her out," DeLaSalle coach Faith Johnson Patterson said. "She's a track star and unbelievable athlete. She does so much for them. We didn't want her to have the energy she needed."
