Marian Catholic girls’ basketball team staged a comeback to defeat Butler 46-42 in the sectional semifinals, securing a spot in the championship game.
According to reports, the Spartans (25-8, 7-5) entered the matchup on a three-game winning streak, while Butler (23-10, 8-0) came in with an eight-game streak of its own. Both teams battled for control, but Marian’s late-game surge proved decisive.
Butler led 24-21 at halftime with strong performances from junior guard Xyanna Walton, who scored 12 points, and freshman shooting guard Kerminicia Wellington, who added 10. “In the first half, we just came out with energy,” Wellington said.
Marian struggled early in the game. Junior guard Ty Jackson acknowledged that the team played at Butler’s pace. “They wanted to speed us up, and I feel like we got sped up,” she said. Trailing 37-35 entering the fourth quarter, the Spartans increased their defensive intensity. Senior Taylor Bolton led this effort, helping Marian secure the win.
“We knew the type of team we were,” Bolton said. “Once our defense turned up, nobody could beat us.” Despite Walton’s game-high 20 points, Butler couldn’t maintain their lead. Marian head coach Dan Murray praised his team’s resilience. “I’m super proud of the girls,” he said. “Now we go to Thursday.”