The Dual Dynasty: Unpacking West Catholic Girls Basketball's 2024-2025 Triumphs And Coaching Changes In Two States
The name "West Catholic Girls Basketball" rings with authority, but the true story is a fascinating tale of two powerhouse programs separated by state lines. As of December 23, 2025, the narrative is defined by a recent, thrilling MHSAA championship run in Michigan and a significant coaching change in Pennsylvania, making it a pivotal moment for both institutions. This comprehensive analysis dives deep into the 2024-2025 season, spotlighting the teams, the key players, and the strategic shifts that are setting the stage for future success for both the West Catholic Falcons in Grand Rapids and the West Catholic Prep Lady Burrs in Philadelphia.
The success of the West Catholic moniker on the hardwood is a testament to strong athletic programs and dedicated coaching, though the specific achievements of each school—Grand Rapids West Catholic High School (MI) and West Catholic Preparatory High School (PA)—often get conflated. Both have secured major titles and continue to be dominant forces in their respective regions, providing a wealth of fresh, unique content for fans and analysts alike.
Grand Rapids West Catholic Falcons: The 2024-2025 MHSAA Division 2 Finals Run
The 2024-2025 season was a historic campaign for the Grand Rapids West Catholic Falcons, culminating in a dramatic run to the Michigan High School Athletic Association (MHSAA) Division 2 Championship game. This journey showcased the team's resilience, depth, and ability to perform under high-pressure tournament circumstances, solidifying their status as one of Michigan's elite programs.
The Road to the Breslin Center
The Falcons navigated a challenging schedule, demonstrating consistent performance that peaked during the postseason. A major highlight was their hard-fought victory in the District Championship against perennial rivals Grand Rapids Catholic Central, a win that propelled them deeper into the state tournament bracket.
The team's ability to overcome adversity was perhaps best exemplified by a critical regional game where they rallied from a double-digit deficit, proving their mental toughness and championship pedigree. Their impressive tournament performance earned them a spot at the prestigious Breslin Center for the Division 2 Final. The season ultimately concluded with a hard-fought loss in the title game against Tecumseh, but the achievement of reaching the state final was a significant milestone for the program and its dedicated fanbase.
Key Players and Roster Entities (2024-2025)
The Falcons' success was built on a balanced roster featuring a mix of veteran leadership and promising young talent. The core of the 2024-2025 team included several high-impact players who carried the scoring and defensive loads:
- Elisha Dykstra: A senior guard (G) who provided veteran experience and scoring punch.
- Anna Ignatoski: Another senior guard (G), crucial for ball-handling and backcourt stability.
- Taylor Lyon: A junior guard (G) who is expected to take on a larger leadership role in the upcoming seasons.
- Katelyn Adams: A junior guard (G) who contributed significantly to the team's depth and playmaking.
- Kenley Slanger: A freshman guard (G) whose debut season showed immense promise for the future of the program.
These entities, along with players like Isabella Perez, Charli Tuttle, and Elizabeth Richmond, formed the nucleus of a team that became a focal point of Michigan high school basketball.
West Catholic Prep Lady Burrs: A New Era Under Coach Monique Boykins
In Philadelphia, the West Catholic Preparatory High School (WCP) girls’ basketball program, known as the Lady Burrs, is undergoing a major transition with the appointment of a new Head Coach. The school recently announced the hiring of Monique Boykins to lead the program, signaling a fresh start and a commitment to building on the team's recent successes.
Monique Boykins: A Profile in Leadership
Monique Boykins steps into the role with a strong coaching pedigree. Her experience includes successfully guiding the Cheltenham program during the 2024–2025 season, where she demonstrated her ability to develop talent and implement effective strategies. Her arrival at West Catholic Prep is viewed as a strategic move to maintain the program's competitive edge within the challenging Philadelphia Catholic League (PCL) and across the state of Pennsylvania. Boykins inherits a program that has historically been a model of success, and her mission is to elevate the Lady Burrs to the next level.
The PIAA State Championship Legacy
The Philadelphia program holds a significant place in Pennsylvania basketball history. The Lady Burrs captured their first-ever state title in program history by winning the PIAA 3A State Championship. This monumental achievement was fueled by a legendary performance from senior Ciani Montgomery, who dropped a career-high 34 points in the 67-56 victory. This championship run cemented the Lady Burrs' status as a formidable force and set a high standard for the incoming coaching staff.
The program's history is rich with titles, including Catholic League Championships (1970, 1977, 1998, 2020) and City/District 12 Championships (2015, 2016, 2017, 2020), demonstrating a long-standing tradition of excellence that Coach Boykins is now tasked with upholding and expanding.
Topical Authority and Future Outlook for Both Programs
The simultaneous success and significant changes at both West Catholic schools create a compelling narrative for high school basketball enthusiasts. The term "West Catholic" now represents dual-state excellence, with each program contributing to the overall topical authority of the name in girls' basketball.
Michigan's Next Chapter: The Falcons' Rebuild
For Grand Rapids West Catholic, the focus shifts to the future following the graduation of key seniors like Elisha Dykstra and Anna Ignatoski. The 2025-2026 season will rely heavily on the continued development of juniors like Taylor Lyon and Katelyn Adams, who gained invaluable experience during the deep MHSAA tournament run. The Falcons' consistent participation in the MHSAA playoffs, including multiple District Championships, suggests that the program is structurally sound and poised for continued success in Division 2.
Pennsylvania's New Vision: The Lady Burrs' Path
Under new leadership, West Catholic Prep is expected to maintain its aggressive, winning culture. Coach Monique Boykins' immediate goals will involve integrating her system and philosophy while competing in the fierce Philadelphia Catholic League, a proving ground for elite talent. The Lady Burrs' history as PIAA 3A State Champions provides a powerful recruiting tool and a benchmark for the team's performance. The transition period will be closely watched by fans eager to see if the new coach can guide the Lady Burrs to another state title.
The continued rivalry games, the pressure of the Catholic League tournaments, and the pursuit of further state titles will keep both West Catholic programs in the national high school basketball spotlight for the 2025-2026 season and beyond. Fans can follow the latest scores, highlights, and roster updates via platforms like MaxPreps and Hudl, ensuring they stay current with the latest developments from these two storied programs.
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