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North Shore Country Day’s girls varsity basketball team made history February 26, capturing the program’s first-ever IHSA Class 1A Sectional Finals championship with a 47–33 win over Rochelle Zell at Fenger High School in Chicago.

The title came just two days after the Raiders secured the first sectional victory in school history, defeating Unity Christian 52–27 in the sectional semifinals.

“I think our intensity on defense made the difference,” said Head Coach Brendan Kolton ’01. “We finished the second quarter on a big run, and I felt like we really took advantage of our speed. We were able to use our defense to create transition and fast-break opportunities.”

For senior Reese Meyers ’26, the final minutes were a mix of focus and disbelief.

“In the final moments, I honestly wanted to do what I could to secure our win,” Reese said. “We were ahead, but Rochelle Zell is a talented three-point shooting team, so they could put us in a tough position. Once we got to the last two or so minutes, I was in a state of disbelief and happiness. Our team has worked very hard, and I was simply shocked to be minutes away from winning it.”

Brendan said he saw a turning point in the final stretch of the regular season.

“I noticed a shift in their mentality toward the final third of the season,” he said. “They started playing with much more focus and really turned up the intensity in practices and games. They came together and were very determined as a group to compete and win.”

Assistant coach and physical education department head Katia Adams described the team’s recent growth as both tactical and mental.

“Our mindset has been different these last few games, especially in sectionals,” Katia said. “The way we show up, how we communicate, how much more vocal we are in huddles — it’s all elevated. Different players have stepped up, and they’ve really learned how to play off one another and move as a unit. They’re trusting the process and steadily increasing their basketball IQ to be ready for each next game. To witness that hunger is inspiring. They’re not just talking about it — they’re showing it in their actions.”

Katia calls this group “the standard setters.”

“They’re showing our community the standard for how we play — the discipline, the focus, the level of preparation,” she said. “They’re setting the tone for the classes that follow, for how we view this program, how far we believe we can go, and the work ethic it takes. And they’re proving you can have fun and win at the same time.”

For Reese, the historic nature of the win is still sinking in.

“I never expected to win a sectional title this year,” she said. “I am so grateful for my coaches, teammates, and community for their contributions. Without the guidance, effort and support from each, respectively, it would not have been possible.”

For Brendan, as an alum, the moment carries personal significance.

“I feel so proud of our players and our school,” he said. “It means a lot to bring this to my alma mater — it’s something everyone can be proud of. This group has really put the girls program on the map and elevated it to a different level. You grow up dreaming of playing in and winning games like this, but for me to experience it as a coach is very special.”

The journey isn’t over. The Raiders face Rockford Christian tonight at 6 p.m. at Dundee-Crown High School in the Super Sectional round. The athletics department is organizing a fan bus to bring a student cheering section, aiming to fill the stands with purple and white as Raider Nation looks to continue its historic run.

“I’m most excited for the chance to compete,” Reese said. “It’s my last season, and I’m excited to play with my team and enjoy the moment as much as possible.”