Schroeder embraces 'underdog' mantra: Section V teams in latest girls basketball rankings

Through two sectional games thus far, defending state champion Webster Schroeder remains the gatekeeper in Class AA.

While the Warriors have endured some ups and downs -- from losing star Mariah Watkins to injury before the season, to losing two of three to end the regular season -- Schroeder looks equipped as any to claim Section V's crown.

Schroeder looked as impressive as ever in last week's quarterfinals, dispatching fourth-seeded Canandaigua 50-23.

The Warriors scored 15 points in the first half of that game. Schroeder then scored 15 points in the first three minutes of the second half, in an eventual rout.

"At halftime we talked about coming out with aggressiveness and energy, and luckily we bought into that," said Bria Watkins, who finished with 26 points. "We played together as a team and our shots were falling, which was good."

Webster has its work cut out in the section semifinals against top-seeded Victor. The Blue Devils won both of the teams' meetings during the regular season, each by one point.

That includes a thriller back on Jan. 26, when Hope Stone's layup in the waning seconds decided the game.

"Victor is tough and they have athletes," Schroeder coach Codi Mrozek said. "(Rhylin Fehrenbach) is a fantastic player, and you know it's gonna be a battle. That's gonna be a war for four full quarters, and we're ready for it. We're excited because we're a little bit of the underdog going into this game so it gives us a little bit of a different feel, but we're ready."

Webster Schroeder-Victor is one half of what remains in an enticing Class AA bracket, as No. 2 Hilton will face No. 6 Bishop Kearney in the other semifinal.

Whoever emerges to Saturday's championship at Finger Lakes Community College will certainly be battle-tested.

"I think we all know that it's win or go home, and if we don't bring our best that day we could be sitting at home," Watkins said. "We come out with 100% energy to come out with a win."

Section V girls basketball teams in NYS top 25 rankings for Feb. 27

Class AAA

• N/A

Class AA

• No. 4: Victor (20-1)

• No. 5: Hilton (18-4)

• No. 11: Webster Schroeder (15-7)

• No. 12: Bishop Kearney (17-5)

• No. 22: Canandaigua (15-5)

Class A

• No. 5: Aquinas (17-5)

• No. 7: Palmyra-Macedon (20-2)

• No. 10: Pittsford Sutherland (17-4)

• No. 16: Newark (17-5)

Class B

• No. 5: Hornell (19-3)

• No. 8: Dansville (18-3)

• No. 13: Mynderse (17-5)

• No. 18: Wellsville (16-6)

Class C

• No. 8: Keshequa (20-2)

• No. 11: Gananda (19-3)

• No. 12: Bloomfield (20-2)

• No. 13: Lyons (15-7)

• No. 15: Dundee/Bradford (20-1)

• No. 16: York (16-6)

• No. 19: Caledonia-Mumford (16-6)

• No. 20: East Rochester (16-6)

Class D

• No. 12: Elba (18-4)

• No. 14: Charles G Finney (19-2)

• No. 18: Avoca-Prattsburgh (19-3)

This article originally appeared on MPNnow: Section V girls basketball teams in NYS rankings: The list for Feb. 27