BOSTON — The dream season for Andover girls basketball will now culminate with the Golden Warriors playing for a Division 1 state title.
"This is the greatest feeling ever," said Andover star sophomore Nicole Boudreau. "This was our ultimate goal. This has been my dream since I was a little girl watching Andover play. And now we have our chance."
First, on Friday, the Golden Warriors needed overtime to knock off archrival Central Catholic 69-65 for the Division 1 North title led by 25 points each for Boudreau and Natalie Gomez-Martinez.
Then, on Tuesday, the Golden Warriors defeated upset-minded Mansfield 60-52 in the Division 1 semifinal to earn a berth in the state title game. This time they were led by freshman Devon Caveney (19 points).
Both victories came at the TD Garden, home of the Boston Celtics.
"I feel so lucky to be a part of this team and have the opportunity to have this experience," said Caveney. "We were so ready and so excited. It's unbelievable."
Andover advances to the Division 1 title game on Saturday at the DCU Center in Worcester at 5:45 p.m. The Warriors will face the winner of Wednesday's matchup between West champ East Longmeadow and South champ Shepherd Hill, which was played after deadline.
"We are in the finals and that is our goal," said Andover head coach Jim Tildsley. "Hopefully we'll play our best game of the season in the tournament."
Andover last made a Division 1 title game in the 2007-08 season when the Golden Warriors fell to Northampton in the title game.
"This is a dream come true," said senior co-captain Alex Alois. "This is what we wanted and now we have the chance to do it."
