Senior Night is always about more than basketball.

Yes, the scoreboard matters. The season matters. The standings matter. But nights like Friday are really about something deeper: recognition, gratitude, and the rare privilege of watching a group of young athletes become something larger than a roster.

The Lady Dons did all of that, and then some.

In a gym filled with appreciation for seniors Lexi Le, Cameron Thornton, and Sofia Fernandez, the game itself turned into a fitting celebration. Stars emerged, shots fell, the bench erupted, and perhaps most telling of all, nearly everyone found the scoring column. This wasn’t just a win. It was a showcase of a program coming into its full identity at exactly the right time.

The headline performance belonged to Cameron Thornton, who delivered an inspired Senior Night masterpiece, leading the way with 19 points. But what made Thornton’s night so special wasn’t just the scoring—it was the way she played for everyone else. She handed out six assists, constantly looking to involve her teammates, turning the game into a shared experience rather than a solo spotlight. Add in eight rebounds, and it was another complete, relentless all-around performance from one of the team’s emotional anchors.

Right alongside her was fellow senior Sofia Fernandez, pouring in 15 points of her own while continuing to provide the steady heartbeat of the group. Sofia added four rebounds, doing the kind of connective work that often defines winning basketball more than any single shot.

And of course, no Senior Night story is complete without Lexi Le, who finished with 13 points and orchestrated the offense with the poise of a true senior leader. Lexi dished out seven assists, repeatedly choosing the right play over the easy play, making sure her teammates were fed and confident. She also pulled down five rebounds, continuing her habit of impacting the game in every phase.

What stood out most was how intentional the Dons were about playing together. In total, the team racked up 23 assists, with 10 more coming from the rest of the lineup beyond the seniors. On a night when the seniors could have made it all about them, they unselfishly made it about the team. 

The underclassmen made sure the future was on full display as well.

Freshman Millie Jones continues to shine, adding nine points with the poise and confidence that have defined her breakout season. Each game, she looks a little more comfortable, a little more dangerous, and a little more essential.

Then came one of the loudest moments of the night: sophomore Morgan Soo Hoo drilling three three-pointers, sending the bench into a frenzy and the gym into full celebration. Few things capture the spirit of a team like that—five players on the court, fifteen rising on the sideline, everyone sharing the same joy.

The rebounding effort told its own story, too. Junior Aria Falahati chipped in four boards, while freshman Leah O’Neill continues to make her presence felt inside, grabbing five rebounds in the first half alone, battling with growing confidence and physicality.

And defensively, the Dons were relentless.

This was another stellar outing on that end of the floor, as the team combined for 17 steals and nine deflections, turning defense into fuel and making every possession uncomfortable for their opponent. Passing lanes vanished. Dribbles felt rushed. The Dons imposed their will collectively.

But the most compelling part of the night wasn’t the stat sheet.

It was the investment.

Every basket was met with cheers. Every rebound drew applause. Every steal felt communal. The Lady Dons played fully connected, fully present, and fully committed to one another. Senior Night didn’t just honor three players. It revealed what they’ve helped build: a culture where success is shared, effort is celebrated, and every teammate matters.

Friday was a reminder of what this season has become.

A team with leaders worth honoring.

A team with young stars rising fast.

And a team, above all, that plays for each other.