Shamrocks Cap Historic Run with State Runner-Up Finish

Portland Saint Patrick (23-6) capped off a historic season as state runners-up.

The Shamrocks began their run by defeating Fulton in the pre-district round, 38-24. The game was a defensive battle, with freshman Macie Leonard delivering an outstanding performance, leading the team on both ends of the floor.

In the district final, the Shamrocks got their revenge, defeating the Fowler Eagles 48-29. Junior PG Gracelyn Rockey led the way with 20 points, while Macie Smith added 8.

Despite suffering a knee injury early in the season, senior Mattie Honsowitz stepped into a coaching-type role, helping fuel the team’s run all the way to the Breslin Center.

As the Shamrocks continued to roll, they faced Climax-Scotts (17-6), a team that couldn’t slow them down in any aspect. Portland Saint Patrick made it look easy, cruising to a 41-20 victory. Rockey once again led the way with 23 points and 10 rebounds.

Although St. Patrick hadn’t faced a close game up to that point, they knew their next opponent, Muskegon Catholic Central (16-5), would present a challenge. MCC knocked down tough shots and created problems defensively, but head coach Michelle Smith made key adjustments, leading the Shamrocks to a 53-40 win and a trip to the quarterfinals, where they met a strong Concord team that had eliminated them the previous year.

The game plan remained the same. Play a strong 2-3 zone and force tough shots. However, Concord had other ideas. The Yellowjackets took advantage of the lack of a shot clock, stalling for long stretches each possession. Once again, Coach Smith made timely adjustments, and the Shamrock defense responded with key stops down the stretch to take the lead late. Even then, the game felt far from over, as Concord applied full court pressure and forced turnovers, but couldn’t capitalize. Portland Saint Patrick held on for a 29-21 win, claiming revenge and punching their ticket to the Breslin Center.

While the Shamrocks were thrilled to reach Breslin, they weren’t satisfied. They dominated in their semifinal matchup against Onekama, winning 49-26. Freshman Macie Leonard led the team with 18 points, while Gracelyn Rockey added 17, clinching the program’s first state championship appearance since 2006.

In the state final, the Shamrocks faced a tough Ishpeming squad and struggled to find their offensive rhythm, ultimately falling 48-28. Despite the loss, Portland Saint Patrick competed with the same grit and toughness that defined their season. Senior’s Lily Sandborn and Mattie Honsowitz set the standard for the program all year, providing leadership, toughness, and a culture that powered this historic run. Although the season ended just short of a title, the Shamrocks established themselves as one of the top teams in the state and laid a strong foundation for the future.

Postgame Interview - Head Coach Michelle Smith

Q: “Looking back on this postseason run, what are you most proud of in the way your team grew and handled pressure in big moments?”

Coach Smith: “Looking back on this postseason run, I’m most proud of the way this group truly came together as a team. The leadership from our two seniors, Lily Sandborn and Mattie Honsowitz, set the tone every step of the way and helped guide us through the biggest moments. What stands out the most is how they continued to find joy in the game, even under pressure. This team played with fire and passion when it mattered most, and that’s something I’ll always be proud of.”

Q: What lessons from this playoff experience do you think will have the biggest impact on the program moving forward into next season?

Coach Smith: “One of the biggest lessons from this playoff run is the power of community and what it means to be part of something bigger than ourselves. The way the SPS community rallied behind this team was truly special—playing in front of those large, energetic crowds and feeling that support every step of the way is something our players and I will never forget. It gave them confidence, lifted them in tough moments, and showed them what’s possible when everyone is united. I also think this experience has hopefully inspired the next generation of SPS girls basketball players.”

“My hope is younger players were watching, feeling that excitement, and imagining themselves in those same moments. I hope it is inspiring the next generation to believe they can be there too—that they can compete, succeed, and experience that same sense of pride and connection. That belief, combined with the memories and lessons from this run, will carry forward and I hope will continue to shape the future of our program.”

Photos by Lindsey Cook.