2024 North 1 Group 1 State Sectional Basketball Champions
Park Ridge High School
PARK RIDGE − History surrounded the Park Ridge girls basketball team on Saturday afternoon.
Not only did junior Allie Shenloogian score 26 points and become the program’s all-time leading scorer, but the Owls shut down a powerful Mountain Lakes team, 43-28, to win the first North 1, Group 1 sectional title in program history.
“This moment feels amazing,” Shenloogian said. “We didn’t get the outcome last season that we wanted and we just put our hearts into training during the offseason for this moment and it came out good.”
Shenloogian scored 13 points in each half for Park Ridge with her final basket giving her 1,666 career points. Park Ridge took a timeout with just over two minutes left and holding on to a 13-point lead in order to acknowledge the accomplishment.
“I knew I was close, but I didn’t know I hit the mark until coach called the timeout and they said it,” Shenloogian said. “I’ve put a lot of work into my game to try and do whatever I can for this team. Being the all-time leading scorer for this program is such an honor.”
The Owls frustrated the Lakers offensively, holding a Mountain Lakes team that had averaged more than 50 points per game in the state tournament to just 13 first half points. Senior Abigail McManus had a double-double with 10 rebounds and a team-leading 22 steals. After the game, McManus was among the Owls that were emotional following the historic team win.
“We poured so much blood, sweat and tears into this season,” McManus said. “We knew if we worked hard enough, we would make it this far. Winning it all means so much to me and to this program and I’m just so happy.”
Head coach Ryan Dennis was also fighting back tears after the game. Since taking over the program in the 2015-16 season, Dennis has enjoyed multiple league titles and seen the Owls reach a couple of sectional finals. He said Saturday’s victory meant a lot for the program and the alumni that helped pave the way for current generation.
“When I took over, we had eight wins my first season,” Dennis said. “That team was the building blocks that got us to this moment and I know that they’re smiling right now knowing the role they played in getting us here.”
The celebration continued for a while as Owls players and staff were invited to cut down the nets after the victory. After the team’s seniors, Shenloogian was among the first players able to cut a piece off the net and ended up with a piece of the net where her history-making points went through.
“I think she’s one of the best players in the county,” Dennis said. “Her game continues to develop and she does it on both sides of the court. I’m lucky to coach her and I’m grateful that she was here to help finish the job and get this championship.”
The gym at Park Ridge High School is filled floor to ceiling with championship banners, including one wall dedicated to sectional championships. With girls basketball breaking through for their first, the Owls will need to do some redecorating to make room for yet another banner.
“I don’t think I get a say in where it goes,” Dennis laughed. “I’m just happy that we get a banner. Wherever it goes, it will be my favorite banner in this gym because it will remind me of what this team has meant and how much this community has supported this team.”
