The Lady Hawks (12-1, 18-1) host Baldwin (7-6, 12-8) Thursday night, and the contest is more than a very important section game for both teams, it is also Senior Night.

The Hawks will honor seniors Maddie Dziezgowski, Lauren Mullen, Juliana Carbone, and Mallory Locke.

Star senior guard/forward Maddie Dziezgowski has had a remarkable career in the black and orange. She recently scored her 1,000th career point, has signed to play at D1 St. Bonaventure, and is an All-WPIAL selection; but, she says her favorite basketball memory was when she donned the purple and white at St. Thomas More.

“In 8th grade (at St. Thomas More), I had a steal and a buzzer-beater layup in 4 OT to get us to the diocesan championship.”

Her team went onto beat St. Gabe’s in the championship.

“Diz” stressed how much her teammates and coaches mean to her.

“I’m sad that it’s the last time that we’ll play on our home court, but I’m excited for the playoffs!”

On the other hand, Lauren Mullen and Juliana Carbone’s favorite basketball memory is something the girls often did off the court.

“[We] loved all the dance parties we had with each other.”

Last time the Lady Hawks squared off against the Highlanders, Lauren Mullen had a steal and layup to win the game.

Fellow Senior Mallory Locke said, “Her game-winner was epic. She really pulled through when we needed her and she got the job done for us.”

While the girls high school careers are coming to an end, they said they will always remember the memories they made playing youth basketball for Coaches Westphal, Morgan, and Pollice. They won four straight championships and are hoping that success carries over to the postseason.

“Our chemistry together allowed us to be so successful in those four years and us playing together for so long. We learned how to play the game so well together and that is what helps us be so successful our senior year,” said Mallory Locke.

The girls are excited for the postseason to start but also will be sad to see the regular season come to an end, especially for their last home game.

Mullen said, “It’s sad and it came a lot faster than I expected, but I’m excited to play on our floor one last time with my best friends.”

The Lady Hawks sit on top of Section 2’s standings tied with Mount Lebanon. The Baldwin Highlanders have clinched a playoff spot with a recent win over Hempfield, so the game Thursday night is supposed to be a good one!

Come out and support the senior girls and all the memories they have made over the years as section play comes to an end! Tip-off is 7:30 p.m. at the Palace.