Competition. Noise. Tension. These are just a couple of the necessary ingredients for a good rivalry. For Westminster, that rival is MICDS.
“For some reason, MICDS just knows how to get under our skin. When playing against MICDS, there’s nothing more that I want to do than to beat them,” said Hannah Stipanovich, junior forward.
The rivalry for the girls began in 2010. MICDS was an established powerhouse, expecting to go undefeated throughout the year and win state. Westminster was rebuilding their program, with current coach Steve Stipanovich in his first year with the team. After beginning the year with a respectable 8-6 record, the girls traveled to MICDS to play the undefeated Rams. After a back and forth battle, Westminster won 47-41. This was the first meeting they had won between the schools since 2007. The humiliated Rams vowed revenge in districts. But the Cats stunned them again, defeating them in the finals and taking first place in districts. They were the only team to beat MICDS that whole year, as the Rams dominated every other team they played. By defeating the Rams twice as huge underdogs and ruining their perfect season, Westminster had made themselves an enemy.
The next season brought more success to the Cats. Westminster beat the Rams two more times at MICDS, before playing them in the momentous Coaches Vs. Cancer game. Held at the Scottrade Center, this was one of the biggest games of the year for both squads. Both MICDS and Westminster had no school that day for the 9AM start. There was also a lot of media attention for the charity event, fueling the adrenaline and hype going into the game. And once again, Westminster rose to the occasion, hammering MICDS for the third time that season.
Earlier this year, the Rams finally broke through, beating Westminster in the championship of their own Christmas Tournament 54-43. This broke their 5 game losing streak against the Cats throughout the past two years. MICDS used their small size and quickness to force 32 turnovers in the game, which turned out to be the deciding factor.
Finally, Westminster hosted their rivals in a showdown last Friday evening. MICDS came into Westminster with a lot of confidence, thinking they were going to roll over the Cats. But the girls were determined to not let history repeat itself. The game was a back and forth battle, with Westminster clinging to a 2 point lead after the half. They pulled the lead to five after the third quarter. And despite the Rams late push, the Wildcats held on for the win 58-56. Kayla Armstrong, junior, starred in the showdown with 20 points, including a terrific 8 for 8 from the freethrow line.
This rivalry has the ingredients for an epic. Both schools are consistently good, and always have competitive games against each other.
“[The Rams] are fighters. They want to win, and so do we. It’s a battle for 32 minutes with them,” said Brooke Cusumano, senior.
However, Westminster has recently dominated the series, winning 6 out of the last 7. This has been greatly in part to the play of stars Sadie Stipanovich and Kayla Armstrong.
“I think the rivalry will continue because the older kids on the team will continue to keep it alive.” said Kayla Armstrong.
Next time the girls will see MICDS is in districts, hopefully in the championship. The winner of that contest will not only win the season series, but move on for a chance to go to state.
