The Marlboro girls basketball team pulled off a stunning upset in the Section 9 Class A championship game, defeating top-seeded Beacon 57-44 at Mount Saint Mary College.

The No. 4 Dukes (13-9) never trailed, relying on a relentless perimeter defense and efficient finishing inside to overcome Beacon’s height advantage. Sophomore Nalyah Campbell led all scorers with 18 points, adding four steals and a block. Senior Gabriella Murphy scored 14 of her 16 points in the second half, stepping up when it mattered most.

From the opening tip, the energy in the gym was electric, with both student sections making their presence felt.

Marlboro’s defensive intensity, led by Campbell and Lily Sullivan, was key early on. The Dukes forced several jump balls and held Beacon to just eight first-quarter points, taking a two-point lead. Sullivan attacked the heart of the defense, finishing a tough layup, while Campbell’s buzzer-beating basket through two defenders signaled Marlboro’s fearless approach.

“Heart over height” was on full display, as Murphy anchored the Dukes’ defense, battling for rebounds to deny second-chance opportunities for the Bulldogs.

Marlboro’s defensive pressure continued into the second quarter, forcing multiple travel violations. The Dukes struggled at times on the boards but made up for it with quickness on the perimeter.

Campbell spearheaded an 8-0 run, slicing through the Beacon defense. Meanwhile, the Bulldogs, despite their rebounding advantage, struggled to convert inside against Marlboro’s 3-2 zone. The Dukes’ aggressive drives forced Beacon into foul trouble, and they carried a 12-point lead into halftime.

“Without our coach, we wouldn’t be here, and him pushing us to our fullest potential got us the win,” Campbell said, crediting head coach Matt Murphy for preparing the team for high-pressure situations.

Foul trouble became a concern for Marlboro early in the third, as Campbell picked up her third within the first minute. Beacon knocked down two 3-pointers but continued to send the Dukes to the free-throw line instead of getting critical stops. The Bulldogs cut the lead to 10 after securing three straight offensive rebounds, but Marlboro’s renewed commitment to boxing out helped keep them at bay. Entering the fourth, the Dukes led 41-29.

As the clock wound down, Beacon ramped up its defensive pressure, looking for steals to extend its season. However, Marlboro remained poised.

“Honestly, composure is the biggest thing,” Murphy said. “If we rush and turn it over, it can become a very quick and close game. So, it was amazing for us to be able to keep our composure, get to the foul line and make shots.”

Murphy played the role of closer, scoring back-to-back layups and sinking clutch free throws to hold off Beacon’s comeback attempt. As the final seconds ticked away, the Marlboro student section erupted in celebration.

“They are a well-coached, great team, super athletic. I’ve got to tip my hat off to them,” Coach Murphy said of Beacon. “Our whole game plan was to slow them down. The girls executed pretty well, and we got the result we wanted. We’ve been here before, which I think really helped the girls.”

For Gabby Murphy, the win was extra special.

“It feels amazing. Last year we lost, we knew the feeling of losing and didn’t want it to happen again. It feels great to finally win it,” she said, sharing the moment with her father, who is also her coach.

Marlboro avenged last year’s championship loss to Red Hook with the statement win over the 15-5 Bulldogs. The Dukes were scheduled to face Section 1 champion Ardsley in a subregional game Tuesday at Yorktown High School. The winner of that game will advance in state tournament play.