Cara Dean Leads South Hadley to WMass Class B Final Win Over Frontier

Bassyonni

Published: February 14, 2026 4:43 AM ET

Cara Dean Leads South Hadley to WMass Class B Final Win Over Frontier

The South Hadley girls basketball team continued its impressive playoff run, defeating Frontier 62-60 in a thrilling Class B semifinal match on Friday night. This victory brings the Tigers into the Western Massachusetts finals for the third consecutive year.

Cara Dean Shines in Semifinal Victory

Junior guard Cara Dean was pivotal in South Hadley’s victory, scoring a total of 22 points, with 11 points coming in the crucial fourth quarter. Her ability to score under pressure included a pair of three-pointers and key layups. Dean’s late-game performance helped the Tigers maintain their lead over Frontier.

Game Overview

The match took place at Goodnow Gymnasium, where South Hadley faced a tough second-seeded Frontier team, which had previously beaten them during the regular season. The intensity of the game kept fans on the edge of their seats, as the teams were tied at 44-44 entering the final quarter.

Key Moments in the Game

South Hadley capitalized on second-chance points, keeping the game competitive.
Frontier led at halftime after Addie Harrington’s last-second three-pointer gave them a five-point edge.
In the third quarter, a strong 11-0 run from Frontier shifted momentum before South Hadley rallied back.
Cara Dean’s late-game layup and free throws sealed the Tigers’ victory.

Player Performances

In addition to Dean’s standout 22 points, other players contributed significantly to the win:

Kate Phillips added 14 points, crucial during the third quarter.
Olivia Athas scored 12 points.
Taylor Bullough registered 11 points.

For Frontier, Skyler Steele led her team with 22 points, followed closely by Harrington’s 20 points and Harper Modestow, who scored 12.

Upcoming Challenge for South Hadley

With this victory, South Hadley will advance to the Class B finals, where they will compete against top-seeded Pittsfield. This matchup marks the third consecutive finals meeting between the two teams, with Pittsfield having won last year and South Hadley taking the title the year before.

Cara Dean expressed confidence heading into the finals, stating, “We all know how Pittsfield plays and we know the stress and the pressure in a finals game.” This insight reflects the balance of experience and determination that South Hadley brings into their next challenge.

Frontier’s Season Ahead

While Frontier’s journey in the Western Massachusetts tournament has concluded, their overall season remains strong. With a record of 17-3, the Redhawks now shift their focus to the upcoming MIAA Div. IV state tournament.

This semifinal matchup showcased the competitive spirit of both teams and sets the stage for an exciting final for South Hadley, as they look to reclaim the championship title.