Winning isn't a fluke in Hermitage. If you’ve spent any time around the Pennsylvania high school hoops scene, you know that the golden and blue uniforms of Kennedy Catholic carry a certain weight. It’s a legacy. Honestly, it’s almost become routine to see them hoisting a trophy at the end of the winter, but that doesn't make the work behind it any less intense.
The Kennedy Catholic girls basketball program isn't just "good." They are currently a powerhouse that has essentially put a stranglehold on District 10. We’re talking about a team that recently secured its 15th straight District 10 title. That is not a typo. Fifteen.
The Current State of Kennedy Catholic Girls Basketball
Right now, the team is operating at a level that most programs only dream of. In the 2024-25 season, they finished with a 20-6 record, but it was their dominance in the conference that really told the story. They went 14-0 in District 10 Region 1. Basically, if you were a local opponent, you were playing for second place.
As of early 2026, the momentum hasn't slowed. The Lady Golden Eagles recently moved to a 9-1 start for the 2025-26 campaign. They are currently ranked among the top teams in Pennsylvania for Division AA, and for good reason. They aren't just winning; they're dismantling teams. A 58-34 win over Lakeview to secure that 31st overall district title in school history is just one example of how they handle high-pressure games.
Who is leading the charge?
You can’t talk about this team without mentioning Layke Fields. She’s been a force of nature. In the district championship game against Lakeview, she dropped 29 points. She’s the kind of player who changes the geometry of the court because defenses have to collapse so hard just to keep her away from the rim.
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Then you’ve got Tori Harvey, who has been a consistent secondary scoring threat and a defensive pest. The roster for the 2025-26 season features a mix of veteran leadership and young talent that seems to have bought into Head Coach Justin Magestro’s system completely.
Magestro has been at the helm for several years now, and his track record is, frankly, ridiculous. Since he took over, the win counts have stayed high—25 wins in 2023-24, 26 wins the year before that. He’s fostered an environment where the "Kennedy way" is passed down from the seniors to the freshmen before the first practice even starts.
The Two "Kennedy Catholcs" (Don't Get Them Mixed Up)
Here is something that trips up people on Google all the time: there are two major Kennedy Catholic schools with high-profile girls basketball teams.
- Kennedy Catholic (Hermitage, PA): These are the Golden Eagles (or Lady Golden Eagles). They play in PIAA District 10. They are the ones with the massive state title pedigree and the 15-year district win streak.
- Kennedy Catholic (Burien, WA): These are the Lancers. They play in the North Puget Sound League (NPSL) in Washington state.
While the Washington school is also very competitive—led by coach Michael Brooks and players like Jayden Fitzgerald, who has been averaging double figures—the "dynasty" talk usually refers to the Pennsylvania squad. The Burien team is currently 7-3 and fighting hard in the 4A classification, but they are a completely different animal than the Hermitage group.
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Why Kennedy Catholic Still Matters in the PIAA
Some people argue that private schools have an unfair advantage in high school sports. You’ve probably heard the chatter in the bleachers. But even if you set aside the "recruiting" debates, you have to look at the player development.
The Lady Golden Eagles won back-to-back PIAA State Championships in 2023 and 2024. They aren't just beating local schools; they are going to Hershey and taking down the best in the state.
The Numbers That Matter
- 31: Total District 10 titles in program history.
- 15: Consecutive years winning the District 10 championship.
- 2023 & 2024: Years they captured the PIAA State Title.
- 29: Points scored by star Layke Fields in the 2025 District final.
Honestly, the consistency is what’s scary. Most high schools have a "window" where they have a great group of seniors and then they fall off for five years. Kennedy Catholic doesn't do "rebuilding years." They do "reloading years."
What Really Happened in the 2025 Playoffs?
Last season ended with a bit of a heartbreaker for the PA squad. After dominating the district, they ran into a very tough Bishop McCort team in the state tournament and lost a close one, 47-43. It was a rare moment where their offense stalled at the wrong time.
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But if you think that loss dampened the program, you haven't been watching. The 2025-26 roster looks even more focused. They’ve added pieces like Eternity Moss and Sarah Bale who are stepping into bigger roles. They’ve already avenged some of last year’s closer games with blowout wins early this season.
How to Follow the Lady Golden Eagles
If you're trying to catch a game or keep up with the stats, here’s the best way to do it without getting lost in the sea of high school sports websites:
- MaxPreps: Best for raw stats and the most updated rosters. Search specifically for "Kennedy Catholic Hermitage PA."
- Hudl: This is where you’ll find the highlights. If you want to see Layke Fields’ post moves or the team’s defensive rotations, this is the spot.
- Local News (WFMJ/WKBN): Since this is a small-town powerhouse with a national reputation, local Youngstown/Erie news stations cover them like they’re a college team.
Actionable Insights for Fans and Players
If you're a young player looking at Kennedy Catholic as the gold standard, or a fan trying to understand the hype, here is what you need to take away:
- Defense is the Identity: Every championship run they've had was built on a press that makes opponents panic. If you can’t handle the ball under pressure, you won't beat them.
- Consistency Over Talent: They have talent, sure. But their practice habits are what win them games in February and March.
- Watch the Schedule: Their non-region schedule is usually brutal. They intentionally play bigger 6A schools to toughen up for the 2A state playoffs. If they lose a game in December, don't count them out—it’s usually a calculated risk by Magestro.
The reality is that Kennedy Catholic girls basketball has moved past being just a "good team." They are a culture. Whether you love them or hate seeing them win every year, you have to respect the machine they've built in Hermitage.
Keep an eye on the PIAA 2A bracket this March. Odds are, the Lady Golden Eagles will be right there in the mix, looking for state title number three in four years. It’s just what they do.