Congratulations to the Afton Crimson Knights on a memorable 2025-26 season with accomplishing many milestones, including fielding a varsity team in the first time in four years, finishing with a total of nine wins, the most for the program in 12 years, and reaching the Sectional tournament for the first time in seven years under first year head coach Adam Rupakus. (Submitted photo)

SOUTH KORTRIGHT—The Afton girls basketball season ended on Tuesday as the Knights fell to defending Section IV, Class D champions South Kortright/Andes 51-37 in the first round of sectionals.

Rylee Rupakus led the Knights with 14 points and four steals. Appalonia Bushaw added 11 points, 4 steals, and a monstrous block. McKenna Ross had 5 points and 1 block. Megan Racine had 4 points, 10 rebounds, and 6 steals. Ariana Florance had 4 steals.

First year head coach Adam Rupakus added that the 2025-2026 season was the first time Afton fielded a varsity team in four years.

“The team had no players who had ever played at the varsity level, making it one of if not the most inexperienced teams in the area. It took the girls one game to get their first win. The team went on to reach many milestones for the program: finishing with a total of nine wins, the most for the program in 12 years. The girls also reached the sectional tournament, something that had not been done in seven years.”

Coach Adam Rupakus would also like to congratulate the three seniors - Misty Bushaw, Jordan Phillips, and Sam Sperry, who all served as team captains.

Appalonia Bushaw, Ariana Florance, and Abbey Paoletti set the tone for the team on defense, frequently tasked with slowing down the other team’s best player(s).

Misty Bushaw, Abbey Paoletti, McKenna Ross, and Jordan Phillips led the team in one of the most important parts of the game, one that does not show up in the box score: boxing out. McKenna Ross also led in fouls drawn and free throws taken.

Megan Racine led the team in rebounds and blocked shots.

Rylee Rupakus led the team in scoring, assists, and steals, and earned MAC honorable mention.

Briella Fendick and Kaley Copeland joined the team after the JV season was cut short.

“Congratulations to each of them for stepping into something new, continuing to work to get better, and gaining experience that will only help them in the future! Congratulations to the entire team on a great season,” Rupakus said.