LOWELL, Mass. - The last time New Mission Titans head coach Greg Berry was on the Boston Garden's parquet floor, some of his players weren't even born.
That was in 1994, when Berry, as a player, won the Division 4 state championship with Trinity Catholic. Now, in his fourth year in charge of the Lady Titans, he will return to the historic hardwood - albeit next door at TD Garden - and try to lead New Mission to its second state championship in five years.
Thanks to 21 points from Tianna Johnson (including 10 in the fourth quarter and a 7-0 run by herself), the fifth-seeded Titans (18-5) defeated the second seed Fenway Panthers 64-55 in the Division 4 North final at the Tsongas Center.
"During our run, this team decided to become a family," Berry said. "Tianna led the way... they've done it all together. The upperclassmen took on more of a leadership role, and the underclassmen learned to respect [them].
"We just wanted it more," he added, beaming ear to ear as his girls posed for photos with the championship trophy.
This game was a rematch of the Boston City League semifinal, wherein the Panthers defeated the Titans, 59-51. But despite winning the rebound battle by nearly a 2:1 ratio, the Panthers (19-4) only hit 19 of 35 free throws as a team, compared to 7 of 10 for New Mission.
Robbi Cardoso chipped in 16 points for the Titans, including four threes.
"[Boston Public Schools] does a great job in the athletic department," Berry continued, on the subject of the Boston City League, the city championship, and preparation. "I think it really helps us."
Tajanay Veiga had 23 points and 12 rebounds for the Panthers. Kayla Cox had 16 and 4, and Kaila Duarte had 6 and 15.
The Titans will play Hull for the Division 4 state championship Monday at 2:30 p.m.
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