BURLINGTON — Sophomore Josie Choiniere scored 23 points and the top seeded St. Johnsbury Academy Hilltoppers ended CVU’s run of five straight state championships, topping the Redhawks 48-33 in the 2018 Championship game on Sunday afternoon inside the Patrick Gym.

Choiniere buried three three pointers in the first quarter as the Hilltoppers raced to a 16-7 lead after the first eight minutes, then added five more points in the second stanza as the Academy their lead to twelve at 23-11 at the break.

CVU, which could not find an answer for St. J’s smothering defense, could get no closer than 10 the rest of the way, and Choiniere punctuated her afternoon by hitting seven of nine free throws in the fourth quarter to seal the win.

Choiniere finished her line with seven rebounds and six steals. Sadie Stetson added 10 points, five rebounds and four assists for the Academy, and Neva Bostic chipped in eight points.

Maryn Askew was the only player in double figures for the Redhawks, scoring 11 of her team high 13 points in the second half.

The Championship was the first for St. Johnsbury since 2010. The Hilltoppers end their season at 22-2. CVU, which came up short of a state record sixth straight title, ended their season at 21-3.