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Langley erased an eight-point first-quarter deficit and ended Madison’s season with a 61-44 victory in the regional girls basketball quarterfinals.

Senior Anya Rahman and freshman Alice Allen sparked the early comeback. After several lead changes, Langley entered halftime ahead 25-18 before stretching its advantage into double digits during the third quarter.

Madison’s screen-heavy offense created problems for Langley’s defense, but missed shots and limited opportunities at the free-throw line prevented Madison from consistently closing the gap.

Allen scored a team-high 20 points, delivering one of two strong performances by Langley’s first-team all-district freshmen. Mariah Armah also made an impact at both ends of the court, combining with junior Maddie Shamloo to help hold Madison to 44 points.

Langley coach Amanda Baker said she asked Armah “to do a lot” and defend several different players, a demanding assignment after the freshman had struggled in the previous game.

Madison continued fighting in the fourth quarter. Its full-court press forced turnovers on inbound plays beneath Langley’s basket, creating late chances to keep its tournament run alive.

Senior Sara Becker said she was proud that Madison “kept fighting to the very last second.” The comeback attempt ultimately fell short as Langley maintained its double-digit advantage and advanced to the semifinals.

Armah credited Langley’s teamwork and the atmosphere inside the packed gym. “We all worked together, and from there, just flowed into the game,” she said.

Langley’s run continued

The quarterfinal victory became part of Langley’s deepest postseason run in years. The team defeated Centreville in the regional semifinals and then beat Oakton to secure its first regional championship since 2017.

Langley finished the season 23-4, went undefeated within the region and placed first in its district.

The season ended with a 48-37 loss to West Potomac in the state quarterfinals. Although Rahman completed her final year with the program, Langley retained a promising foundation in Allen, Armah and Shamloo, the two-time district Defensive Player of the Year.