Submitted photo – The St. Bernard’s players and coaches celebrate their win on Thursday night.

St. Bernard’s clinched at least a share of the Little 4 championship in girls basketball with a victory over their closest challengers on Thursday night.

But they had to battle all the way to the final buzzer.

The Crusaders traveled to Ferndale and appeared to be in control of the game after three quarters, carrying a 10-point lead going into the fourth.

But with their championship hopes on the line, the Wildcats rallied late and scored 21 points in the final period before eventually falling by just two points, 53-51.

The win lifts St. Bernard’s to 4-0 in the Little 4 and two wins clear of the 2-2 Wildcats with two games remaining each.

The Crusaders can clinch the title outright with a win in either of their final two conference games against South Fork and Hoopa next week, or a loss for the Cats in either of their final two game against the same two teams.

“St. Bernard’s is well coached and a great team,” Ferndale head coach Chris Ardrey said. “We had them scrambling. That was our goal, to be in it in the fourth quarter, and we were there.”

The respect was mutual.

“Ferndale played a great game and battled us for four quarters,” St. Bernard’s head coach Matt Tomlin said. “We have a lot of respect for their coaches and their players and feel fortunate to come up with a win in a tough road environment.”

Junior team captain Samantha Sundberg led the way for the visitors, as she has been doing for much of the season, and finished with a game-high 20 points.

Sophomore point guard Carli Baum also had a big night in the win and added 16 points.

But they weren’t the only standouts for the champs.

“Samantha Sundberg and Carli Baum both had big-time performances tonight and carried the load,” Tomlin said. “I was super proud of the performances off the bench from Kayla Maples, Sariah Vainuku, Paula Bullock and Tally Williams tonight.

“They each contributed great efforts to this victory.”

Maples added six points.

Ferndale was led by Gianna Regli and Madison Gossi, who each finished with 14 points, while Michaela Ellsmore added 11 points.

Tinnley Pidgeon also had a big night on the other side of the ball.

“Tinnley Pidgeon was fantastic on defense all night,” Ardrey said.

Early foul trouble didn’t help matters for the hosts, who were called for 13 fouls in the first half, compared to SB’s three.

But that didn’t affect the effort.

“I’m proud of the kids, they kept fighting,” Ardrey added.

In addition to the big nights for Regli, Gossi and Pidgeon, junior Dahlia Cantù-Mendez hit two huge 3-pointers in the fourth quarter to give her team a chance late.

Despite playing sick, St. Bernard’s junior CJ Figas also had an impact in the win.

“I am also very proud of CJ Figas, who gave us everything she had while playing under the weather tonight,” Tomlin said. “She left to all on the court.”

St. Bernard’s is now 16-6 overall, while Ferndale is 13-8.

Next up, on Saturday, Ferndale travels to McKinleyville, with tip off set for 2 p.m., while St. Bernard’s hosts Fortuna at 4 p.m.