It was a Tuesday evening, and our school’s gymnasium was once again filled to capacity with excited fans. Earlier this month, our girls’ basketball team began their third varsity season with a home game against New Dorp High School.
With a new coach and a new team, many are hopeful the girls’ basketball team will find success this season and improve upon last season’s 4-10 record.
“We have been working hard for two months and know what we need to do. It is just the matter of if we come to the game mentally prepared. I have faith in my girls, and they need to believe in themselves,” said head coach Nicole Stefanski.
After the first few quarters of their game, despite their best efforts, the girls were behind. The final score was New Dorp 63-31. Despite the loss there were many bright points during the game.
Things looked up when Erin Kohm, Jen Carullo and Victoria Prevosti combined to make four three-point shots in the first four minutes of the fourth quarter. Adding to their total of fourteen points in the quarter, this made it the highest scoring quarter of the game. Although the offensive struggled, the girls’ defense was a step up from last season.
The team was very confident going into their next game against McKee/Staten Island Tech. Although the girls’ lost 72-35, they matched their opponent from the three-point line. Due to their efforts, the girls are now tied for second best (on the Island) in the three-point shooting category. If the girls continue to shoot this well, they should have an outstanding season.
The next game was the girls first away game, held at Port Richmond High School. The girls efforts were impressive, and although the scoreboard didn’t show it, they outplayed Port Richmond.
After being away from their home court, the girls came back to play against Tottenville High School. Although the team lost 59-22, Danielle Kearney drove to the boards to make a layup, while Samantha DiMarco was two for two from the foul line.
Their most recent game was at Susan Wagner High School.
“So far I think we have been playing well. We know what we are doing out there, so we are not losing because of any lack of talent. We lost a lot of starters with the beginning of a new season. We are just now warming up to each other, and with a few good games, we’ll be right back in it,” said sophomore starter Victoria Prevosti.
The girls still have a good chance at improving last years’ record, and after their pre-season jitters are out of the picture, they will be a force to be reckoned with.
