WP's Dudley commits to NJIT
HANOVER _ Whippany Park coach Tom Wilson made modest requests of Alana Dudley when she was a freshman, asking her to provide some scoring and defense off the bench.
Each year of high school, Dudley's role increased. By her senior season, she excelled in every aspect of the game and made all of it seem effortless.
O'Connor leaves on high note
JEFFERSON _ Jim O'Connor became sentimental as the days and hours ticked off his 26-season tenure as girls basketball coach at Jefferson High School.
As the end drew near, O'Connor was understandably sentimental, recalling past players and important games and heaping praise upon his reliable, veteran coaching staff.
Grand finale for seniors
MORRISTOWN _ For once, Villa Walsh's Chrissy Clark didn't receive detailed instructions about how to guard Hanover Park's Lauren Daugherty.
Not having to deal with Daugherty, her teammate on the Liberty/Independence Team during the Morris County Coaches Association Senior All-Star Game, was a relief. That meant Clark was free to enjoy herself.
All-Stars honored at luncheon
MOUNTAIN LAKES _ Brielle Kelly's inside game was never classified as soft and dainty.
It just wasn't as tough and brash as it is now. During her first two seasons at West Morris, Kelly, a 6-foot forward, only had moments when she exhibited physical, hard-nosed play. However, as a junior, Kelly became more of a presence near the basket.
A 'Classic' experience
LAWRENCEVILLE _ After engaging in all-out battles with Whippany Park over the few seasons, Villa Walsh's Kerri Clifford never imagined this scenario.
The unthinkable occurred in the second half of the New Jersey Scholastic Association North-South All-Star Classic on Sunday, March 17 when Clifford sent a bounce pass to the Wildcats' Alana Dudley that resulted in a basket.
Jefferson's season reaches end
TOMS RIVER _ With less than one minute left in the Group III final, Jefferson coach Jim O'Connor went down the bench and patted each of his players on the head.
"Thanks," O'Connor repeated over and over again, going down the line as the seconds ticked off the scoreboard and off his 26-year tenure as head of the Falcons' program.
Morris Catholic's 23-game winning streak ends
TOMS RIVER _ Not once did Morris Catholic's Sade Idera see her teammates' shoulders sag or their heads bow.
Determination and fire remained in the Crusaders' eyes until the final buzzer sounded signaling the conclusion of the Non-Public B final at Pine Belt Arena on March 9.
Falcons to vie for state title
FRANKLIN _ Jim O'Connor's stellar 26-year coaching career will end on high school basketball's biggest stage.
O'Connor's Falcons continued their stellar run through the state tournament, recording a 50-40 victory over Cranford in a Group III semifinal on Wednesday, March 6 at Ramapo High School.
Crusaders returning to final
PATERSON _ With Dani Brown gone, Morris Catholic's point guard position was one huge, glaring question mark.
Charlotte Schum, though, has filled the all-important spot and had many efforts worthy of exclamation points this season.
An extra special championship
JEFFERSON _ While Jefferson was reveling in its 59-43 sectional final victory over Teaneck on Monday, March 4, a super-size sheetcake appeared in front of the Falcons' bench.
The cake read "Congratulations. You will be missed."
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