Eight NJAC players in North-South Game
LAWRENCEVILLE _ Shooting 3-pointers after taking the ball off a rack was unusual at first for Mountain Lakes' Katie Reese.
But, like any other situation that requires making adjustments, Reese adapted quickly.
Ericksen, Tabakman, Dudley, Lapszynski, Reese also named
MOUNTAIN LAKES _ Not long after Chatham's season-ending loss to Teaneck in a Group III semifinal, the team's standout guard, Amanda Berntsen, texted coach Joe Gaba.
"She asked if the gym was open in the morning or if anyone was using it after school," Gaba said.
Dudley sisters combine for 26 points
TOMS RIVER _ Whether trailing by seven, 10 or 12 points in the Group I final, Whippany Park retained the same mindset.
"No matter what, we had to think we'd go ahead," Wildcats junior guard Alana Dudley said. "We never gave up hope."
Giuliano scores team-high 14 for Crusaders
TOMS RIVER _ Devin D'Amico had a wide smile on her face when she entered the Pine Belt Arena and looked around.
D'Amico, a senior guard, felt special and rightfully so. She and her Morris Catholic teammates had gotten themselves to a place they'd never been before.
Teaneck too much for Chatham
FRANKLIN LAKES _ The task - getting past Teaneck in a Group III semifinal - was of monumental proportions but Chatham coach Joe Gaba wasn't going to change anything.
The Cougars have thrived in transition and they took the same approach against the Highwaywomen.
Wildcats triumph behind Olivia Dudley's 26 points
FRANKLIN LAKES _ Courtney Simon and her Whippany Park teammates erased last month's 18-point victory over Cresskill from their minds.
On the other hand, the Wildcats wanted to keep what they gleaned from that meeting with the Cougars in the forefront so they'd know how to handle them the second time around.
Giuliano, Porada, Brown in double figures for Morris Catholic
PATERSON _ In 35 years as a head basketball coach, Rich Fachet has had his share of success, guiding teams to conference and Morris County Tournament titles.
Sectional championships, though, have eluded him.
Berntsen amasses 33 points for Chatham
CHATHAM _ West Morris coach Fran Gavin had one primary objective when preparing for the North Jersey Section 2, Group III final against Chatham.
"I didn't want Amanda Berntsen blowing by everyone," Gavin said.
Whippany Park benefits from second-half changes
HANOVER _ Everyone knows Whippany Park as the Wildcats.
Very few people realize that they've quietly been playing all season as the "Honey Badgers," a small carnivore native to Africa and Asia.
Tabakman erupts for 29 points to pace Pequannock
PEQUANNOCK _ Four numbers will soon be affixed to the girls basketball banner that hangs in the Pequannock High School gym.
It doesn't seem like much - 2012 - but, for the players who toiled to make a legacy for themselves, they are mighty significant.
