Girls Basketball Overview

Basketball

By Jason Bernstein
Editorial Director

In addition to our season previews on Bayonne, Holy Family and Secaucus, here is a closer look at some of the other teams to watch this season in Hudson County.

Kearny Kardinals
Last Season: 13-13
Head Coach: Jody Hill

After playing in the Wachung Conference, realignment brings Kearny into a Hudson County schedule this season. The Kardinals are dangerous in the open court thanks to junior point guard Janitza Aquino, a three-year starter.

“Our fast break is fun to watch when the ball is in Janitza’s hands,” head coach Jody Hill said.

Kearny will need to rely heavily on Aquino as injuries have already tested the team’s health. Seniors Ashley Latushko, Caitlin Gil and Kelli Garner are all sidelined as part of a rash of injuries that Hill has never seen before as a coach.

As a result, the Kardinals are going to rely heavily on a trio of sophomores – Stefanie Gomes, Angel Conde and Michelle Goncalves at the start of the season.

Starting 5
G: Janitza Aquino, Junior
G: Missy Scarpa, Senior
G: Alicia Weber, Senior
G/F: Stefanie Gomes, Sophomore
F: Ashley Latushko, Senior

Lincoln Lions
Last Season: 20-7
Head Coach: Tom Best

A large void has been created by the graduation of Kristal Edwards, but the Lions hope to replace that production with a collection of youngsters who hope to make the most of the opportunity.

Lincoln starts a trio of sophomores – point guard Timiha Calamito and shooting guards Shaquanna Bates and Andrea Crute. Freshman Shania Swan should also see a lot of action.

“They’re not intimidated,” head coach Tom Best said. “They aren’t afraid of being in the spotlight.”

Senior forward Sharmaine Rhodes is a strong defender. Best also expects to get a lot out of juniors Zierra Williams, Indigo Hatcher and Nhire Adams as well as senior Kelly Edwards.

Starting 5
G: Timiha Calamito, Sophomore
G: Shaquanna Bates, Sophomore
G: Andrea Crute, Sophomore
F: Zierra Williams, Junior
F: Sharmaine Rhodes, Senior

Marist Royal Knights
Last Season: 16-9
Head Coach: Damel Ling

New head coach Damel Ling inherits a talented trio of returning starters this year with junior Antoinette Blake and seniors Desiree Denmark and Ashley Vazquez. Blake averaged 14.3 rebounds a season ago and showed the potential to be a legitimate offensive threat late in the year.

“Antoinette is going to be a huge matchup problem for teams,” Ling said of the six-foot forward. “She’s extended her shooting range, in my opinion she’s the strongest player in the county and she’s athletic.”

Denmark is a double-double threat who can score from inside and outside, while Vazquez is one of the county’s fastest point guards.

The Royal Knights will also rely on freshmen Alexis Wilson and Ebony Wood along with sophomores Angela Randle and Devina Simon for major minutes.

Starting 5
G: Ashley Vazquez, Senior
G: Alexis Wilson, Freshman
G: Angela Randle, Sophomore
G/F: Desiree Denmark, Senior
C: Antoinette Blake, Junior

St. Dominic Academy Blue Devils
Last Season: 15-9
Head Coach: Reggie Quinn

The Blue Devils return all five starters from last season’s 15-9 squad, led by the potent 1-2 combination of Alyssa Romano and Bria Smith. Romano is a dangerous outside shooter, while Smith, who averaged 17 points, 15 rebounds and four assists per game, might be the most complete player in the county.

“(Bria’s) a mismatch,” head coach Reggie Quinn said. “She can play all the positions on the floor. She’s too quick for the big girls and too strong for the smaller ones. She has playmaking ability.”

Sophomore Arianna Nieves will run the point for SDA, while seniors Kierstyn Callahan and Kathryn Hussey provide added size up front.

Brianna Daly, Shannon Hood, Sarah Tapia and Natalia Ortega should provide some added help off the bench.

Starting 5
G: Arianna Nieves, Sophomore
G: Alyssa Romano, Senior
F: Kiersten Callahan, Senior
F: Bria Smith, Junior
C: Kathryn Hussey, Senior