December 16, 2010
HCV Preview: Bayonne
Junior Lisa Rovatsos is one of three returning starters for the Bees.
Click Here for Bayonne girls basketball photos
By Jason Bernstein
Editorial Director
The front of the jersey may say “Bees” but for the Bayonne girls basketball team, it might as well be a bulls-eye.
As the two-time defending Hudson County champions, the Bees know that merely being content with past accomplishments. Instead, they seek to not just continue their dominance in the county, but break through as one of the state’s top teams.
“We know we can’t rest on last year’s accomplishments,” head coach James Turner said. “Last year is last year. We know other teams are preparing for Bayonne. I told them these teams are gunning for you. It is time to take the next step.”
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In order to reach that next step, it will be accomplished with a strong team defense. Already one of the top defenses in the area, Turner believes his squad is smarter and more aggressive on defense.
The Bees’ swarming full-court press is spear-headed by guards Tara Flynn and Luisa Montalvo, whom Turner referred to as a pair of pit bulls on that side of the floor. Montalvo, a reserve last season, enters the starting lineup with the ability to play both guard spots.
Flynn, a 5-foot-6 junior, established herself as one of the area’s premier defenders. The MVP of last year’s HCT title game, the point guard has already received interest from Division 1 schools.
“On defense you have to have that certain discipline and mentality and Tara has it,” Turner said. “She doesn’t react to the other player, she anticipates.”
Flynn and Lisa Rovatsos form one of the state’s top junior tandems. The 5-foot-8 Rovatsos averaged 12 points and 13 rebounds per game had been forced into a forward/center spot the past two seasons, has shifted over to guard. The move has allowed her to display her full range of skills on the court.
“Having Lisa at guard frees her up to utilize her quickness and ball-handling,” Turner said. “She’s become a much better 3-point shooter. She can play with the best competition in the state. Look for her to force matchup problems on the perimeter.”
Rovatsos’ move to the perimeter was made easier with the addition of Amanda Novielli. The 5-foot-8 sophomore forward will be counted on to do the dirty work on the offensive glass.
Senior forward Kerrie Kosakowski rounds out the starting five and is capable of a double-double on any given night.
Sophomore Mercedes Fetch is a developing post player who will provide depth up front with junior Amelia DeSantis. Juniors Jenny Kryzinski and Jamie Szweada along with sophomore Alex Fajardo solidify an already deep backcourt. All three are capable of playing the point and Kryzinski is an aggressive on-ball defender at both guard spots.
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