December 16, 2010
HCV Preview: Holy Family
Holy Family forward Diane Forker will face added pressure from opposing defenses.
Click Here for Holy Family Academy girls basketball photos
By Jason Bernstein
Editorial Director
For Holy Family Academy and forward Diane Forker, it has been a time of adjustment.
Forker and Christina Gill teamed up to form one of Hudson County’s top front-court duos the past two seasons, culminating in a HCIAA Seglio title in 2009. With Gill gone to graduation, Forker and the rest of the Falcons have had to adapt to the change.
“I think she misses Christina a little,” head coach Pat Longo said. “I think it’s only natural when you’ve played together since you were in second or third grade.”
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Even with opposing defenses targeting on her, Forker should remain one of the area’s top forwards. The 5-foot-11 senior averaged 15.9 points and 7.7 rebounds a game last season and is closing in on 1,000 points for her career.
“She is strong going to the basket,” Longo said. “She’s a big inside presence on both offense and defense.”
Forker won’t be alone on the interior as senior Caroline Silva moves into the power forward spot. The 5-foot-9 Silva has good quickness and rose to the occasion late in the season when injuries struck the Holy Family front line. Dominique Gallo is another first-year senior starter at forward and is one of the team’s top outside shooters.
The Falcons have an experience back court with senior shooting guard Samantha Sysak and junior point guard Kaydee Murphy. Sysak’s quickness allows her to attack the basket and be one of the squad’s top defenders. Standing just 5-foot-1, Murphy brings toughness to an all-around game.
“Kaydee handles the ball well, she makes quick reads of the defense and can pass,” Longo said. “She can do everything hope for from a point guard.”
Holy Family’s depth will be tested early as senior guard/forward Payton Micewicz recovers from a knee injury. When healthy, the 5-foot-9 Micewicz provides another inside presence.
“It is difficult with Payton out right now because we’re not that deep,” said Longo.
In the meantime, the Falcons will rely heavily on a trio of sophomores off the bench with guards Alexis Ogbin and Shannon Folger and forward Jessie McGlone.
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