Lady Vikings modified basketball squad posts strong season

Grand Island Dispatch, March 10, 2006

The Grand Island Vikings Girls Modified Basketball team of Veronica E. Connor Middle School rebounded from a 1-3 start to finish the 2006 season with a 10-4 record. Despite the disappointing start, the team continued to play hard and kept its spirit high throughout the season.

A strong seventh-grade class laid the foundation to the Vikings’ success. Clutch-shooting from Dominique DeGregario and Arianna Mendel, and persistent defense from Jessica Yarnes and Christina Martinez helped the team at both ends of the court, while forwards Shannon Moody and Ambria Tim made their presence felt under the boards. Tim’s soft touch off the glass and edgy play when getting rebounds will make her a force to be reckoned with for many seasons to come.

Assistant captain Kate Boutet and Jenna Raepple provided the heart and mind of the seventh graders. After suffering an injury early in the season, Boutet continued to dedicate her heart to the team by attending all the Vikings’ games and excelling at scorekeeping. Raepple’s mind for the game helped the team in scoring, assists and steals – all of which led her to being named co-MVP.

This season’s eighth graders included first-time modified player Lauren Kucharski, who proved to be a force in the paint. Forwards Mary George and Caitlin Taylor also worked hard down low, showing that one can be dedicated and have fun at the same time. Elizabeth Lorence and Maritina Tsembelis excelled again as guards with their calm and controlled game, often while covering the opponents’ best players.

Jamie Sobieski had another great season playing guard, finishing second on the team in minutes played and third in scoring. Coming out of seventh grade, she showed tremendous growth as a player and was used in all key-situation on the court. Captain and co-MVP Maria Guidotti finished second on the team in scoring and first in rebounding. On the court, she usually came out victorious from the many battles in the trenches.

“The Connor Middle modified girls basketball squad gave the community all it had, came on strong and posted a successful 10-win season,” said the team’s coach, Art Meaney. “The girls are prepped and many of them are ready for the next level to help the High School program in the upcoming seasons. Congratulations, ladies.”