Lady Lancers JV basketball team continues to improve

Lewiston Porter Sentinel, March 18, 2006

The Lewiston-Porter Lancers Girls JV Basketball team recently completed its 2005-06 season with a very competitive 8-12 overall record.

Coached by Kevin Jaruszewski, a teacher at the middle school, the Lancers compiled a 6-8 record in league play, sweeping NFL rivals Niagara Falls, Lockport and North Tonawanda. The girls also fought hard in a three-point loss against Kenmore East and took a strong Kenmore team into overtime.

Lew-Port also became noted for its strong and aggressive defense, which frustrated many teams as it caused plenty of turnovers.

Point guard Chelsea O’Laughlin, an eighth-grader, led the Lancers in scoring, with more than 200 points. She consistently hit clutch shots game after game and at times, even when double-teamed. O’Laughlin was voted onto the All-Tournament Team at Mount St. Mary’s Academy, where the Lancers finished in second place.

Ninth-grader Kristen Roemer improved tremendously throughout the season as she earned her way into the starting lineup by mid-season. She tossed in 95 points and controlled the rebounding game of her team.

Freshmen Emily Marin and Janelle Stepien led the team’s stingy defense as they created many offensive opportunities with their hustle and tenacity. Marin contributed 75 points to the Lancers’ offense, while Stepien chipped in 60 points.

Sophomores Clare Miller and Andrea White provided a much-needed spark from the forward position. Not only did the two score more than 30 points, they also demonstrated the type of leadership and passion for the game that was contagious to the rest of the team.

Shannon Roemer, another ninth-grader, also developed into a very reliable team member on defense and offense as she netted 30 points this season. Other players who contributed to the JV Lancers success included eighth-grader Breane Loge; ninth-graders Jeanine Alsous, Lindsay Carr, Justiana Flock, Lara Hargrave, Nicolette Juron, Janeanne LePage, Marissa Pati and Amber Yox; and 10th-grader Mary Brayley.

“With a continued passion for the game and constant improvement throughout the season, combined with a team philosophy, I feel that the Lady Lancers can look forward to a hopeful and exciting future,” Jaruszewski said.