Modified team concludes season

Grand Island Dispatch, February 23, 2007
by Art Meaney
Modified basketball coach

The Grand Island girls modified team wrapped up a successful season recently with an 11-3 record. The team included, front row, from left: Dominique DeGregario, Assistant Captain Maggie DeMarco, Captain Kate Boutet and Michaela Connors. Middle row, from left: Sydney Dudish, Shannon Moody, Jessica Osvath, Jessica Yarnes, Christina Martinez and Stephanie Senn. Back row, from left: Coach Art Meaney, Megan Karpie, Korin Frantz, Katie Brady, Rachael Spiker and Molly Higgins.

The Connor Middle School girls modified basketball squad posted an 11-3 record in 2007. Last year’s seventh graders picked up right where they left off and led by example all season. All of the girls showed a healthy balance between determination and sportsmanship from Game 1.

This year’s class of seventh graders was small in number but big in heart – they came to play. Michaela Connors was the sole forward of the group and did a nice job in the trenches. Stefi Senn led all seventh graders in scoring with 22 points. Megan Karpie and Sydney Dudish both showed they could play the game by remaining calm in trying times and finding openings to put up their shots. Assistant captain Maggie DeMarco brought a competitive attitude every day and played some stifling defense.

The 10 eighth graders included five first-year players, led by 2007 MVP Katie Brady. Brady led the team in scoring, rebounding and blocked shots. She was a major force in the paint. Other pleasant surprises down low included Korin Frantz, Molly Higgins and Rachel Spiker. Jessica Osvath was a first-year guard who brought a smile and some defense every game.

The five veterans of the squad returned from the off-season ready to play and ready to teach. Shannon Moody was the only returning forward. She was the third leading scorer and taught others what to expect. Jessica Yarnes and Dominique DeGregario are two quiet, reliable and intelligent guards who give a solid performance game after game.

Christina Martinez was a ball of fire – she led the team in minutes and was second in scoring. Martinez gave an inch to no one on the court and always competed until the final horn. And, finally, captain Kate Boutet. Boutet led the team in free throw percentage and had high numbers in all other categories, but her biggest assets were her heart and leadership. Boutet missed most of last season with an injury and certainly came back this season and made the most of it for everyone.