High school summer league basketball fires up

Six teams hit the hardwood at SCCC with a mind toward winter

By RICHARD A. ROSS

LOCH SHELDRAKE, NY - It may be summer, but basketball season looms large in the minds of coaches and players who want their winter season to evolve into something special.

Consequently, six girls teams began their quest for cohesion and improvement at Sullivan County Community College’s (SCCC) annual summer league on July 11.

This year, for the first time since the program began, no boys teams were in evidence. Only Roscoe and Ellenville had submitted team rosters, so the league became the exclusive domain of the ladies.

Opening night games featured Tri-Valley taking on what may either be Roscoe’s junior varsity or varsity, depending on numbers this winter. The school is currently set with both schedules, but according to athletic director Fred Ahart, there won’t be enough players to go both ways.

Tri-Valley players included Erin Beach, Monica Lee, Gretchen Hartman, Anneliese Hartman, Laurel Wilson, Tricia Conglano, Katelyn Exner, Danielle Sanok, Kathryn Schneyer, Skylar Musa, Krista Devoe, Heather Knox and Ally Bowers.

The Lady Bears got out to the early lead as it took Roscoe nearly seven minutes to score their first basket. But with 4:30 to go in the first half, Roscoe had tied it up at 10-all with a basket by DeVantier.

Once they got over the opening jitters, the Blue Devils fought hard, pulling within five at 19-14 at the half.

Though they trailed by 10 with only four minutes remaining in the game, they deployed great defense, including a monstrous block by Huggins. Despite the opening night absence of center Sky Dutcher, Roscoe stayed in the mix, ultimately losing by four.

Tri-Valley looked strong, with the team swinging the ball around and looking for the open shot. On defense, they harried Roscoe’s guards, forcing a number of steals.

All in all, it was a good first effort by both squads.

On the far court, last year’s summer league champions Downsville took on a Liberty squad that included a few summer pickup players. Tri-Valley’s Kanacia James and Monticello’s Te’Neshia and Ty’Nessa Washington, as well as summer acquisition Cierra Diaz, joined Liberty’s Jessica Diaz, Angela Jacelone, Maggie Sawchuck and Aryanna Walizadeh.

Downsville led Liberty 21-15 at the half, as Shulman proved a bit much to handle. The Lady Eagles broke it open in the second half and went on to win the opener 46-28.

Downsville brought veteran Stephanie Shulman back from last summer’s championship team and added Kaitlyn Peaster, Krista Baxter, Allison Townsend, Jen Sieferth and Macy Davis.

Downsville players are a mix of junior varsity and modified players, with all but three of coach Christine Baldauf’s varsity players away at present.

During the regular season last year, Downsville was hampered by injuries, but still made it to the Section 4 finals where they lost to eventual state Class D champs South Kortright.

In the late game, veterans of Livingston Manor, including Jackie Trotti, Rose Curtis, Chelsea Adamec and Megan Ellison teamed up with other Lady Wildcats, including Liz Perry, Nabia Undanow, Angela Zayas and young phenom Marissa Diescher.

They faced Division VI rival Eldred, who fielded veterans Stephanie Berger, Kim and Lori Henry, Gabby Westfall and Jess Bisland. Livingston Manor got the early lead and went on to defeat Eldred 59-31.

In Thursday’s action, Downsville defeated Liberty 34-28, Roscoe edged Eldred 25-24 and Livingston Manor defeated Tri-Valley 39-21.

After one week, Manor and Downsville topped the standings with a record of 2-0.

Watch for weekly updates on the hardwood progress at Summer League 2006.

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