Friday, December 15, 2017

DRAGON SLAYERS

By BRENDAN O’LEARY

The Washingtonville girls’ varsity basketball team played their 5th game of the season on Monday, December 11th.  They were coming off a strong showing against Newburgh Free Academy where the Wizards were able to easily secure a win.  With a final score of 51-31, there was no doubt that the Wizards were the more talented team, and this momentum drove them forward into performing amazingly again on Monday.

BRENDAN O'LEARY FOR THE WIZARD WEEKLY
Over recent years, the Cornwall Dragons have had their share of dominant girls’ basketball teams.  This was exemplified last year as the Dragons managed to win the Class A championship.  Coming into the Wizards’ gym this past Monday, Cornwall was expecting another tightly contested game and were seeking revenge since the Wizards defeated the Dragons 46-37 last season.  This was not the case this year.

Washingtonville dominated the Dragons with a final score of 65-34, shooting at a high percentage and easily running up and down the court for quick layups.  It was a great experience to watch all the Wizards, starting or not, get in the game and have their moments on the court.  This game was definitely a statement to the rest of Section 9, showing that they can be a tough playoff contender down the road.  Fantastic overall performances were shown once again by captains Victoria Pecovic (18 points) and Victoria Mirecki (20 points).

Pecovic is having such an impact on this young, yet highly skilled team so far.  The Wizards “have been working extremely hard at practice for hours on end.  It also helps that 10 out of the 12 of us were on the team last year so our chemistry has been outstanding.”  Pecovic realizes the team’s legitimate chance at success and wants to “take our team to the section 9 championship for the first time in Washingtonville girls’ basketball history.”  

Also looking into the future and seeing potential as well, senior Lexi Rodriguez wants a very productive year but for a more sentimental reason.  When interviewed, Rodriguez recited her never ending love for the game of basketball and how her grandmother has been an important influence.  “When she passed, I wanted nothing more than to make her proud up there while she looks down to check on me.  I’m focusing my personal success and the team’s success during my senior year of basketball all for her.”  

Stay tuned as the Wizards hopefully continue to disrupt many more teams around the section.  It is unbelievable that such a blossoming team already has so much camaraderie and this can lead them to unimaginable accomplishments.

The Wizards play their next game home on Friday, December 15th against Valley Central.  Come out and show your support with the rest of Wizard Nation when the game tips off at 6:30.   

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