4 seniors lead basketball team

The West Milford High School girls basketball team holds the lead in its division with a 12-2 overall record so far this season.

The Highlanders are undefeated against opponents in the Independence Division of the Big North Conference.

The team is led by four captains: senior guards Lauren Space, Adison Arciniega, Vivian Sirnik and Ally Gruber.

“These four young ladies were chosen because they do everything right,’’ head coach Ray LaCroix said. “They are all multi-sport athletes. In fact, each of them plays three and in some cases four sports because of flag football. They each serve as the captain of other teams as well.

“They are all outstanding students as well. They are amazing young women and even better people than they are players and they are very good players.’’

Each captain contributes to the team in her own way.

“Vivian and Ally are two of our top defenders and do a little bit of everything to make this team go,’’ LaCroix said.

“Adison is our point guard and a great defender as well. She leads our team in assists and is averaging close to eight points a game.

“Laurel is averaging almost a double-double with 10 points and nine rebounds per game. She is also second on our team in assists and leads the team in steals.’’

Each of the girls has improved during her high school career.

“They have all grown as players but especially in regards to the mental aspect of the game,’’ the coach said. “We are a team that is playing with a lot of confidence right now and that starts with these four.’’

In addition, the captains are very strong academically.

“All four captains will be attending college next year and are all outstanding students,’’ LaCroix said. “Laurel was the West Milford representative at Rutgers University for National Women in Sports Day.’’

All four captains are positive role models and support their teammates, LaCroix said.

“We have outstanding team chemistry this season and it starts with them. The girls in our program really root for each other and thus we are a team that becomes easy to root for and fun to watch. Our togetherness is a huge part of our success.’’

Several players have contributed for the Highlanders this season.

“Senior forward Amanda O’Brien is averaging just under 10 points a game and nine rebounds a game, she has helped take us to a new level this year,’’ LaCroix said.

“Junior guard Sarah Benowitz is averaging 11 points a game and is our top three-point shooter. Junior guard Sara Wardlaw is our top defender and one of our better rebounders. She always gets the toughest assignments.

“Junior forward Ava Scrimenti is coming on as a three-point shooter and is an athletic interior defender. Senior forward Gwen Van Wyck is the ultimate team player and helps to make us better each day.

“Junior guard Amanda Harvey is one of our fastest players and a top three-point shooter for us. Junior guard Katie Ralicki is currently injured but continues to impact the team with positive energy, another top athlete for us.

“Junior guard Alyssa Kral is one of our hardest workers and unselfish players. Freshman guard Delaney Piecuch continues to get better and is our point guard of the future.’’