Girls basketball team posts 14-11 record

The West Milford High School girls basketball team completed another successful season under the guidance of veteran head coach Ray LaCroix.

The team finished with an overall record of 14-11 and advanced to the quarterfinal round of the New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association (NJSIAA) North Jersey, Section 1, Group 2 tournament. The Highlanders, seeded 10th, lost to second-seeded Mahwah, 45-31, there Feb. 26.

Recalling some of the team’s most meaningful victories, LaCroix said, “We defeated Wayne Hills, 51-50, on our home floor with a last second three-point shot at the buzzer by junior guard Adison Arciniega. Wayne Hills was the conference champ this season and went on to win the Passaic County Championship.

“In the county tournament, we were the fourth seed and faced the fifth seed, Kennedy, in the quarterfinals and won, 63-32, to advance to the county Final Four.

“In the state tournament, we were the 10 seed and went on the road and defeated the seventh seed, Elmwood Park, 66-38, to advance to the quarterfinals of the state sectionals.’’

He attributed much of the team’s success to the three senior captains.

“They are amazing leaders, tremendous players and even better young women. Kailey Maskerines was one of our top defenders, whose offense improved as the season wore on. She earned Honorable Mention All-Conference. Aubrey Fritz had her best offensive season in the post. She was third on the team in rebounds and our leading shot blocker. She has the fifth-most blocks in the history of the program. She also earned Honorable Mention All-Conference.

“Avery Vacca was our top player this season. She led our team in scoring with an 11.2 points per game average, led our team with 88 assists and was second on the team in rebounds. Avery earned First Team All-Conference.’’

The Highlanders finished second in the very tough Big North Conference Independence Division with a 7-3 record.

“We have a number of reasons to be optimistic for next season despite the fact we will be graduating three top seniors,’’ LaCroix said. “We dressed 15 girls on varsity this season and played 10 on a regular basis.

“Returning next season will be: junior guard Laurel Space, who was third on our team in scoring at nine points per game, was first in rebounds, first in steals and second in assists. Laurel earned First Team All-Conference.

“Junior guard Adison Arciniega was fourth on our team in scoring at 6.5 points per game and a top playmaker. Adison earned Second Team All-Conference. Sophomore guard Sarah Benowitz was second on our team in scoring at 9.5 points per game and led the team with 50 3-pointers. Sarah earned Second Team All-Conference.

“Junior guard Vivian Sirnik is a top defender for us and will help handle the point next season. Junior forward Amanda O’Brien will be a top returning rebounder for us and provide a much needed physicality and ability to finish around the basket. Junior guard Ally Gruber will be one of our top returning shooters and defenders.

“Sophomore guard Sara Wardlaw is a big-time defender and provides an offensive spark as well. She will be a player to watch next season. Junior forward Gwen Van Wyck, sophomore forward Alexa Fritz, sophomore forward Ava Scrimenti, sophomore guard Katie Ralicki and sophomore guard Amanda Harvey all gained valuable experience this season and are top athletes. They have a chance to all really contribute next season.’’