With five games left in the regular season, high school math teacher and RSCS varsity girls’ basketball coach Stacey Mayne describes her team as “a group of hardworking kids who share a goal to advance to sectional play when the regular season ends.” Furthermore, she said, “Last year was a very special year with both the boys’ and girls’ varsity teams advancing to sectional finals. The team’s goal is to experience it again.” Most of the varsity girls either attended basketball camp last summer or participated in the six week Clark Sports Center summer basketball league that helped hone their basketball skills. Now 5-1 in league play, Mayne and her team are focused on contending for the league title as they come up against tough teams that include New York Mills, Hamilton, and Madison. The strengths of the team are numerous and include seniors Katie Moshier and Rebekah Havens and how they work together. “Katie has definitely elevated her level of play and intensity this year. Bekah handles pressure very well and can shoot from the outside or drive inside. Now we are playing teams a second time and there’s an effort to shut Katie down.” Mayne said. “I’m pleased with how the others on the team are stepping up and taking shots.” Senior Jessica Hext began the season with a knee injury sustained in Center State Conference Outstanding Senior Soccer game held in late fall. “She has returned and is very aggressive on defense. Jess can be used in any of the five positions on the court. She’s experienced in handling pressure and helps break the press.” “We have a consistent group that steps-up and moves the ball very well for us,” said Mayne. “Karena Molloy (sophomore) has done a great job for us on the boards and her level of play improves with each game. Elaina Clickman (senior) is playing with much more confidence and her outside shooting has been a valuable asset for us. Junior Taylor VanWinkler’s a natural athlete and has improved steadily. She has worked very hard learning the game after coming from volleyball last year.” Saturday’s game against Oriskany was played without Megan Hill (sophomore) who has a knee injury. Hill’s strong rebounding skills have proved important when Moshier comes off the court. Ninth grader Hannah Starr brings speed and sophomore Samantha Calkins can play the point or shooting guard. The seniors have worked with the underclassmen to help develop their game and create a stronger unit. The team’s remaining game schedule is available online at www.richfieldcsd.org. Bruce Watson is a freelance writer for The Mercury and currently substitutes for ODY. He is a recent retiree of RSCS.
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