Having worn Hawks uniforms as students, Amber Waddington, head coach of the Cape May County Tech High School girls basketball program, and assistant coach Jessica McAnulty can fully comprehend the excitement, anticipation and focus that current players bring into the regular season.
With a mix of veterans and newcomers on the court for the varsity team, this should be an interesting and productive year for Cape May Tech.
The Hawks will visit Egg Harbor Township Dec. 20, compete in the Boardwalk Basketball Classic, at the Wildwoods Convention Center, which begins Dec.26, and will start 2020 on the road against Salem County Vocational Technical School Jan. 3. From there, they will host Our Lady of Mercy Jan. 6.
Key returnees to varsity include Emily Pasceri (senior, guard), Leah Williams (senior, forward), Olivia Albrecht (senior, forward), Kennedy Campbell (sophomore, guard) and Izzy Schmucker (sophomore, guard). Newcomers include Alex Garcia (sophomore, guard) and McKenna Anderson (freshman, guard).
“Emily and Leah are our captains and leaders of the team,’’ Waddington said. “This year’s team is very young, so I am looking for Emily and Leah to help groom their younger teammates to be able to step up and fill the roles we need them to. We emphasize the importance of ‘we over me’ every day.’’
The Lady Hawks tallied nine victories last season.
“I’d like to see a well-rounded team this [season] from the start,’’ Waddington added. “This group has great chemistry and trust in one another. I’d like a 10-plus win season, and to be able to compete well with the teams we should be able to compete with, especially within our Boardwalk Basketball Classic bracket.’’
Cape May Tech competes in the Cape Atlantic League (CAL) United Division, along with Middle Township, Buena, St. Joseph’s (Hammonton), Wildwood Catholic, Pleasantville and Our Lady of Mercy.
“I’m not a fan of the term rebuilding, as every year, new players have to filter their way into new roles to benefit your system,’’ Waddington said. “With top programs like Middle and Wildwood Catholic in our division, I’d have to say my goal is to compete for third or fourth, with OLMA and Buena.
“We have goals, and to obtain those goals, we need to win the Buena games. There’s a good chance we may even see them a third time in the Classic.’’
Avalon – Maybe deport them instead of destroying what was once a great city! This is ridiculous. New York City launched a pilot program to help migrants transition out of city shelters by providing them with…
