Lady Warrior Captains Hopeful to Reach Championship

The Wildwood High School girls basketball team has topped several tough opponents this season.
Helping lead the Lady Warriors toward success are team captains Winter Favre (senior, forward) and Gabby Keoughan (senior, forward).
“These two athletes were chosen because of their leadership on and off the basketball court,’’ said head coach Teresa Cunniff. “Winter has led the team in scoring, and in almost every other category of the game, and has played with confidence and composure. Gabby has done the intangibles, such as rebounding, diving on the floor for loose balls, etc.’’
Keoughan and Favre make personal improvements while helping their teammates become more well-rounded.
“These student-athletes have shown improvement in the areas of court leadership and team cohesiveness,’’ said Cunniff. “They help their teammates with positive encouragement, and they lead by example on and off the basketball court.’’
Keoughan began playing the sport at 12 years old.
“At first, I just wanted to play basketball for fun, but I actually got into the sport,” said Keoughan. “I wanted to stick with it. I enjoy being around my friends and having a good time. I love the feeling of being energized when I play the game of basketball.’’
Keoughan sees her ability as a defender as her top strength. She noted that her coaches and parents are her top motivators in her athletic career.
“However, I can always improve my skills all around the court, and I try my best every time I step on the floor,’’ said Keoughan. “I would like to improve my ball-handling, but I also have to work on not thinking so much when I shoot the ball in games.
“My personal goal is to improve my shooting percentage. I want to try to give 100% every time I walk on the court for practice, as well as games.
“I want to make it to the (NJSIAA) Group I South Jersey Championship game this year. As a team, our goal is to continue to win games and grow as a family.’’
Favre started her competitive basketball career as an 8-year-old.
“I was originally attracted to the sport because I was really tall when I was younger, compared to my peers, so many people encouraged me to play basketball,’’ said Favre. “As a basketball player, a few of my strengths are my motivation, my physical strength and my composure. During this season, I would like to improve on my ability to finish around the rim.’’
Favre wants to enjoy every moment and mentioned that she wants to take nothing for granted on the court this year.
“I would like to see our team continue to be a family and win a Group I South Jersey Championship,’’ said Favre. “Along with my family, Scott Douglass and my coaches at Wildwood have had a major influence on my career.’’
Wildwood will visit Ocean City Jan. 29.