Red Raiders Bounce Back After Rough Start

As sports fans, it can be inspirational and reassuring to see a team rebound after suffering setbacks early in the season.
Ocean City High School’s girls basketball team struggled, in terms of wins and losses, but they held on to their goals and are achieving considerable success. Helping the Red Raiders to stay upbeat are senior captains Delaney Lappin, Katie Mazzitelli, Abbey Fenton, Emma Finnegan and Lauren Mirsky.
“I give any of my seniors who have been in the program a chance to be a captain,’’ said head coach Paul Baruffi. “They have put in the time and deserve the recognition. It is also something they can put on their college resume.’’
The captains are making their presence felt in several categories, and at the same time, some of their work on the court doesn’t show up statistically.
“Emma and Abbey are the team’s leading scorers,’’ said Baruffi. “Abbey broke a school record for three-point field goals. She had seven against Holy Spirit (a 56-35 win Jan. 9).”
“Delaney has been hurt and should return next week. All of them have played good defense,” he added.
Baruffi has seen numerous ways in which Fenton, Finnegan, Lappin, Mazzitelli and Mirsky have made improvements, both individually and in their guidance of the younger, less experienced players.
“Being overall leaders, the rest of the team is very inexperienced,” said Baruffi. “The seniors have done a nice job trying to lead the team at practice and in games. They are leaders in drills and help the younger players understand the plays.”
“The other two starters are Marin Panico, a sophomore, and Marlee Brestle, a junior. Off the bench, Avery Jackson, a freshman, and Stephanie Carey, a junior, have seen the most playing time.’’
Ocean City won six games in a row Jan. 9-27. Their earlier losses occurred against a list of difficult opponents.
The Red Raiders will participate in the Battle at the Bay tournament Feb. 1, at Atlantic City High School.
“We played some really tough teams early in the season,’’ said Baruffi. “Our record was 1-5, but I believe this team will improve as the season moves forward.”