Sayreville girls turning heads with solid play
5-3 team already has more wins than last year
Just eight games into the season, the Sayreville War Memorial High School girls basketball team has already surpassed last season’s total of four victories.
The Bombers are 5-3 thus far, and are in contention for a NJSIAA Central Jersey Group IV playoff berth, heading into yesterday’s meeting with Colonia.
Coach Debbie Brand’s girls have scored victories against North Brunswick, Princeton, South Plainfield, Heightstown and John F. Kennedy. Following Colonia, Sayreville visits Mother Seton tomorrow and Timothy Christian on Jan. 17 before returning home for a rematch with North Brunswick on Jan. 18.
"The biggest difference is that our defense is much stronger this year," the second-year coach said of her young team. "They’re a year older and they’re used to playing together, and they’re learning how to win."
A year ago, the Bombers struggled offensively, shooting less than 30 percent from the field. This time around, Sayreville is actually scoring more points, but its shooting percentage is still hovering around the 30 percent mark.
"Early in games we’ve had some problems," Brand said. "Once we get a few points, the girls relax and then they start to score. But they’ve also gotten better at moving the ball around, they’re making better decisions, and they don’t stand around. This year we have a lot of movement away from the ball."
Conversely, Sayreville has been cashing in at the foul line, averaging more than 70 percent on free throws.
The Bombers owe their victory over South Plainfield to their prowess at the charity stripe. Brand’s club canned 16 of 18 free throw attempts, while the opposition hit only eight of 20 tries.
Sarah Davidauskas leads the team in scoring at 10 points-per-game, including a 22-point effort in the South Plainfield win and 16 points in the triumph over JFK. The junior forward also averaged 5.5 rebounds.
Guard Meredith Phair has been the Bombers best all-around player. The sophomore averages eight points, five rebounds, three assists and three steals. Though Brand likes Phair’s unselfish nature, the coach has been encouraging the sophomore to take more shots.
Point guard Melissa Braun, another sophomore, has done a good job running the offense and also averaged six points and four assists. Versatile junior Elizabeth Brugnolo has hustled her way into increased playing time. She averages 7.5 points, including a 20-point game in a loss to Woodbridge and 14 points in the Bombers success against North Brunswick.
Forward Lindsay Tone has provided consistent points off the bench. The 5-10 sophomore averaged six points and provides a presence in the middle, where she has established herself as a shot-blocker. Senior forward Nicole Lilley provides solid defense and is averaging about 5.5 boards. With Lilley and Tone in the lineup, Sayreville, out rebounded badly a year ago, has stayed even with most opponents this season.
The Bombers have been winning despite the absence of captain Katie Bartlett. The senior forward suffered a concussion in the season’s second game, when she collided with Old Bridge’s Kim Bennett. Brand said Bartlett is anxious to return to action, but may be out for another two weeks.
In the meantime, the coach has used two junior varsity players to help fill the gap. Sisters Gabby and Daniella Vargas have played well in limited action.
Gabby Vargas, who captains the JV, gives Sayreville speed off the bench, while the streak-shooting Daniella, a freshman, can provide instant offense, as evidenced by a 13-point performance against JFK and a nine-point showing against Princeton.
"Everyone has contributed," Brand said. "And they’re playing more like a team and less like individuals. When they do that, this is a tough team to beat."