Balanced scoring and depth have helped the Sayreville War Memorial High School girls basketball team get off to a 4-2 start as it seeks to repeat as Greater Middlesex Conference White Division champions.
The Bombers are 2-0 in conference play, having defeated North Brunswick and Woodbridge, and were scheduled to visit South Plainfield on Wednesday and JFK today, before hosting Colonia on Tuesday. Sayreville has also defeated Hightstown and Hopewell Valley, while losing to Old Bridge and South Hunterdon.
"This is a very quick, in-your-face team," said new coach Carey Corvino, who succeeded Debbie Brand at the helm. "Everyone has been producing, and it seems like someone else steps up in each game. I’m particularly happy with the way our three senior captains have been showing the way."
Those three are forwards Sarah Davidauskas, Liz Brugnoli and Laura Haney. Davidauskas, now in her fourth varsity campaign, is averaging a team-leading 13 points, has canned 12 three-pointers and also pulls down six rebounds per game. Brugnoli is averaging 10 points and 10 rebounds and is especially dangerous on the baseline. The left-handed Haney, a hard-working defensive specialist, can also go to the hoop and averages 4.5 points.
Lest opponents concentrate on Sayreville’s seniors, the Bombers have plenty of additional firepower.
Junior guard Meredith Phair averages 10 points, including a 19-point performance in the loss to Old Bridge and an 18-point effort in the Woodbridge game; and sophomore guard Daniella Vargas is also averaging 10 points.
Corvino noted that junior point guard Melissa Braun is becoming more comfortable in taking control on the floor. Braun averages five points, five steals and five assists, and is a tough defender. When Braun takes a break, Corvino employs Vargas at the point. Gabby Vargas and Marissa Jack, two juniors with good outside shots, give Sayreville backcourt depth.
One area the coach would like to upgrade is the Bombers’ inside game. And with junior Kristen Zakrzewski and sophomore Raven Newcombe, a pair of 5-11 forwards, Sayreville is getting more production underneath, including a 13-point game from Newcombe against Hightstown.
Other members of the team include sophomores Jenna LoMastro and Chantai Dixon, both guards; Sheirese Myrick, a 5-11 forward; and freshman forwards Jesse Sosnowski and Tina Kelly.
"This is a well-rounded team that plays hard for four quarters," the coach said. "They’re a great group of kids, and they want to win. You can see that when they play."