By: Kyle Moylan
Matt Brogan came in to his first season as the coach of the New Egypt High School girls’ basketball team hoping to change the history of the program.
In a touch of irony, Brogan and the members of the New Egypt High girls’ basketball team enter this week hoping history repeats itself.
If New Egypt can defeat Burlington City and Medford something it has already done this season it will qualify for the state playoffs for the first time in the history of the program.
"We’re optimistic, but we’re not taking anyone lightly," Brogan said. "This is a big point in our program."
New Egypt enters this week at 8-9, already the most wins ever by a girls’ basketball team at the school. It was scheduled to host Burlington City on Tuesday. It will play at Medford Tech tonight. Even if New Egypt should be upset in one of those games, it can still make the playoffs with a win at Holy Cross this Saturday at 1 p.m.
"I was very optimistic coming into this season," Brogan said. "The girls were athletic and had a desire to get better. Those are the ingredients you need to do things."
Another is toughness. New Egypt showed that during two close wins this past week.
With Stephanie Partyka scoring 21 points, New Egypt defeated Maple Shade, 45-44. Emily Straniero and Robynn Frank both added 7 points in the win.
"You could see the determination in the girls," Brogan said. "We held on to win a very tough game against Maple Shade."
New Egypt also pulled out a 40-38 win over Pemberton.
"We were down four points with 48 seconds left and Stephanie took over the game," Brogran said. "Kelly Cameron and Cindy Murray (11 points) got the ball down to her twice and she got the baskets."
The winning basket was set up after Frank made a big steal and New Egypt called timeout. Of course, Brogan wanted the ball in the hands of Partyka, his sophomore sensation.
"She got open, we got her the ball and she won the game," Brogan said.
"That game was about determination. It was a sloppy game. We were without our point guard, Emily Straniero. The girls just came together and decided we wouldn’t lose that game."
Brogan was even pleased with the way his team played in a 36-19 loss to Florence. Kristie Martino and Partyka each had 7 points in the loss.
"Florence is a very good team that beat us by 40 points the first time we played," Brogan said. "This was a 23-point turnaround."
Actually, everything has been a turnaround for New Egypt. Well, everything but the results this week, Brogan hopes.
"I’m happy for the girls," Brogan said. "I’m happy for Kelly and Cindy. This is their senior year and they get to win some games. I’m also happy because we’re building a program here. I want to get the girls from the community to want to play for New Egypt."

