Girls varsity basketball team named GMC champions for 2012
By Maria Riegel, Special Writer
South Brunswick High School’s girls varsity basketball team was named the 2012 Greater Middlesex Conference champions Feb. 24 after their championship game at Rutgers University.
"We won and were named the GMC Champions for 2012," head girls basketball varsity coach Beth Barrio said. "The highlight for me was the way our team battled back from being down by 12 points at halftime."
The girls played against North Brunswick and won with a score of 57-39. The game went into overtime with the score tied at 39-39.
Ms. Barrio said the girls exhibited a constant perseverance during the game, ultimately leading to their victory. She said the girls always believed in one another and showed true teamwork and sportsmanship for the entirety of the game.
"They fought on every play, and they always believed they could win," Ms. Barrio said. "That is why they are a championship team."
In addition, Ms. Barrio said she was very proud of the amazing leadership provided to her team by her two team captains, junior Danielle Padovano and senior Kelly O’Brien. She said although there was an initial struggle during the first quarter involving foul balls, the captains were able to continue to encourage their teammates and help improve the score.
"Although there were many plays that changed the game at points, when Danielle Padovano, our center at 6 feet tall, stepped out and hit a long three and got fouled in the fourth quarter when we were down by six points, everything changed," Ms. Barrio said.
Initially, the girls struggled in the first quarter due to nerves, according to Ms. Barrio. She said because of the atmosphere of where the game was played as well as the pressure to please the South Brunswick supporters, the girls were overwhelmed.
"The girls improved throughout the game by staying focused, working hard, playing smart and believing in each other," Ms. Barrio said. "They are a true team in every sense of the word."
Not only have the girls claimed the title as GMC champions this year, but, according to Ms. Barrio, they have acquired other significant wins this season. The girls won each game to tie the school record of most wins at 23. They also began their season with a 9-0 record, which is the best start in school history since 1975.
The girls also have an undefeated home record of 13-0 against visiting teams, and they went to the county final and won for the first time since 1976.
Finally, the girls won the Central Jersey Group 4 State Sectional Semifinal for the first time in school history.
Ms. Barrio said this year’s varsity girls were a special bunch through their talent, strength, skill, intelligence and, most importantly, their heart.
"I am so proud of them, and this team will forever have a place of my heart," Ms. Barrio said. "They are amazing girls as well as basketball players, and I am honored this season to represent them as their coach."

