The Monroe Township High School girls basketball team has a goal of becoming one of the best teams in the Greater Middlesex Conference (GMC).
If that is to happen, the Falcons need to prepare physically, mentally and strategically to take on the conference’s best, head coach Leigh Vogtman said.
Last season, Monroe finished with a 22-5 record and advanced to the GMC Tournament semifinals before being eliminated by eventual champion Piscataway Township High School. The Falcons then made it to the NJSIAA Central Jersey Group IV semifinals before losing, 49-38, to Colts Neck High School.
“What we accomplished last season was great, but this team is very humble,” Vogtman said. “And this year, we’ll only focus on playing one game at a time. By doing so, we hope to put ourselves in position to perform well in both the GMC and state tournament.” The question is: Can Monroe take that next giant step and win a conference state sectional title? If that doesn’t happen, it won’t be because the players aren’t battle-tested. Monroe is deep with veterans who fought through the rigors of playing quality opponents in 2013-14. The Falcons are led by captains Erica Junquet, who is committed to Trinity College, Cindy Foresta and Caitlin Flanagan.
“Those three complement each other well,” Vogtman said. “Each brings something different to the table. During the preseason, the team came together with their leadership by working out and preparing for the upcoming schedule. Their leadership will be a major component of what we achieve this season.”
Vogtman said her seniors will keep things on an even keel, especially during tournament time. “We ask our captains to be coaches on the floor and in the locker room, and that’s what’s going to keep our team moving forward,” Vogtman said.
Monroe is also fortunate to have a number of underclassmen who are outstanding athletes and excel in many sports.
Ashlyn Petersen (softball), Erin Seppi (University of Maryland soccer commit), Grace Martini (softball), Linda Wallentine, Kassidy Utheim and Hannah Fisher will all see significant time, as will Casey Filiault, Alexa Coyle and Kennedy Selby.
However, Vogtman believes the team’s success will ultimately depend on how the veterans respond to their roles.
“The girls are very focused and determined to build on the success we had last season,” she said. “I believe they understand the work they need to put in to achieve the goals we set out for ourselves.”