With eight key players returning as tryouts open this week, Sayreville War Memorial High School’s girls’ basketball team is looking to build on last fall’s successful 19-5 season.
The Bombers earned a share of the Greater Middlesex Conference’s (GMC) White Division championship and also reached the semifinals of the GMC Tournament, but they fell in the first round of the NJSIAA Central Jersey Group IV tournament.
“The girls got their trophy for winning the division at the GMC championship at Rutgers, and they realized how much they wanted to still be playing,” Sayreville coach Janet Cook said. “They had a taste of success last year, and it left them wanting more.”
Cook’s team lost four players to graduation: forward Amanda Quintero and guards Emma Denby, Megan Quinlan and Lianne Villano. All played important roles — Quintero was the team’s top rebounder — and all will be missed, the coach said.
Junior guards Isi Enahoro, who averaged nearly 15 points and six steals, and forward Ryane Brush, who averaged 10 points, lead a talented offense. Senior forward Nura Sbeah, a defensive standout who excels under the boards, and sharp-shooting Rebecca Wehrle will provide veteran leadership.
“We have a strong junior class, so that experience is going to be a big factor this year,” said Cook, who is in her second season on the Blue and Gray bench. “We like to play an up-tempo game with our speed and athleticism, so our girls all saw significant playing time. Most of them scored points in every game, and that gives us good balance and makes our team hard to defend.”
Junior Morenike Akinrefon, who averaged about six points, came on strong late last season making her presence felt down the stretch. She’s likely to see more minutes this fall. Katie Esposito and Patrice Harding, both speedy junior guards, contribute on both sides of the ball. Jasmine Van Note, a 5-foot-11 sophomore forward, is coming off an impressive freshman campaign, where she averaged six points and eight rebounds.
“Defense is still our strength; a lot of our points come from that,” Cook said. “We’re working to improve our half-court offense. We want to be able to work the ball inside and give teams some different looks.”
Cook said she is looking for a strong showing in the White Division as well as the GMC Tournament.
“We’re expecting big things this season,” the coach said.
Sayreville opens the season at division rival Bishop George Ahr High School Dec. 15 in Edison.