With a strong cast of returnees, Old Bridge High School’s girls’ basketball team is looking to improve on last year’s 5-16 record.
There is plenty of reason for optimism as the Lady Knights prepare for their Dec. 18 season-opener at Perth Amboy High School. A year ago, coach Dan DiMino’s youthful team got off to a good start but ended up losing 11 of its last 12 games.
“The girls gained a lot of experience, and they learned a lot last year,” the coach said. “For a young team, they competed well and they played hard. What they went through last year will definitely help us.”
Juniors Amanda Carney and Meagan Dowdell both distinguished themselves last winter. Carney emerged as a bona fide scoring threat, averaging nearly 18 points per game. Dowdell took over the point and did a good job pushing the ball up the floor. A solid outside shooter, Dowdell averaged 10 points and will likely do more shooting this season. Carney and Dowdell tied for the team lead in 3-pointers, canning 46 each.
Opponents eventually began to focus on the Lady Knights’ scoring duo as injuries kept starting point guard Tara Durstewitz out of the lineup for the entire campaign. Senior guard Sheridan Casserly was limited to just 13 games and since-graduated Samantha Potts was hobbled throughout the year with a hip injury.
“A lot of girls got to play more minutes than they probably would have,” DiMino said. “The girls showed what they are capable of doing early last season, so we have a lot of potential. Things got away from us, but the experience of playing at the varsity level is very valuable. We have a few seniors, but this is still a young team. “
Other returnees include senior guard Madison Kellermeuller, who is a strong defender, sophomore forwards Rae Yanna Farrow and Jessica Ahearn and guard Morgan Garcia.