By Warren Rappleyea
With a talented group of returnees back on board, Old Bridge High School’s girls’ basketball team is looking to challenge for the Greater Middlesex Conference (GMC) Red Division title this winter.
The Lady Knights went a deceiving 9-15 a year ago and were actually quite competitive throughout the campaign. Old Bridge won a preliminary-round game in the GMC Tournament and played well in a 39-29 loss to top-seeded East Brunswick High School in the NJSIAA Central Jersey, Group IV tournament.
With seniors Amanda Carney and Meaghan Dowdell back in the fold, new coach Jonathan Bill has two quality scorers it can rely upon. Bill, who was an assistant last season, succeeds Dan DiMino, who is now the Old Bridge athletic director.
Carney, a three-year starter, averaged 17 points and is a threat from just about anywhere on the floor. She contributed 49 3-pointers and scored 10 or more points in 21 games, with a season-high of 28 points.
Dowdell, who has also started since she was a freshman, is the point guard. Last winter, she led the team with 51 3-pointers while averaging 10.4 points. Dowdell has developed into a talented leader on the floor and can get the ball up court quickly when needed.
“We have a strong nucleus, and we’re expecting good things this season,” Bill said. “Our seniors struggled through a few tough seasons, but they’re good players and the experience can only help them.”
Another key returnee is forward Jessica Ahearn, who finished strong last season. The junior scored 12 points in a victory over Spotswood High School and gives the Lady Knights a presence under the hoop. Sophomore Abby Zimmerlink will have an expanded role after averaging 5.4 points and connecting for 26 3-pointers as a freshman.
In addition, guards Haley Donaghue and Morgan Gracia both showed they could handle varsity competition last year. Sophomore Mikayla Charlie, who got into six games last winter, should provide additional help under the rim. Seniors Lea Demaio, Brianne Deglman and Aisling O’Donnell provide bench strength for the Lady Knights.
Bill also has a strong freshman class and at least two players, Rachel Kuhl and Jordan Totten, will see varsity playing time.
“We have a good mix of veterans and younger players,” Bill said. “We’re also more talented and much deeper than in the past few seasons. This group has a lot of potential, and I think they’ll get better and better as they mesh.”
Old Bridge is slated to open the season at Red Division rival South Brunswick High School Dec. 20 before returning home to host Perth Amboy High School Dec. 20. The Lady Knights then travel to Piscataway Township High School for another division game Dec. 23.