By Jimmy Allinder
Mark Motusesky coaches boys’ basketball in the winter and girls’ golf in the spring at East Brunswick High School and fully admits the sports are as polar-opposite as their seasons.
“Basketball is all X’s and O’s, while golf is more about technique and course preparation,” Motusesky said. “Once a [golf] match starts, I just sit back and hope the girls are ready to give it their best. In hoops, I’m on [and off] the bench getting after the players, making sure they always compete hard.
“Basketball [by its very nature] is intense and can be stressful. Girls’ golf is competitive, but the girls are more personable, even during matches, and that makes for a less nerve-wracking experience for everybody.”
Winning also helps, and the girls’ golf team has certainly done that. Although only eight Greater Middlesex Conference (GMC) schools have girls’ teams, East Brunswick has nonetheless dominated by winning the last four championships.
“Naturally, the goal is to repeat [again], and we are well aware teams will be hunting us down,” Motusesky said.
Based on regular-season results, this could be the year the streak ends. East Brunswick’s 4-8 record includes four out-of-conference defeats, but the Bears have also dropped matches to GMC opponents Metuchen High School, John P. Stevens High School and South Brunswick High School (twice).
The starting lineup includes senior Sophia Hu (+11) and junior Alexandra Caro (+11), as well as seniors Eula London, Alexandra Lazar and Jessica Cortez and junior Ashika Jalagam.
“Alexandra [Caro] and Sophia have been instrumental in helping us win the last three GMC titles,” Motusesky said. “Their experience playing tournament golf should really help us during the GMCs.”
Caro, her coach said, is considering playing golf in college, and he believes she has all the tools to succeed.
“Alexandra is very smart, competitive and keeps herself in great condition,” Motusesky said. “I’m anticipating she’ll make great strides next year and will be an even more valuable contributor.”
The GMC Girls Tournament is May 16 at Concordia Golf Course in Monroe.