Athleticism, Teamwork Key For Lady Phantoms

Head Coach: Jenn Enea

2009 Record: 4-10

2010 League: League VI

Toughest Competition: Miller Place, John Glenn

The girls basketball team returns only one starter from last year's team. But that might not necessarily be a bad thing.

In 2009, the Phantoms missed the postseason, going 4-10 in League VI play. So coach Jenn Enea pretty much has a clean slate to work with as she builds a playoff-hopeful team. Not that the players are strangers.

"Six of our 10 girls played soccer together," Enea said, hopeful that the team chemistry amongst that group will transfer from the turf to the hard court. Having just 10 players on her squad is also telling, as Enea looks to limit bench time for non starters and ultimately, improve unity.

"Our team chemistry is great," Enea said. "The girls have played together in other sports, so there's a real team-first attitude here."

On Offense

The Phantoms will look to push the ball up court, taking advantage of their athleticism. "We're looking to be a run-and-gun team. We're extremely athletic," Enea said. "The majority of our players are three-sport athletes."

Enea is implementing a three-guard offense. Senior Christy Thoden, the lone returning starter, moves from point guard to a shooter role. "There's a lot less pressure being a two guard," Thoden said. "I don't have to handle the whole court."

That responsibility will fall on freshman Cassie Dooley. "She's been in the program since seventh grade," Enea said. "Cassie's a true point guard who sees the court very well."

Senior guard Sarah Painter and senior forward Anna Amendola will provide outside shooting, a necessity for all teams, even those that want to avoid a half-court offensive set.

On Defense

Junior Rebecca Raber, a three-year varsity player, joins senior Kristina DiMartino up front as Bayport will look to trigger their running offense by controlling the defensive boards. DiMartino will handle down-low responsibilities as one of the team's bigger inside players.

"We look to full-court press," Enea said.

"It's lots of running," DiMartino said of her team's style. "We're not that big, so we have to do what makes sense."

What ultimately makes sense for this team is a playoff appearance, as the combination of athleticism and team chemistry may prove enough to compensate for what will be a tough league campaign.

"Last year, we weren't as close," DiMartino said. " This team, we're all friends, we're family."