Here are team previews for the girls basketball teams in the NVL’s Copper Division (information supplied by team coaches):
ANSONIA
Head coach: Vince DellaVolpe (5th season, 14-66)
2017-18: 7-13
Key players: Seniors Liz Wilson (10.4 ppg, 8 reb), Larissa Rodriguez, Arianna Blackwell; Juniors Natasha Rivera (11.4 ppg, 10 reb), Hailey Bellido; Sophomores Jayda Sanchez, Lilly Romanowski; Freshman Jojo Sanchez.
Outlook: The Chargers were one win shy of qualifying for the Class S tournament last season. The team returns its two top scorers and four starters. Look out state tourney, here come the Chargers.
Coach’s comment: “We are cautiously optimistic about the season. Physically, this is the most talent we’ve had since 2012-13. If the Chargers can find consistency from our eight to nine varsity players we hope to compete for a state tourney berth as well as a division title and a spot in the NVL tourney.”
DERBY
Head coach: Dave Chevarella (22nd season, 149-282)
2017-18: 6-14
Key players: Seniors Cristina Carloni (8 reb), Devina Lopez (7 reb), Taylor Seno, Precious Perez; Junior Madison Koval (5 ppg, 9 reb); Sophomores Kiara Swilling (7 ppg, 5 reb), Lucy Lane, Isabelle Chevarella, Emily Borowski.
Coach’s comment: “The girls are working very hard and improving every day. With continued improvement we’re hoping to better last year’s record and qualify for the post season.”
OXFORD
Head coach: Nora Curley (2nd season)
2017-18: 9-12
Key players: Seniors Kelly Shpak (11.5 ppg), Molly Sastram (9.4 ppg), Maddie Smith, Molly Smith.
Coach’s comment: “We are looking for leadership from our four seniors to be competitive in league play. We have a small group again this year, but we are hoping to build on what we did last year and make states and NVLs.”
SEYMOUR
Head coach: Brian Cleveland (10th season, 90-104)
2017-18: 15-8
Key players: Seniors Sydnie Drezek (14 ppg, 3 assists, All-NVL), Caty Ragaini, Megan Condo, Alyssa Cosciello, Isabella Calabro; Juniors Kolby Sirowich (8 ppg, 6 rebs), Arlinda Peraj; Sophomores Morgan Teodosio (7 ppg, 8 rebs), Alyssa Johnson, Kiley Drezek, Jacey Cosciello.
Outlook: Seymour was sensational in 2017-18. This season could be even better. The Wildcats return talent at every position. They can score, rebound, bring the D, and there is depth. Somebody tell the board of ed: They may need a bigger gym.
Coach’s comment: “This Seymour team is primed and ready. Two varsity caliber players back from injury and talented freshmen class combined with a ton of returning varsity experience will make for an exciting season.”
WOODLAND
Head coach: Jess Moffo (8th season)
2017-18: 9-13
Key players: Senior Hana Bojka (5.2 ppg); Juniors Jillian Barbarito (8.4 ppg), Katie Sirowich, Paige Resnick, Jenna Palmieri; Sophomores Ava DeLucia, Natalie Miranda, Allison Koliani, Elayna Beutel.
Outlook: If depth will get you anything, then the Woodland girls have something going on. There is a lot of talent to draw from.
Coach’s comment: “We have a good core of returning players. We are young and looking to build off every day in practice and games. The girls are a hard working group and are fun to be around. We look forward to getting on the court, competing everyday, and still have NVLs and states set as team goals.”