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PAL spring girls basketball team defies the odds

| 02 Jul 2015 | 01:54
    Pictured here, from left, standing are Sabrina Isoldi, Alexis Smith, Tia Ayton, Mikayla Guell, Shawnee Murray, Sitting, from left, are Michelle Taurus, Jessica Gagliano, Molly Christie, Brianna Henkel, Karlea Zazopoulos and Coach Ted Zazopoulos.
    Pictured here, from left, standing are Sabrina Isoldi, Alexis Smith, Tia Ayton, Mikayla Guell, Shawnee Murray, Sitting, from left, are Michelle Taurus, Jessica Gagliano, Molly Christie, Brianna Henkel, Karlea Zazopoulos and Coach Ted Zazopoulos.

WEST MILFORD — To say the West Milford Highlanders PAL spring girls’ basketball team had an amazing season would be an understatement. A true town all-star team yes, but going up against AAU teams is a monumental task, according to their coach, Ted Zazopoulos. AAU teams consist of all stars from all different towns, counties or states. Typically these are the best of the best basketball players, he added. West Milford compiled a 12-11 record including a Spring Jam Classic tournament championship win, and a heartbreaking three-point loss in the One Day Shoot Out championship game.

In their Spring Jam Classic Tournament victory, they gutted out a 41-39 win over Sparta's Purple Cobras.

"Through the years, the vaunted Cobras have consistently blown out West Milford including a 21-point loss earlier this season," said Zazopoulos. "They are clearly one of the best and well coached teams in the state."

After a close first half it looked like the Cobras were going to pull away. They were up by eight points late in the second half. But the scrappy Highlanders were not done yet. Sabrina Isoldi set the tone with great defense that seemed to ignite the team. The girls went on a 10-0 run, including the game winner, a baseline two-point jump shot by Karlea Zazopoulos. An additional foul shot by Jessica Gagliano (7 points), and stiff defense sealed the deal.

"It was a true team effort especially defensively as Shawnee Murray and Brianna Henkel came up with two huge steals during the rally," added the coach.

The high scorers were Karlea Zazopoulos with 14 points, Sabrina Isoldi with 11, and Molly Christie with 9. Molly, the leader of the team and top scorer for the year with 184 points, ran the show, Zazopoulos said. During the 10 point run, Molly found Sabrina Isoldi in the post for three critical baskets including the tying basket. The team also hit eight three-point shots.

"It was an outstanding win," said Zazopoulos.

Other members of the team who made great contributions during the spring, coach said, are Tia Ayton, Mikayla Guell, Michelle Taurus, and Alexis Smith. "Congratulations to all the girls for a great and memorable season."