Highlanders aim for championship

After more than two decades as the West Milford High School girls basketball head coach, Ray LaCroix is a proven winner.

Look for that success to continue in the 2024-25 season.

The Highlanders are scheduled to play Indian Hills there Thursday, Dec. 19 before hosting Westwood at 1 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 21.

“We expect to vie for a league championship this season,’’ LaCroix said. “We will definitely be in the mix.

“We expect to make a run in the counties and are looking to qualify for the (NJSIAA) state tournament for the 13th consecutive season and hopefully advance. Doing all of that will help lead toward a winning record as well.’’

Among the key returning players are seniors Laurel Space (guard), Adison Arciniega (guard), Vivian Sirnik (guard), Ally Gruber (guard), Amanda O’Brien (forward) and Gwen Van Wyck (forward) and juniors Sarah Benowitz (guard), Sara Wardlow (guard), Ava Scrimenti (forward), Katie Ralicki (guard) and Amanda Harvey (guard).

“Laurel averaged just under 10 points a game last season and was First Team All-Conference and Second Team All-County,’’ LaCroix said. “Adison was our fourth-leading scorer last season and was Second Team All-Conference and Honorable Mention All-County.

“Vivian is one of our top defenders and one of the best athletes in the school. Ally is a good athlete and one of our better outside shooters. Amanda is expected to be our top interior scorer and rebounder. Gwen is a smart player and will carve out a role on this year’s team.

“Sarah averaged just under 10 points a game for us last season. She was Second Team All-Conference and Second Team All-County last season. Sara has been a huge part of the varsity since her freshman year.

“Ava is one of our top athletes and one of the keys to our success this year. Katie is another strong athlete with a tremendous amount of potential. Amanda led the JV team in three-pointers last season and is one of our top shooters.’’

Among the promising newcomers are junior guard Alyssa Kral and freshman guard Delaney Piecuch.

“Alyssa is a strong athlete and was the point guard on JV last season and a top scorer there last season,’’ the coach said. “Delaney is part of a strong freshman class and has a bright future as a point guard in this program.’’

The team should have abundant leadership.

“Laurel Space, Adison Arciniega, Ally Gruber and Vivian Sirnik are our four captains this season,’’ LaCroix said. “All four young ladies are three- (and in some cases four-) sport athletes and outstanding students. They each serve as the captain of multiple programs. They are everything you would want your leaders to be and more, could not be more proud of them.’’

Last season, West Milford posted a 14-11 overall record and the team finished second in the very challenging Big North Conference Independence Division.

The Highlanders lost to Mahwah in the quarterfinal round of the New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association (NJSIAA) North Jersey, Section 1, Group 2 Tournament.

This season, they again compete in the Independence Division.

“We expect to be a contender in the division and one of the teams to beat,’’ LaCroix said.

“On paper, Lakeland returns their full squad and is probably the favorite. With Wayne Hills, Wayne Valley, Fair Lawn and Passaic Valley as well, there are no nights off in our division.’’