By Josh Lashley
With each passing practice and game this winter, look for the West Milford High School girl’s basketball team to demonstrate not only a high level of competitiveness, but ways in which to improve in a variety of areas on the court as well.
The Lady Highlanders had an overall record of 8-16 during the 2011-2012 season and they are willing to work diligently in an attempt to earn more success this year. West Milford is scheduled to begin the regular season with a home game versus Wayne Valley on Friday, Dec. 14.
“We won eight games last year after winning three the previous season,” West Milford head coach Ray LaCroix said. “Our goal this year is to get to .500 at worst and return to the (NJSIAA) State Tournament after a three-year absence.
“I expect us to be a contender in the Big North Conference Independence Division this season. The conference is up for grabs and should feature tons of close games due to the competitive balance this year.”
LaCroix can depend on proven varsity players and quality leadership from student-athletes on the roster this season, which can greatly help the Lady Highlanders toward their goals.
“My top returning player is junior point guard Christina Lokai,” LaCroix said. “She averaged 13.9 points per game last year and was First-Team All-Conference and Second-Team All-County last season. She should be one of the top players in the area and is just shy of 500 career points.
“Marie Ambrose is a junior two-guard who led the team in three-pointers last year. We have two seniors as well, Maranda Jones and Christina Williams. Jones is our team leader and captain. She is our vocal leader and one of our top defenders as well. Overall, I have nine girls who earned a varsity letter last year, so experience is not an issue.”
LaCroix has confidence that newcomers to the program can have an immediate impact at the varsity level.
“I have a strong freshmen group this year and I am excited about their potential,” LaCroix said. “I anticipate two of them playing a role on the varsity this year and they will add to our overall talent level for sure.
“I am looking forward to an exciting season. We earned some real respect last year finishing strong and playing our best basketball at the end of the season. We had a good summer and I look forward to building on our positive momentum.”