NE girls confident about repeat trip to the postseason
BY MIKE WHITE Staff Writer
Asenior-laden New Egypt High School girls basketball team is optimistic about its prospects of returning to the state tournament for a second consecutive season during the 2007-08 campaign.

Second-year coach Matt Brogan made a strong impression in his maiden year. He led the Lady Warriors to an overall mark of 10- 15, which included a first-round loss to Gloucester City in the NJSIAA Group I playoffs.

"We accomplished a lot last season," Brogan said. "Basically, we had a lot of younger girls who got valuable experience. We're hoping that we can take that experience and build on it. I think we have a very good chance of being competitive in our division this season."

Gone from last year's team are Kelly Cameron and Cindy Murray. Cameron was a team leader on and off the floor, while Murray provided the Lady Warriors' offense with scoring punch off the bench. Both players will be sorely missed, Brogan said.

"Both of them were key ingredients," Brogan said. "They logged a lot of crucial minutes for us."

Brogan, however, is left with a crew of experienced players. Senior lead guard Emily Straneiro is looked to for scoring and playmaking. She was a second team all Freedom Division selection last season.

"She makes us go," Brogan said. "She has the experience and we need her to distribute the ball into the hands of the right players. Our offense depends on us not turning the ball over and make sound decisions."

"We certainly have enough leadership on this team with all the seniors," Brogan said. "We need the older more experienced players to show the younger one how we do it here. Having as many seniors as we do is a huge plus."

Brogan cited a couple of newcomers who should make and immediate impact on the program. First-year varsity player junior Jessie Bernstein, and freshmen Emily Bausher and Morgan Knigee are expected to see extended minutes. Bausher can play either point or shooting guard, and Knigee, a 6-foot-1 center, gives the Lady Warriors a presence inside.

"They're young and still developing but they should be able to contribute," Brogan said. "Both are pretty accomplished players for their ages. They'll have to gain experience as we go along."

New Egypt opens its season Dec. 14 against Florence. The Lady Warriors scrimmaged against West Windsor-Plainsboro North last week. Brogan saw many bright spots in the opening contest.

"I thought we played well," Brogan said. "Of course we're still working out the kinks. At first we looked a little shaky but then we settled in. We're going to be fine this season. Turnovers are key. We can't afford to give the ball away."