BY JOE SCOTCHIE
jscotchie@anton media group.com
Basketball enjoys a rich tradition at Roslyn High School and the grit of its athletes have played no small part in its success over the years.
That grit was on display again on Jan. 15. The girls’ varsity squad took on Roosevelt High School in Conference A-II action. The team ran into a problem. In the fourth quarter, after one of the Lady Bulldogs fouled out, they only had four players left in uniform. It takes five to field a full team on the court, not including the necessary substitutes. Still, Roslyn carried on. They had a 41-34 lead over Roosevelt when the foul occurred, only to lose in the last minute, 44-42. The loss was a tough one, but it also highlighted the progress the team has made. Earlier in the year, Roslyn lost to Roosevelt, 51-34. If not for the untimely foul, they might have avenged that earlier defeat.
In the loss, Jordan Tullman had 17 points, while Samantha Busch followed with 15 points. The Roosevelt game came on the heels of a 52-39 win over New Hyde Park. In that game, Samantha Weibe had 18 points, assisted by Busch and Tullman, who each had 12. Six of Busch’s points came on two three-pointers.
All throughout the 2015-16 campaign, Roslyn has had to battle injuries, which has left it in such an underdog situation. But battle they have. Roslyn School District officials note that the girls’ exceptional determination and cohesion in the face of many challenges has been noticed by fans as well as by opposing teams and coaches.
“It’s a very special team of girls from every grade….and they are really figuring out how to work as a team,” a parent told The Roslyn News.
“The team has formed unbreakable bonds on and off the court,” added Noreen Naughton, head coach. “The girls have rallied together all season long to compete every time they step onto the court. Their competitive nature never seems to wane, despite playing at an undeniable disadvantage.”
Roslyn’s Interim Director of Athletics, Tom Howard, noted how the girls’ play exemplifies the ideal of high school sports.
“In high school athletics, we always say that teamwork and character building are the most important qualities we teach,” said Tom Howard, interim director of athletics. “This team is a shining example of what happens when those lessons are taken to heart.” The team’s assistant coach is Tom Valentino.
With the kind of grit they have displayed so far, there is no doubt that better times are coming for the girls’ squad.
