Tuesday February 11th, the seniors of our Lady Friars basketball team were honored before their game against St. Mary’s. Seniors Julissa Martinez- France, Kayli Parham, Synclair Taylor, Cassidy Clarke, and Robyn Kelly will try to overcome their opponent one last time on the Guy Alfieri court before entering playoffs. Each of these seniors has left their mark on the court at all levels, from play as a freshman to varsity. Some, started their career on varsity and spent the last four years cherishing the memories of the program.
Head Coach Hugh Flahetry, in his three years has helped develop each of these young ladies into mature basketball players. Coach Flattery, has led the Friars to two League Championships and two state finals. Junior, Giannah Rivera commented about her fellow teammates saying, “They are the best! Their attitudes and commitment to this team makes the experience all the better.”
The seniors made it their mission to help carry this program and let its outstanding legacy continue. Captains, Kayli Parham and Synclair Taylor tried to shape this season into their best one yet. Sophomore, Colleen McCullagh states that, “My teammates are the best, I wouldn’t ask for anyone else to be like big sisters.” Sisters; that’s the love that this team has for their seniors. They hope that their energy and drive will help them win against St. Mary’s. The underclassmen want to win and celebrate their victory with their graduating big sisters.
Their time within this program and dedication they have put forth has not gone unnoticed. Synclair Taylor, the team’s starting point guard, was very prominent all season and showcased her versatility at the Baldwin Tournament earlier this season. She had 13 points, 10 rebounds, and five assists that allowed her to carry her team to victory. Taylor is looking to continue to play basketball at the collegiate level and is keeping her options open as the season closes.
Parham and Taylor, both players who’ve played with the varsity team since their freshman year, consistently put points on the board for the friars to keep them in most of their games. Parham, the team’s power forward, averaged around eight points in each game and stands as a threat on defense. Parham wants to continue her basketball career in college and has applied to multiple schools that she has found interest in.
Clarke, who plays center and Kelly playing forward, have both proved their time here in the program by being present and alert when on the court. Their ability to provide options for the offense and keep a play alive make them strong allies on the court. These two strong leaders organized our 2019 team pride packs, which has been the talk of the school this season, as well as being the comic relief to the team, in stressful times. Clarke, a prominent student athlete that excels in the classroom and hopes to use her grades and her versatility on the court to continue at the collegiate level. Kelly, also a student athlete, takes her skill to the AAU Bracket and hopes to better showcase her skills during the travel season.
Martinez- France, another senior supported from the bench showing real strength and courage when not being able to play due to a knee injury at the beginning of the season. She stuck by her teammates’ sides and encouraged them to play their hearts out. Martinez- France, is hoping to further her basketball career and take her skills to a division one or two level.
Each of these Seniors has done their job to further provoke the program and leave with a bang. The most important trait our big sisters will leave behind is strength. Their season ended in the quarterfinals with a loss to St. John’s The Baptist 41-58. Congratulations to all the seniors and what they have accomplished with their time here at Saint Anthony’s. Guy Alferi court will be there for these ladies every time they think of the good times SA has offered them.
Gabrielle Miller is a sophomore at St. Anthony’s High School, this is her first year at Friar Scoreboard. She is also a returning captain of the girls JVA basketball team and hopes to study journalism in the future. Her goal; to reach the hearts of as many people through the power of words
