Kittatinny girls 3-1 in new season

With many key players returning from last year, Kittatinny Regional High School girls basketball head coach Joshua Reed is optimistic about the team’s chances this season.

“We are excited to embark on this season,’’ he said. “Returning many key players from last year’s team with the addition of newcomers stepping into larger roles is hopefully a great combination for a successful season.

“Our team has great energy and toughness. They have put a lot of hard work into their off-season and are ready to give their best.’’

The Cougars beat Dover and Hopatcong in their first two games, then lost to Vernon, 51-38, in the Rally in the Valley tournament Thursday, Dec. 26 at Wallkill Valley Regional High School.

The next day, they came back to defeat Mount Olive, 55-24, in the same tournament.

Kittatinny will play at Hackettstown at 7 p.m. Friday, Jan. 3, then host High Point at 1 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 4.

Key returning players include the senior captains Taylor Hough (guard, returning First Team All-League), Gianna Caruso (forward, returning Second Team All-League) and Holly Sajdak (guard); senior forward Abby DeFalco; juniors Katie Sajdak (guard, returning from injury), Reese Redden (guard), Ella Teta (guard), Lina Hull (forward), Grace Nelson (guard), Lauren Salokas (guard) and Kendra Deckert (guard); and sophomore Brielle Roberts (forward).

The three captains “are incredible leaders far beyond their years and wonderful people off the court as well,” Reed said. “They also return with a lot of experience and toughness.

“In addition to these captains, we have leaders everywhere in this program. The players push each other to be better on and off the court with their enthusiasm, competitiveness and spirit. It is an awesome group to be able to coach.

“A player-led team is greater than a coach-led team. This group has leaders everywhere, and it makes practice, scrimmages and games truly special.’’

Kittatinny finished with a 12-14 overall record last year.

The team lost to Hunterdon Central in the second round of the Hunterdon/Warren/Sussex Tournament and to Cedar Grove in the first round of the New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association (NJSIAA) North Jersey, Section 1, Group 1 Tournament.

This season, the Cougars once again compete in the Northwest Jersey Athletic Conference Colonial Division.

“We have respect for all of the teams in our division,’’ the coach said. “I know with the great coaches that they have, all of the teams will continue to improve.

“The competitiveness from our athletes is continuing on from our fall sports programs’ very successful seasons. We have incredible fall coaches who are very passionate and it shows.

“Every day, our confidence is growing and is undoubtedly due to the success they had in the fall. Our coaching staff feels very honored to have these athletes in our program.’’