Reliable captains lead Lenape Valley girls basketball team

Through the topsy-turvy world of sports, what can really help a team remain united is consistent, reliable leadership demonstrated by the captains.

That’s the case with the 2022-23 Lenape Valley Regional High School girls basketball team.

The Patriots are led in no small part by the three senior captains: Alyssa Canfield, Victoria Erlemann and Laney Kenny.

“I chose these student athletes for a few reasons,’’ head coach Nick Rafferty said. “The first reason is for the dedication, effort and contribution to this program for the four years. As the only seniors and varsity starters in previous years, I felt as though they had the experience playing in close games and in high-pressure situations.

“I feel as though their experiences throughout their time equips them to show the young talent on the team how to persevere in times of adversity.’’

All three captains continually contribute in their unique ways.

“Laney Kenny has been battling injuries all season and has not had the chance to be the impact player that she has been over the past few years,’’ Rafferty said.

“Alyssa Canfield leads the team in three-pointers made, field-goal percentage and three-point field-goal percentage.

“Victoria Erlemann is second in rebounds, second in free-throw percentage, first in offensive rebounds, second in total rebounds and second in blocks.”

All three captains have improved their leadership skills, free throws, shooting and defensive aggressiveness, he said. “All of these leaders are scholar athletes.’’

The interaction between the captains and their teammates is positive and noteworthy.

“The three senior leaders have been playing varsity basketball for two to four years,’’ Rafferty said. “There is a lot of varsity experience between the three captains. I think this helps the younger girls learn how to play at the varsity level.

“This is shown through practice habits, accountability, how to carry themselves on and off the court, and helping the underclassmen flourish in the roles they have on the team. I have set the focus of being ‘all in’ every day, every practice and every game, and the leaders are doing a fantastic job exemplifying the program’s ‘all in’ mentality. They play the cards they are dealt and show the underclassmen how to make out every hand.’’

Through Jan. 30, the Patriots had six overall victories, with three wins in the Northwest Jersey Athletic Conference (NJAC) Colonial Division.

On Monday, Feb. 13, they are scheduled to host West Milford.

“Sophomore Regina Williams has stepped up in a huge way,’’ the coach said. “She has started every game and leads the team in points, deflected passes and is second in assists and steals.

“Junior Colleen Yanavok has also played a massive role filling in for Laney at point guard. This season she is second in points, first in assists, first in steals and third in rebounds.

“Sophomore Julianne Cerulo is the cornerstone down low. She is first in rebounds, first in blocks and leads the team in assist to turnover ratio.

“Sophomore Gianna Santana has stepped up in the role of a lock-down defender. She is often tasked with guarding the team’s best player and has really improved in her role throughout the season.’’