By Edwin Sam, Sports Section Editor
Knowing this season would be more difficult than previous ones, the Girls’ Basketball team set a specific goal and put in the necessary work to win a league championship. Following a long, arduous, but rewarding year, the Lady Indians capped off their spectacular regular season with multiple wins over Summit and a win over Seven Hills, securing their third straight MVC title.
The story of the beginning of their season was one of success as Country Day opened the season with a 57-12 win over Roger Bacon. The Lady Indians started 6-0, winning by close margins and large blowouts. Over the first six games, their average margin of victory was a whomping 22.2 points.
Their next four games were significantly more challenging as they lost to local division-one powerhouse St. Ursula, conference rival Seven Hills, and also Toledo Central Catholic.
After this tough stretch, the Lady Indians continued their winning tradition with a seven-game win streak which featured victories against Summit, Lockland, and Cincinnati Christian.
Pressure for the league title was applied when CCD lost to CHCA in a close, low-scoring affair. Their next two games against Summit and Seven Hills would decide the conference title race.
Country Day was able to produce a three point victory over Summit and a thirteen point win over Seven Hills to become co-MVC champions. Though CCD had two head-to-head victories over Summit, the two teams were forced to share the conference title.
The return of veteran coaches John Snell, Sonny Snell, and Mike Sebastian helped the team’s understanding and teamwork which are main forces behind their success. Senior Ricci Snell ’12 notes, “The coaches have high expectations for each one of us, higher expectations than we have for ourselves.” Knowing exactly how each player would play, the coaches used their experience with the balanced squad to maximize team unity.
While many of the seniors provided leadership for the team, the non-seniors members played huge roles in the success of the team.
Hard-working junior forwards Cassie Sachs ’13 and Caroline Gentile ‘13 used their experience of the two previous conference championships to contribute to the squad. The physical presence of Sachs and the consistency of Gentile were turned to in big games when players other than seniors needed to step up.
As Sachs mentions, “Our depth has been our biggest strength, as well as our confidence in the players coming off the bench.”
Sophomore guards Sydney and Shelley Menifee ’14 constantly broke opposing teams’ full court presses and were vital on the defensive end of the court. With blistering speed and precise ball handling, these siblings advanced the ball and ran the offense with intelligence, skill, and athleticism.
Two freshmen, Elizabeth Miller ’15 and Kirsten Simpson ’15 provided support and enthusiasm for the team whether they were leading or trailing in big matches.
Though non-seniors played large roles for the team, the six experienced seniors provided the backbone for their run to the conference championship.
Throughout the season, senior forward Erika Armstead ’12 battled through injury and conflicting commitments to provide leadership for the team. Her speed and leaping ability led her to be a “rebounding machine,” in the words of fellow senior Ricci Snell.
Also battling through injury, Lauren Wise ’12 used her positive attitude and sharpshooting to convert key three-pointers over the course of the year.
Candice Keese ’12, who is accepted as the team’s best defender, was given the nickname “bulldog” by her teammates for her relentless aggression and focus. Her defensive acumen and driving ability were vital when the offense was not as efficient as usual.
Seeing increased minutes throughout the year, Caitlin Hilberg ’12 has also been key because her rebounding prowess has led to many second chance points and fouls on the opposing team.
Rachel Neal ’12 has adjusted to her leadership role as a senior by showing more composure than years past. This year, she has been able to clear her mind and stay calm to provide big plays for Lady Indians.
Lastly, senior Ricci Snell ’12 has led by example to show the rest of the team how commitment and work ethic pay off in the long run. With her great ball handling, precise shooting, and aggressive rebounding, the well-rounded forward has been a leader for the team since her freshman year.
This year, she even broke the 1000 point milestone with a first quarter lay-up against Felicity-Franklin. Snell admits that she had no idea she was approaching the feat, and that when she saw the cupcakes and balloons at half time she wondered “who’s birthday it was.” The fact that she did not follow her personal stats is a testament to her team-first mentality that all athletes should possess.
In the past few seasons, the Girls’ Basketball team has been stumped in the sectional final, but this year they hope to get beyond sectionals and advance further in the state tournament. While all the tools for a deep run are present, the Lady Indians will turn to their seniors to show maturity and leadership as they try to win as many playoff games as possible.
