Trinity Catholic Girls Basketball Expecting To Once Again Be In The Thick Of The FCIAC Playoff Race

Entering his 23rd season at the helm of the girls'  basketball program,  head coach Tom Kriz knows a thing or two about winning.

Fresh off another 20-win campaign due in large part to the squad's unwavering depth, the Crusaders will strive for another deep postseason run,  thanks to a strong blend of returning starters and key newcomers for this winter campaign.

Gone are the likes of post players Eileen Ornousky, Cayleigh Griffin and Lelia Barden, along with Lelia Barden - four performers who consistently wore down the opposition with balance and unselfishness.

Last season, Trinity Catholic (20-5) advanced to the FCIAC championship game, losing to St. Joseph, 47-38, before advancing to the second round of the CIAC Class L state tournament.

Nonethless, a strong returning core, coupled with a cast of promising newcomers,  will look to offset that versatile senior class that has since moved on to the collegiate ranks.

With 10 players getting consistent burn last season, the ability of newcomers to successfully inherit prominent roles under the guidance of Kriz will prove paramount.

"Our success is going to depend on how well we can come together and how quickly we come together," Kriz said. "We're going to have to develop a strong, reliable bench."

Traditionally,  Kriz has had a strong bench, and he hopes that once again will be the case this season with three new players joining the varsity.

Freshmen Katelyn Spielman brings a skilled and disciplined brand of basketball to the table. Junior Grace Telesco makes the jump from junior varsity, and classmate Kara Macari, a transfer student, brandishes a blue-collar defensive prowess along with gritty play on the offensive end.

While Spielmen, Telesco and Macari figure to play crucial roles within the rotation, a solid array of returning varsity members promise to keep the Crusaders dangerous.

The returning core includes senior co-captains Kelly Andersen (forward) and savvy floor general Erin Scottasanti.  Junior Mackanzie Griffin, a skilled 6-1 center, also will be called upon to make an impact inside.

Meanwhile, the sophomore duo of Ali Palma and Jovan Kingwood offers a long and athletic perimeter presence for the Crusaders.

While the roster may take a bit of time to mesh, you can expect the typical attributes that have paved the way to success to be on full display once again this season for Trinity Catholic.  And that is a squad that tends to out-work the competition and while keeping things balanced offensively.

"Our unselfishness, our defensive acumen, and the fact that anyone can score in the right situation figure to be our team strengths," Kriz said.