McCoy Plays Beyond Her Years

It's a good thing Jessica McCoy takes care of her teeth, because they were on display for all to see in late November.

Just three months into her life as a high school student, the freshman earned a starting role for the Cranford girls basketball team, prompting a display of emotion that might have rivaled someone winning the lottery.

"I just couldn't stop smiling," McCoy said. "I was just so excited when my coach told me and I am so happy to be part of this team."

McCoy has proven that she has more than earned the role in Cranford's lineup, playing more like a seasoned performer than a rookie fresh out of middle school.

"She's very talented and it's good to have her in the lineup," said Cranford coach Jackie Huber, whose team lost four starters from last season. "Jessica, like all of the freshman, has been playing for a long time."

McCoy's most impressive performance came in the championship game against West Orange in the Lancer Holiday Basketball Tournament. She hit from inside and outside, nailing a 3-pointer to help tie teammate Jamie Webb for a game-high 17 points to lead the Cougars past the Mountaineers, 44-43, for the title.

The victory gave Cranford some momentum with a three-game winning streak entering 2010.

McCoy, who is averaging about nine points per game, has been a pleasant surprise for Cranford. In the team's toppling of West Orange, she didn't only come through with nearly 40 percent of her team's points but nailed two clutch fourth-quarter free throws in the one-point win. 

"I really thought that she was an aggressive kid in a positive way," West Orange coach Kim Wilson said. "She was determined and a team player. She understood where the seams were, made her foul shots and was mentally tough."

The 5-foot-8 McCoy displayed plenty of resiliency in the team's 45-27 win over Kearny in the opening around of the Lancer Tournament. While many freshman might have climbed into a shell after missing all six of her shots in the first half, the forward fought her way through her difficulties with a seven-point performance down the stretch.

Even with her scoreless first half, McCoy posted six steals to disrupt a Kearny offense that had registered over 70 points a game before Cranford handed the Kardinals their first defeat of the season.

"I told the whole team that when your shots aren't falling, you have to get it back on defense," Huber said. "If you can't contribute offensively, do something defensively to help our team win."

And Cranford rivals have yet to forget McCoy's stunning performance in a win over Linden last Wednesday. She posted a team-high 12 points, including a big three-pointer in overtime.

McCoy's role in the lineup has been eased by a surrounding senior core headed by Webb, Danielle Gross, and Taylor D'Antico. Webb has set the tempo for the team in the early portion of the schedule. She hit the game-winning free throw in the win over West Orange and has registered double digits in scoring in most of the team's games this season.

"[McCoy] plays with so much confidence out there," said Webb, who also saw some varsity time as a freshman three years ago. "She plays so well for someone her age and when she is a senior she's going to be awesome."