West Orange Girls Move Over .500

They have been quietly lifting their game, moving up and avenging losses, beating  teams that might not have seemed approachable a few weeks ago.

West Orange's girls basketball team is morphing into a team that may have the confidence to make a run in the North Jersey, Section 1 Group IV tournament later in the season.

The Mountaineers are now a winning team after a 42-30 conquest of West Essex (12-4) Tuesday afternoon at home. West Orange has now won six of its last nine games and is 9-8. 

"The girls are getting better with each passing game," said coach Kim Wilson, whose team has now qualified for the state sectional playoffs six straight years in her eight years as head coach.

 West Essex was 8-0 after it beat the Mountaineers 46-42 Jan. 11. West Orange dropped to 3-5.

But this is a much different Mountaineer team, a balanced team playing with confidence.

Wilson said the key to victory was the containment of West Essex' long-range shooters like senior Theresa Carnevale. Carnevale had 19 points the last time the two teams played, but was held to nine this time around. 

"The last time we had a problem with their press, this time we really didn't," Wilson said. 

Sophomore guard Illissa Blackshear hit for 11 points made three steals and had a rebound as the Mountaineers outscored their opponents 14-3 in the third quarter to take over. Sophomore center Chisom Amaefuna had another outstanding game with 15 points, 12 rebounds, three steals and two blocks. With much of the opposing team's focus on stopping Amaefuna, it has opened it up for other Mountaineers to take some of the pressure. 

"As the development as Chisom as solid, inside player continues, she helps the team not just helping the team on the inside, but on the outside," Wilson said. "By concentrating on her, it is leaving the others open."

Junior guard Allison Mejia had seven points, six assists, two rebounds, two blocks and a steal. Senior forward Kimberly Reitmeyer had another full box score – hitting for five points, five rebounds, four assists and a steal.

"As we go around the second time," Wilson said, "the teams are saying 'OK, let's get number five (Chisom),' " Wilson said. "What has happened ... the other players have taken pride on offensive and defensive in relieving the pressure on Chisom. They have become scorers on different days. Today it was Illissa, Allison. On any night, any of the players can be that player. Allison takes a lot of heat and a lot of pressure. The team has risen to the occasion, are working hard every single day. It's a privilege to be their coach. It’s nice to see their hard work is paying off."

The Mountaineers will play at Nutley Thursday afternoon at 4 p.m. West Orange beat Nutley 47-34 Jan. 13 in West Orange.