Westwood Girls Basketball Team Has High Hopes for the Season

Head Coach Dana Farinella and her basketball team are focused on Friday night, when a new start begins and the team takes a 0-0 record to Ridgefield Park. There will be many keys to success this season, and the off-season has already created good vibes among the team.

"From the off-season to today I have seen a core group of players increase their efforts on improving their skills,"said Farinella. "As a team I like that we have all unselfish players."

As is usual for any team, the senior class will have to play a major role, both statistically and leadership wise. Senior center Jaclyn Hrbek will be expected to be an offensive and defensive force down low, while senior Chrissy Sudibya will also be a major part of the offense and defense. Senior guard Nicole Marsiglia is expected to make her return from an ACL injury suffered last season.

The team has already made some improvements during the off season in different areas.

"We are trying to improve upon taking care of the ball and shooting more consistently," said Farinella. "In short, decrease turnovers and increase shooting percentage. Though I think we have improved greatly on the offensive side of the court, our defense is what will help us to win the games."

It helps to have talented individuals on a basketball team, but sometimes it is more important to have chemistry, trust and balanced scoring from everyone as opposed to having one or two players go off each night. Westwood understands this going into Friday night.

"As for players that I expect the most out of, that would be every player," said Farinella. "We are a team during the games and in practices. Anyone who steps foot on the floor will be expected to give 100 percent in intensity and focus."

The beauty of a new season is the ability to start over and go into that first game with the mindset of being undefeated and making sure it stays that way. Westwood's schedule is filled with intriguing games starting with Friday's opening game against rival Ridgefield Park.

Some other highlight games are against Mahwah, Tenafly and Emerson, along with many other important match-ups. Westwood is hosting the Girls Holiday Hoops Tournament Dec. 27 and 29.

"Our goals are to finish in the top of our division and make county and state tournaments," said Farinella. "The team is starting to build confidence and has improved upon our offensive chemistry."