Finley Girls’ Basketball-Blue Features Tomorrow’s Stars

The J. Taylor Finley Middle School girls’ basketball “Blue” team featured many of the program’s stars of tomorrow. Captained by Gemma Bedell, Justina Hlenski and Madyn Kalb, the 15-player squad was coached by Flower Hill physical education teacher Timothy Madden.

The three captains were Finley-Blue’s top players. All played guard. “Gemma gives great effort each practice and game,” Madden said. “She has become a very good shooter. Justina is multi-talented. She plays great defense and is an exceptional rebounder and competitor. Madyn is extremely athletic. It was her first year playing basketball and she exceeded all expectations.”

The team enjoyed satisfying wins over Moses-Blue, Babylon-Orange, Babylon-Black and Elwood while losing by two points to East Northport and three points to Moses-White.

“I am most proud of our individual and team effort, which led to four hard fought wins and several competitive games,” Madden said.

The roster also included seventh graders Emma Barch, Ali Brady, Caleigh Camarata, Izabelle Colato, Mo’Naya Dennis, Khloe Graham, Mia Gulino, Julia Hotine, Matison Kindelmann and Jaylah Morgan-Page and eighth graders Andie DiGioia and Emma Mortensen.

“This team worked hard,” Madden said. “They had fun learning the fundamentals and concepts of the game of basketball. They improved individually and as a team. I am very proud of each and every member of the team. I wish them all continued success.”