Blue Devil JV Girls’ Basketball Remains Positive

A one year experiment in geographical league grouping regardless of school enrollment led to many more losses than the Huntington High School junior varsity girls’ basketball team would have otherwise experienced. But the Blue Devils were able to keep a positive mindset throughout the winter season.

Coached by Katie Reilly and captained by Jessica Maixner and Anne Tyrrell, the 10-player team still found a way to win five games and stay competitive in several in several others.

“This team was truly a unit,” Reilly said. “It wasn’t a team big in numbers, but the love for the game and the love for one another was huge and kept us going each day despite the less than favorable record. I am so proud of how much each player really tried go out of their comfort zone to get better and by the end we had multiple players expanding their game using behind the back moves, through the legs and more, even against the toughest of opponents.

Freshman guard Ruby Hoffman scored a team high 105 points with eighth grade point guard Leighton Evans dropping 100 points. Maixner scored 83 points from her forward/center position and guard Kiera McGuire had 48 points. Freshman forward Erika Hernandez Veliz dropped 38 points.

“Ruby was truly outstanding this year,” said Reilly about Hoffman. “She averaged at least three steals a game, was our most consistent scorer and always stepped up to the point guard position when we needed her. Her love for the game combined with her athleticism allowed her to make massive gains over the course of the season.”

Evans also played a key role on the team. “Leigh’s ball handling skills never failed to impress me this season,” Reilly said. “Her ability to maneuver through the defense while having her head up, allowing her to make an incredible pass to the post was a sight to see. Her future in the Huntington basketball program is bright.”

McGuire was the Blue Devils’ “super dynamic lefty player” who displayed a penchant for sinking three-point baskets. “She also showed this season that she has some shifty moves to get to the basket and that she is tough and will battle for those rebounds with the best of them,” Reilly said.

Maixner improved in all facets of her game. “Her confidence, her shooting, her dribbling and her leadership all came together this season and it was a joy to be a part of it,” Reilly said.

The highlight of the season came early when Huntington topped North Babylon in a nailbiter, 21-18.

“Our team defense was really solid by the end,” Reilly said. “We had really good communication and caused several turnovers on the best teams in the league.”

Most players have already indicated they plan on returning next season, “which is very exciting,” Reilly said.

“The focus for next year and all years moving forward continues to be to grow the girls’ individual abilities so that they are best prepared to take on the varsity level,” Reilly said.