Page 12 THE VILLADOM TIMES III • April 7, 2010 Villadom Sports The Ho-Ho-Kus/Saddle River seventh and eighth grade girls’ travel basketball team recently clinched an unprecedented victory. Hundreds of middle-school girls have played in the program since its inception, and their seasons always ended without a championship, but this March, the local team defeated basketball heavyweight Fair Lawn, a town more than three times the size of Ho-Ho-Kus and Saddle River combined, to earn the title. The final score in this come from behind win was 35-31. Melissa Heath scored 16 of HHK/SR’s 35 points. Annie LaSpina provided strong defense, holding Fair Lawn’s leading scorer without a point, and making a key steal. Mollie Walker who did not score, had several key assists in the second half. Head Coach Rich Micallef praised the team’s “uncanny chemistry.” Last year, the Travel team earns championship victory girls posted a record of 2-13; this year, their record improved to 17-4. The team was essentially composed of the same girls, just a year older. Micallef and Assistant Coaches Chip Heath and Ken Frankel shaped the 2-13 team into a competitive, respected team by adapting new strategies and analyzing the game differently. Heath, a seventh grader from Ho-HoKus, noticed the change. She said Micallef ran different plays and drills at practices. “He was strict, but he pushed us hard and helped us win,” Heath said. “He gave us the ability to practice our skills and improve our game.” Walker, also a Ho-Ho-Kus seventh grader, cited the team’s ability to understand the plays more as a factor in their success this year. Courtney Micallef, a seventh grader Top row: Asst. Coach Ken Frankel, Allie Shell, Danielle Cote, Mollie Walker, Melissa Heath, Asst. Coach Chip Heath and Head Coach Rich Micallef. Bottom row: Courtney Micallef, Samantha Frankel and Annie LaSpina. ����������������� ���������������� from Saddle River, realized that this season, team members “all got a lot more playing time, which helped us become better players.” The team started the year with an impressive win against Mahwah in the Upper Saddle River Tournament, but then the Warriors would go on to lose their next four games, including their first two league games. “Starting out 1-4 and 0-2 in the league wasn’t the way we pictured it,” Coach Micallef said, but he also did not expect to win the next 16 straight games Coach Micallef was Brooklyn College’s leading scorer for 27 years until this year, netting an incredible 1,740 points in his four-year career, in an era before shot clocks and three point lines. At the end of the season, he said he experienced a sense of elation for the girls and the sadness of the team’s last game. He added, “One thing is certain: I will miss being their coach.” 3-17-10 janine VilladomWebsite3x2(3-17-10) 3 x 2” The Ridgewood Chamber of Commerce congratulates OCEANFRONT HOUSE with Private Beach Access FOR SALE Van Dyk Manor of Ridgewood, for being named one of America’s Best Nursing Homes by U.S. News & World Report ' See the complete list at www.usnews.com/nursinghomes WATERFRONT HOUSE ON FRIPP ISLAND, SC Van Dyk Manor ' 304 S. Van Dien Avenue, Ridgewood, NJ 07450 201-445-8200 ' www.vandykhealthcare.com Family caring for family, since 1953 (near historic Beaufort and Parris Island). Ranch style with extended lg. deck overlooking the ocean and own beach access, screened porch, 4 BR, 2½ baths, full kitchen, great room with fireplace. 2-car garage. Fully furnished. Sleeps 8-10. In gated community featuring 2 championship golf courses, several swimming pools, racquet club, bike trails, marina and more. Call Fripp Island Real Estate; Vic Schwarzer, Agent: 843-838-2411; cell 843-597-2491 or check website: www.frippforsale.com