Wantagh within reach of conference title

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Wantagh’s girls’ basketball team is positioned to grab a league title heading into the home stretch of the season.

A commanding 53-20 home win against Valley Stream North on Jan. 18 moved the Lady Warriors to 7-0 in Conference A-III with five games remaining. The team’s improving health has been key with Julia Wilkinson, Hannah Dougherty and Angela Labenberg all returning from injuries during the unbeaten start to conference play.

“We have started to get in a rhythm,” Wantagh head coach Stan Bujacich said. “Our depth is getting better.”

Wilkinson has become an offensive force since her return to the court after an offseason softball injury. The sophomore forward is averaging 10 points per game and scored 18 to go along with seven rebounds n a 56-52 victory at Floral Park on Jan. 13.

“She has picked things up offensively for us,” Bujacich said of Wilkinson. “She has an impact right away.”

Wantagh has achieved 50 or more points in nine of its first 14 games led by junior guard Caitlin Albanese. The returning All-County player entered the week averaging 13 points per game and tallied a season-high 23 in a 70-63 win at Lynbrook on Jan. 8.

Bujacich said senior point guard Julianna Kissane is turning in an impressive final season of high school and as a veteran has been an integral part of leading the Warriors on and off the court. The third-year starter, who earned honorable mention All-County honors last season, shined in the Lynbrook triumpth with 17 points, six assists and four rebounds.

“She has clearly picked up game,” said Bujacich of his floor leader. “Whether it’s passing, scoring or rebounding she has stepped up.”

Bujacich has also been pleased with Wantagh’s consistent play on the defensive end of the floor both in half-court and full-court pressure scenarios. He hopes the balanced efforts on offense and defense continues to drive the Warriors toward a conference championship, which would position them for one of the top seeds in the upcoming Class A playoffs.

“The girls are in a good frame of mine,” he said. “Our goal is right in front of us.”

A game that could go a long way toward deciding who finishes atop the league standings is a Thursday evening home game against rival Division starting at 6:15 p.m. The Blue Dragons entered the week one game behind Wantagh with their only league loss coming at the hands of the Warriors in a 49-43 setback in Levittown on Jan. 3.

“They will want to get revenge on us,” said Bujacich of facing Division in showdown for first place. “They will remember that first meeting and be prepared for us the second time around.” 

The Division game will be followed by South Shore road tilts this Tuesday at Lynbrook at 6:30 p.m. and next Friday at Lawrence. A previously scheduled game this past Saturday against Bethpage will be made up on Feb. 5 at 4:30 p.m.