In his 32nd year coaching Babylon girls’ basketball, Christopher Ryan has seen it all. Success, heartache, and growth. This season, his team is determined to bounce back after a tough loss in the county championship last winter.
With a roster filled with veterans, including four seniors who are also captains, Ryan knows the stakes are high.
"Motivation is key," Ryan said. "Our goal is to get back to where we were, block out all the outside noise, and focus on what we can control. Each rep, each practice, each game is all about making it better than the last."
Well, the Panthers have certainly come out of the gate strong as they have won eight of their first nine games, including a 4-1 record against league rivals.
The senior captains include Gia Randazzo, who has been a standout, earning recognition as a top-100 player, Emily Love, Maddie Beckemeyer, and Riley Altman. “Their leadership, both on and off the court, has helped guide the team through the ups and downs,” Ryan said.
Junior center, Peyton Logue-Boyd, earned All-Conference honors last season. “She brings an unmatched work ethic and competitive spirit,” said Ryan. In the Panthers most recent win, a 38-17 victory over Eastport-South Manor, Logue-Boyd scored 6 points and had 11 rebounds.
Despite all the veteran leadership Babylon has to offer, it’s been the new addition of eighth-grader Morgan Fiedler that has truly energized the team.
“As starting point guard, Morgan has made an immediate impact with her poise and high basketball IQ,” Ryan said. “For someone so young, Morgan plays with a level of maturity far beyond her years. She’s earned my trust as the leader on the floor.”
In a Dec. 6 45-31 victory over Smithtown East, she exploded for 25 points, a performance that left everyone in awe. She currently averages a team best 14.6 points per game.
Ryan, always a passionate coach, has made a deliberate shift in his approach. “The girls are tough on themselves, so I’m trying to celebrate the little things more,” he said. “They’re still kids, and they need that positive reinforcement.”
With a mix of experienced seniors and promising underclassmen, this team has the tools to make another deep run. The loss in the county chip still stings, but Ryan believes it’s fueled their hunger to improve. “The journey is just as important as the destination,” he said. “And with this group, I’m confident we’ll go far.”
With every game, Ryan and the Panthers are building toward something special. The chemistry is undeniable, the potential is sky-high, and they are more determined than ever to make a statement and another deep postseason run.
The Panthers have nine games in January, looking to continue their winning ways in League VII with Center Moriches and Mattituck both one game in the rearview mirror with 4-2 records. Mattituck handed Babylon its lone league loss to date and the Panthers host the rematch Jan. 21 at 6:15 p.m.