Indians work toward playoff goal

The Sewanhaka girls are looking to build upon progress made in last season’s muddled campaign, where the team went 3-5. However, with the returning talent and the laudable work ethic the team has demonstrated to this point, head coach Alex Soupios is confident in his group.

“These girls are doing the right things to peak at the right time,” Soupios said. “They’re staying after to get shots up and as a coach you can’t ask for anything more than that.”

Senior Charnelle Miller is going to be the ultimate Swiss army knife for the Indians, as she will start and play both guard and forward. Her immense versatility and skill set will be a major catalyst in determining the team’s fate. “She is going to be our everything this year,” Soupios noted.

Senior Laura Marcia-Bodden will start at point for the team, as her unselfish play style lends itself to the point. Junior Jayda Brown will be the primary rim protector and rebounder, and has the potential to be a dominant force on the inside. “The girls know that if Jayda becomes dangerous inside then it’ll help the guards and it’ll open everything up,” Soupios said. Junior Kayla Grant will be the starting small forward, and by all accounts has improved tremendously since last year. Freshman Thalia Fowler will contribute despite her age.

The rest of the rotation will consist of junior Kernyse Benito-Jones, senior Chastidy Adams, sophomore Susie Aquino, sophomores Ralanadae Kayo, Mariah Wolfe, Jadin Rolling, and freshman Janiya Grant.

Soupios believes the early progressions the team has made could be indicative of a special season.

“They’re starting to get really comfortable together,” Soupios said. “They’re starting to slide into positions and getting to know their roles right now. I love these kids; they really do love basketball.”

He concluded: “The goal is always to make the playoffs. Whether it’s as one of the top seeds or sliding in at either the third or fourth spot because we know that once you’re in anything can happen.”