When the Hicksville High School Varsity Girls Basketball Team began practicing in mid-November 2006, they had a good idea that their team had strong players, spirit and the will to succeed in the face of any challenges they would encounter. Little did they know how deep they would need to reach into their hearts, minds, and bodies, however, as their competition season unfolded. What distinguishes any good team from a great team is often not at all about points and titles earned, but about the values, honor, compassion, sportsmanship and dignity they bring to the sport. This season, the Hicksville Varsity Girls Basketball Team truly proved what a great team they are.

"These girls really began preparing for this season in the summer 2006 - honing skills in summer leagues, hitting the weight room and enjoying each other's company," commented Coach Rich Hinnerschietz. They worked equally hard throughout the basketball season, honing and improving their game, building a solid team bond and enjoying competitive success on the court.

When the team qualified for the Class AA Nassau County Playoffs with outstanding season results, they were hungry for success. During the first round of playoffs in their game against Plainview JFK, Hicksville junior and team co-Captain Michelle Kurowski achieved a career benchmark of 2,000 points - the only girl in Nassau County to have ever done so. Kurowski received a standing ovation from the home-game audience, a fitting tribute to an outstanding player. Solidly beating Plainview JFK 68-35 in that game, the team moved on to play Herricks in the quarterfinals and achieved another win.

Heartbreak marked the Elmont vs. Hicksville semifinals with the untimely passing of Elmont Coach Greg "Petro" Petrocelli, who collapsed during the game. The loss of such a beloved coach and mentor touched all who were present for the game and those who later learned of the tragedy. With the rescheduling of the unfinished game a few days later, the Hicksville and Elmont girls joined together and formed a circle on center court, shoulder-to-shoulder, arm-in-arm, for a moment of silence to honor Coach Petrocelli. Although Hicksville won the game in a 60-57 bittersweet victory, Michelle Kurowski noted, "They're a part of us now".

In a touching tribute to their coach and as evidence of the deep bond that was forged between Elmont and Hicksville, before the Nassau County Finals against Massapequa March 7, the Elmont team presented the Hicksville girls with T-shirts bearing Coach Petrocelli's photo. Hicksville's girls humbly accepted and proudly wore Coach "Petro" shirts over their jerseys for warm-ups and whenever they sat on the sidelines. The Elmont team was in attendance to support the Hicksville team against Massapequa, who were the undefeated, two-time defending Long Island Champions and the favored fourth seed team by New York's Sportswriters Association. The Elmont team cheered on Hicksville as they played the game of their lives.

Courtney Breen scored 20 points, Kurowski scored a game high of 28 points, including four three-pointers, and, with Kelly Dempsey, scored the winning points in the final 23 seconds of the game. Hicksville defeated Massapequa 57-54 - a stunning upset by the Hicksville girls before a packed gymnasium at C. W. Post.

"We wanted to win this tonight for Petro and the Elmont girls," said Dempsey.

For the Long Island Finals on March 9, the newly crowned Hicksville Nassau County Champions - their first county title - faced Suffolk County champs North Babylon, a tough adversary they had been defeated by earlier in the season. Yet the Hicksville girls made a strong start and led North Babylon by 8 points just prior to halftime. But the tide turned, and North Babylon took the lead and went on to win 53-44.

True to their unwavering drive, however, the Hicksville girls, all of whom will be returning next year expect senior and co-Captain Katlyn Picardi, are already planning for next season. "Although this loss was disappointing, it gives us a clear cut goal for next year. People say the toughest thing to do in sports is to repeat as champions, I am glad we will have the opportunity to find out," said Coach Hinnerscheitz.

It was clear to everyone who watched this team play great basketball this season that they already are and always will be true champions both on and off the court.