This year's eighth grade girls' basketball team at Wisdom Lane was built on hard work, commitment, and tradition. The ladies came in this year having to continue the dominance demonstrated at Wisdom over the last five years. While this is a lot of pressure for some, the girls at Wisdom look at it as their responsibility to uphold tradition. They had to face the fact that they were part of a program that was 50 and 5 over the last five years. Several people were unsure if this group would be able to continue the dominance of previous teams but not the girls. They had no doubt at all that they would get the job done. The girls knew with hard work and dedication they could surpass any expectations naysayers may have had. The team would continue the tradition and finish the season with an exceptional 10 and 1 record. Their only loss was a heart breaking one-point loss that they would later avenge by 22 points. This year's team now joins the past five teams, as one that Wisdom will not forget. The girls officially became part of the Wisdom tradition as they helped raise the eighth grade team record to 60 and 6 over the past 6 years. The ladies enjoyed many big wins, but none were greater than the wins over Salk and Berner. Going into the Salk game, the girls had revenge on their mind. They were very upset over a tough one-point loss earlier in the year. They wanted to prove to everyone, including themselves, that they were much better than they showed in the previous game. The only way they could do this was by beating their cross-town rival. The ladies found themselves in a dogfight as it always seems to be when these two rivals cross paths. It was a seesaw battle throughout the first three quarters. The Wildcats pounced all over Salk in the fourth and fifth quarter and outscored Salk 24-7 while holding the Seahawks scoreless in the fifth quarter to secure the win. They defeated Salk 53-31 to avenge their only loss this season. LeighAnne Cummings 11 points and 9 steals, Sam Maietta 13 points and 14 rebounds, Andrea Sheridan 6 points, Kelly Rogala 6 points, Colleen Vernola 5 points, Hayley Lacey 5 points and 5 steals, Amanda Davis 4 points, Alex Kwasnik 4 points, and Brittany Fiore 2 points led the Wildcats attack. Erin Carew, Maggie McNamara, Jess Uster, Jackie Coyne, and Lauren McCormack provided outstanding defense and hustle the entire game. The Wildcats had the arduous task of facing a very tough Berner team three times this season. Berner is always a powerhouse that offers a great challenge to Wisdom year in and year out. For the first time in 4 years, the Wildcats defeated Berner on their court earlier in the year. It has been a tough place to play for the Wildcats over the years. The Wildcats rallied from a 14-point deficit in the third quarter to win by 10. It was truly a remarkable comeback that left Berner stunned and the Wildcats thrilled. After that game, the Wildcats knew they had something special. They ran the table and set up another showdown with Berner the last game of the year. it is tough enough to beat an opponent two times, but to do so three times against a team like Berner was a very difficult task. The last time Berner came to Wisdom, Hayley Lacey put on quite a show. Lacey would score 32 points to break the school record for most points in a game. The stage was set for a great game between two talented teams. The girls ended the season in dramatic fashion as they defeated Berner 53-52. Trailing by 6 in the fourth quarter, Leigh Anne Cummings took over and led the exciting comeback as she scored 8 of her game high 15 points. This would set up the frantic finish to one of the most exhilarating wins in recent history. With 8 seconds left and the score tied at 52, Hayley Lacey broke free and was fouled as time expired. Lacey went to the foul line with a chance to be a hero and win the game for the Wildcats. Lacey sank the second free throw as the Wildcats rushed the floor to celebrate the thrilling victory. Maggie McNamara 10 points 7 rebounds, Sam Maietta 7 points, 18 rebounds, Kelly Rogala 5 points, 4 steals, Alex Kwasnik 4 points, and Andrea Sheridan 2 points led the Wildcats. Jess Uster, Brittany Fiore, Erin Carew, Colleen Vernola, Amanda Davis, Jackie Coyne and Lauren McCormack provided outstanding hustle and defense all game for the Wildcats. This win capped a truly remarkable year for the Wildcats. They became a team that will be remembered for years to come. The girls are a perfect example of hard work paying off. Every member contributed to the team's success. Hayley Lacey 17 points per game, LeighAnne Cumings 12 points per game, Jackie Coyne 7 points per game, Kelly Rogala 6 points per game, and Sam Maietta 4 points per game and 13 rebounds per game led the Wildcats attack all year long. Erin Carew, Amanda Davis, Brittany Fiore, Alex Kwasnik, Lauren McCormack, Maggie McNamara, Andrea Sheridan, Jessica Uster, and Colleen Vernola provided the stifling defense that often had opponents flustered. The team would like to thank team managers Brooke Rogala, Caitlin Costello, Jane McNamara, and Kelly Surdo for their hard work and dedication to the team all year.

In the beginning ...

People wondered what we were getting ourselves into,

"That coach is crazy ..."

We all just pretended to shake it off.

Although, we all thought about it inside.

After the first couple of practices,

We all figured that he was going easy on us.

Most of us were friends already,

So that made practices even better.

None of us really knew what to expect,

But we all knew after those first few practices,

Our potential as a team, was amazing.

And if we worked to our ability, we would be unstoppable.

By the middle of the season,

All of us were great friends.

We were together six days a week,

3 hours a day,

And even when we didn't have practice, most of us were together.

Everyday, all we waited for was practice.

We knew that we would have the most fun, and learn the most there.

Practices were meant to be serious, but fun.

And whenever we stepped out of line,

We all knew when we had to stop joking,

And start playing.

As the end of the season approached,

Everyone started to realize how much they were going to miss everything,

The practices,

The games,

The halftime pep talks,

No one wanted this to end.

For the remaining games,

We all played our hearts out.

Especially, the last game.

When the season was over,

All of us,

Changed since the beginning of the season.

We were no longer just acquaintances or peers.

We were teammates, better players, and above all,

Friends.

None of us will ever forget this season.

We came in as a team ... And left as a family.