When Coach Zunno looked at the squad of girls trying out for the 2002/03 varsity basketball team, her thoughts had to drift back to the days when the numbers of girls trying out for varsity basketball were plentiful and where a player might actually get cut from the team. Nowadays, popular girls' sports at Mineola such as track, volleyball and lacrosse compete for athletes who might otherwise play basketball. With only one returning senior, Coach Zunno faced the daunting task of finding players with enough experience and potential to field a team with a cross section of youthful talent, experience and court savvy beyond their years.

Not unlike other schools, this year's team has reached to the lower grades, even the Middle School, for basketball talent. And while that movement to youth may spell losing seasons and rebuilding in the minds of some, this team has shown that despite their youth, they have come to learn, play hard from tip off to buzzer and not be intimidated. Led by Senior Kristin McNally, this years' team includes and eighth grader, a freshman, three sophomores, and two juniors.

For senior Kristin McNally, leadership, as much as playmaking and scoring, will occupy her court time. With the team having only two weeks of practice, Kristin has adjusted and assumed the role of leader on this team. Whether she's encouraging her teammates, calming jittery nerves or hitting three pointers, Kristin, more than anyone on the court, has become the person to look up to for guidance during the game. Early indications are she's more than up for the task.

From juniors Shaliera Smith, Liz Terezo and Melissa Dadich, Coach Zunno will look for these players to take their game to the next level as they prepare to fill the leadership role in their senior year both on and off the court. As for Shaliera, who made her presence known at the JV level as a forward/center, the team will continue to look to her for her "in the middle" presence with defense, strong offensive and defensive rebounding and her soft touch around the basket. Liz Terezo, a second year varsity player, has demonstrated her abilities as an effective two-way player. Offensively, Liz can hit the three pointer just as effectively as she can drive to the basket without fear, ready to draw the foul. Defensively, Liz has the size and speed to match up well against the speedy point guard, two-guard, or the small forward. For Melissa Dadich, this year will hopefully be injury free. Last year, Melissa injured her leg with sufficient severity to require a soft cast and crutches. This season, she jammed her finger during practice and missed a week of valuable practice time. Hopefully, these injuries are behind her and she can get down to the business of getting into shape and contributing to the team at the forward position.

From sophomore Caitlin Orlando, who returns to varsity for a second year, Coach Zunno will look for continued improvement in her skill set as an effective two-way player at the point guard and/or two-guard position. Last year's experience will allow Caitlin to put "freshman jitters" behind her and elevate her shooting, passing and defensive skills to effectively compete against older players. For Liz Sanderleaf and Jess Napolitano, both of whom made their presence known at the JV level at the two guard and forward positions, Coach Zunno will look for these players to take their game to the next level as they transition from junior varsity to varsity. Both Jess and Liz will gain valuable experience this year at the varsity level. Both players will be expected to contribute to the success of the team. On JV, Jess utilized her height into effective rebounding and her soft touch around the key contributed to valuable "put back" points off offensive rebounds. Liz is known for her passing abilities as a two guard who can thread the needle to the player cutting toward the basket. In addition, she can hit her shot from both the three-point line and both sides of the key.

From freshman Christine Medlock, who, like Caitlin, comes up to varsity as a freshman, Coach Zunno will look for an immediate impact. While this might be a tall order for a freshman, Christine brings to her game a physical presence defensively, where she too can "rip it" when it comes to rebounds, and offensively, provide valuable "put back" points from inside the key. As Christine settles into her position, she will no doubt face the basket and utilize her outside shooting skills.

From eighth grader Lauren Flynn, Coach Zunno can see five years of quality basketball at the varsity level. Lauren, who made her presence known at the JV level last year, brings her non-stop hustle, shooting, passing and playmaking skills to the varsity level this year, in addition to a level of maturity and court savvy well beyond her years. Her level of talent at this age, along with her physical stature, allows her to seamlessly play at the varsity level.

Looking at the roster, Coach Zunno has put together a group of ladies who truly enjoy the sport, who bring their "game" to the game each time they play, and who will, based on their age, provide a solid core for this team over the next two to three years. With a lot of hard work, game experience and a little bit of luck, this team will give Lady Mustang basketball fans a lot to look forward to this season and beyond.