BMS Girls Basketball Team Sets Record

March Madness is in full swing, and as always, it makes for some crazy and exciting basketball!  Even the most reluctant fan can be swept up in the frenzy of NCAA brackets and slam-dunks and underdogs.  But far removed from the collegiate basketball tournaments, another exciting basketball story was developing in Bethel, Connecticut.  The Bethel Middle School Varsity Girls were quietly making history.

Coached by Doris Murphy, this year’s BMS Girls Varsity team started winning…and never stopped.  Some games were decisive and some were nail-biters, but by mid-season the BMS girls were 7-0.  

For the first time, they were invited to enter The Great Oak Tournament in Oxford, Connecticut.  Having never competed with most of these mid-state teams and while certainly outsized, the BMS Girls defeated Great Oak (Oxford), Memorial (Middlebury), and finally Cheshire to win the tournament. In the final two games, the girls battled back from large deficits to take the win.

The regular season ended for the BMS Girls at home, with a win against Newtown and a record of 15-0.  The only thing left was the elusive Jockey Hollow Tournament.  A highly spirited competition between the neighboring towns of Monroe (Jockey Hollow, host), Newtown, Brookfield (Whisconeer), and Bethel,  the BMS Girls have not fared well in this tournament in recent years.

Particularly difficult was last year’s placement of fourth out of four at Jockey Hollow.  But redemption is sweet, and the BMS Girls will have bragging rights for a year as The 2013 Jockey Hollow Tournament Champs.  More importantly, they bring home an undefeated season of 17-0….one for the record books, indeed.

Recently, the BMS Varsity Girls were celebrated along with their JV teammates, the Boys Basketball Teams, and the BMS Dance Team at the Winter Sports Banquet.  Held at La Fortuna, the ladies and gentlemen were dressed for an evening of celebration and enjoyed wonderful food and company.  Coach Doris Murphy began her segment of the evening by saying  “At the start of the season, the expectation was that they would win and win often.  They certainly did me one better!” 

In an evening where each teammate was recognized for individual accomplishments, special recognition was given to Maddie Byrnes (8th Grade) who was awarded the “Coaches Award” for her focus and discipline and willingness to do whatever was needed; and Sofia Orrico (8th Grade) who received the “MVP Award” acknowledging her leadership and heart and willingness to give back..

Along with Sofia Orrico, team captains included Sam Manfreda (8th Grade) who was recognized as a tremendous defensive player and player with the most focus, and Annie Bedore who was recognized for her speed and for her tremendous defensive play as well.

Each player on the history making team was recognized by their coaches, Doris Murphy and Shelly DeSisto (JV Coach):

Christin Manfreda (7th Grade) “fearless and a sparkplug”

Lilly Daniel (7th Grade) “electrifying taking it to the basket and her unbelievable defense”

Meggy Dolan (8th Grade) “deadly shot and takes it to people 5 times her size”

Hannah Kelm (8th Grade) “astounding the way she works; it shows on the court”

Ashley Chapman (8thGrade) “can’t question her toughness and passion”

Ryan Belcher (8th Grade) “deadly shot and certainly our calmest player”

Amanda Towey (8th Grade) “one of the most talented players I’ve ever seen”

Additionally, Team Managers who traveled to every game and managed equipment and kept the books, were recognized….Sophie Morton and Katlyn Molony.

And so the history making season ends for the 2012/2013 BMS Girls Varsity Basketball Team…a life memory for players and parents and coaches.  And we look forward to High School with great anticipation.  Play on, girls!