Hornets Go 16-1-1 For Fifth-Sixth Club Crown

Following an outstanding regular season, the Green Hornets coached by Matt Gray and Brendan O’Brien went 2-0 in the playoffs to win the fifth/sixth-grade club basketball championship.

Gray’s team of Natalie Brand, Amair Dyer, Ava Gilman, Emma Gray, Danielle Grimes, Olivia Nardone, Ella O’Brien, Abby Parr, May Sall, Amelia Smith and Abby Wolfe went 14-1-1 in the regular season. Despite opening with 14 straight wins, the team backed into the playoffs with a loss and a tie before regrouping to win the championship.

“We were very concerned with our team entering the playoffs having not won the final two games, worried we were regressing instead of progressing,” said coach Gray. “The girls found their focus and won their semifinal game and ultimately the final game in convincing fashion.”

Ella O’Brien had 10 points in the championship final and was named the game’s MVP.

Coach Gray thanked Green Hornets girls basketball commissioner Adam Demella and boys basketball deputy commissioner Judy Tacyn for their volunteer efforts with Green Hornets basketball.

Gray had high praise for the character of his players.

“This was an exceptional group of girls who promoted teamwork amongst themselves all season,” said Gray. “Every girl showed a very positive attitude at every practice and every game. All the girls were very receptive to coaching and gave top effort in every game and practice. Very proud of the way these girls grew together as friends and teammates as the season went on. It was an honor to get to work with such a wonderful group of young ladies this season.”