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01/15/2022 11:00 PMAfter graduating two key seniors and returning just one for this year, Morgan girls’ basketball Head Coach Caitlin Woods knew that the Huskies had to learn how to transition and adapt into new roles during the 2022 season. Although Morgan started the year on a three-game losing streak, Coach Woods has seen her team turn the corner by winning four of its last five games, including all three of its contests last week, to level its record at 4-4.
“It has been an interesting transition. We graduated two seniors that we relied upon tremendously,” Coach Woods said. “It was a lot of learning and remodeling in terms of players and positions. We moved some kids up into major varsity roles.”
Morgan started its week by claiming a 52-31 victory against Old Saybrook in a road game on Jan. 10. Morgan jumped out to an 18-6 lead after the first quarter and brought a 28-14 lead into halftime. The Huskies then outscored the Rams in the third (11-7) and fourth (13-10) quarters on their way to the win.
Junior captain Caeley Ayer scored 12 points to go with 8 assists for Morgan. Sophomore Ava Johnson had 11 points with 6 rebounds and 3 steals. Junior Katie Martin scored 8 points and had 6 boards; sophomore Maeve Madura had 7 points, 3 assists, and 3 steals; and junior Sofie Passante added 6 points. Sophomore Victoria O’Neill had 5 blocks on the night.
Two days later, the Huskies hosted Amistad and claimed a 40-35 victory. Morgan fell behind 10-3 after the first quarter, but outscored the Wolves 7-3 in the second quarter to cut the deficit to 13-10 at halftime. The Huskies then outscored Amistad 23-13 in the third quarter to take a 33-26 lead in the fourth. Amistad won the fourth quarter 9-7, but the Huskies hung on for the five-point victory.
Johnson scored 15 points and had 7 rebounds for Morgan. Ayer had 11 points with 10 boards, 5 assists, 6 steals, and 2 blocks, while Martin added 8 points to go with 6 rebounds. Sophomore Maeve Madura had 6 assists, and O’Neill blocked 2 shots.
Then on Jan. 14, Morgan hit the road to face Old Lyme and edged out the Wildcats by a 36-35 score. Morgan was down 27-22 heading into the fourth quarter, but outscored the Wildcats 14-8 in the final frame to come away with the one-point win.
Martin scored 10 points and also had 5 rebounds with 2 steals. Ayer had 9 points to go with 7 rebounds, 4 assists, and 2 steals. Johnson scored 6 points with 8 boards and 2 steals, while Madura had 5 points and 3 assists, including a clutch 3-pointer that put Morgan up for good. O’Neill had 12 rebounds and 6 blocks to help the Huskies finish off their undefeated week.
“This week, we really started to jell a lot more as a team. We’re young, which is great for the future, but it’s a work in progress,” said Woods. “Our kids are coming along well. If we continue to play together, I think we can compete with anybody.”
Morgan had to fight to the very end to get its wins against Amistad and Old Lyme, rallying for the victory in both games. Coach Woods said the Huskies demonstrated how they will never quit and are always going to battle until the final whistle.
“They didn’t give up. They continued to really work hard. Different athletes really contributed at different times. We were composed and smart,” Woods said. “They all did the right things. They worked hard together. I was proud of them for both games.”
Juniors Ayer and Martin have started for Morgan since their freshman years. Coach Woods described both athletes as gritty players who have become great leaders on the court. Madura, a sophomore, is the Huskies’ point guard, and Woods said that she’s doing a solid job as the team’s floor general.
Johnson is Morgan’s starting shooting guard. Coach Woods said that the sophomore has been clutch for the Huskies this season, calling her an outstanding shooter who’s developing into a quality all-around player.
Passante, a sophomore, has been playing both forward and center for Morgan. Coach Woods said that Passante is a tough and physical player who never backs down from a challenge. Fellow sophomore O’Neill also plays forward and center, and Woods has been impressed with her ability to contest the opposition’s shots in the paint.
The Huskies’ rotation also features senior captain Ava Zirlis, junior Eva O’Sullivan, and sophomore Anastasia Luke. All three players are helping the club by filling their roles well, Woods expects them to get more minutes as the season goes along.
Zirlis and Ayer are serving as Morgan’s captains this season. Coach Woods said that both players have gained the trust of their teammates based on what they bring to the table for the Huskies.
“Caeley has led on the court. She has been a starter since day one as a freshman. She leads in terms of her physicality and skill on the court. Ava leads with her heart and dedication. She knows the entire program in and out, and she’ll run through a wall for you,” said Woods. “The entire team looks up to both of them. Being a captain isn’t the easiest, but they’ve done a great job. I’m proud of both of them.”
Thus far, Woods said the Huskies’ biggest strength has been their shooting ability. Morgan has numerous strong 3-point shooters, and its offense has done a good job of moving the ball and getting into the paint. Going forward, Woods is looking for her squad to continue improving on the defensive end of the floor, as well as with its rebounding.
As her team looks to make these improvements, Coach Woods believes that Morgan can be a contender in both Shorelines and states this year. However, as her father Steve Woods, the head coach of Old Saybrook girls’ hoops, had told her, “The next game is always the most important game.” Morgan’s coach said that the Huskies have bought into that philosophy and will keep taking a one-game-at-a-time approach as they travel the road toward the postseason.
“It’s always a goal to make the Shoreline Tournament and the State Tournament. We are definitely capable as long as we keep working and stay healthy,” Coach Woods said. “Right now, especially with a young team, it’s one game at a time. Our next game is the one we have to focus on. The girls have bought into that. They’re always so focused.”
Morgan’s roster additionally features sophomores Ashley Reemsnyder, Madelyn Scata, Katherine Toledo, Liliana Torres, and Glenda Zhiminaicela, along with freshmen Cora Dunham, Nina Fishman, Angelie Jaramillo-Navas, Liliana Luciani, Laura Orn, Meadow Papacoda, Olivia Ruotolo, Alyssa Ruthstrom, and Alana Zirlis.