Radnor continues to show character
Down but not out. This may be an overused cliché in sports but it aptly describes this year’s Radnor girls’ basketball team who seems to fight back every time it looks as though the season seems to have gotten the best of them.
Over the past week, Radnor (12-5; 8-4 Central League) suffered consecutive league losses to Penncrest, Garnet Valley and Strath Haven and it appeared as though things were beginning to unravel.
Just they have done in the past, the young team rallied behind its senior leaders and coaching staff to post a 53-48 come from behind win over visiting Marple Newtown High School on January 23 avenging a loss to the Tigers on December 29.
“It was pretty satisfying to them bounce back after a tough week,’ said coach Mark Jordan following the game vs. Marple Newtown. “We got down early but went on a run by attacking the rim. The win got us back in the mix to make (Central League)
playoffs. It was all we could hope for. The girls really scrapped and played their hearts out.’
“We have been playing together as of late but we hit a tough stretch,’ said senior co-captain Katie Jordan. “I believe that having losses could be a good thing. This happened last year and we were able to build off that and go on a run. Hopefully we can do the same thing this year.’
Radnor is fortunate that five of the seven players who see extended time on the floor are underclassmen led by juniors Kristen Hamill, Fallon Quinn, Racquel Razavi and sophomores Allison Lanzone and Nicole Massimino who follow the lead of seniors
Jordan, Lauren Pacifico and Megan Massimino.
“The seniors have been very important,’ said Hamill. “They lead us on and off the floor and are helpful with anything we need.’
Despite the recent struggles, the seniors did not allow the younger players to get too low reminding them about the same type of adversity they faced last season before coming together to eventually capture the PIAA District One Class AAA championship.
“This happened last year where we had a tough week losing three consecutive games,’ Jordan said. “We remember how we feel when we lose tough games so we do our best to keep things positive and let the younger players know we have to move forward.’
“This year has had its challenges,’ said Jordan. “We know we are young but we have great senior leadership and we just try to stay positive and let the team know if they keep working hard good things will happen.’
