Sacred Heart's Magical Season Comes to an End

Bottom (L to R): Ann Krupenye, Sam Dicanio, Megan Lueder, Nicole Palombo; Top(L to R):Coach Karl Lueder, Briana Beach,Christina Mill, Melanie Lerner, Alycia Feeney, Coach Jon Lerner The Sacred Heart 8th grade girls’ team of Patterson lost in the championship game on Sunday, ending a very successful and exciting basketball season.

It began in November, with a preseason tournament at Corpus Christi. Sacred Heart won all 3 of their games, to take the tournament. The actual season began with a loss to St Patrick’s of Bedford. It would turn out to be the only loss of the regular season, as they won their final 11 games, to finish in first place in their division with an 11-1 record.

The playoffs would feature interdivision games, which began with a quarterfinal matchup with Resurrection of Rye on Sunday, 2/21/10. Sacred Heart breezed to a 37-17 victory, earning a berth in the semi-finals against the undefeated Holy Name of Valhalla team on Saturday, 2/27/10. This turned out to be the most exciting and intense game of the season, with an invitation to the championship game hanging in the balance.

Underdog Sacred Heart got off to a fast start as they scored the first 9 points of the game. The first quarter ended with Ann Krupenye beating the buzzer with a 15 foot shot to extend Sacred Heart’s lead to 13-2. However, the lead began to dissipate, as it was down to 21-14 at the half. Holy Name had no intention of letting their undefeated season slip away without a fight, as they continued their surge. By early 4th quarter, they had completely erased the lead, as the score was tied at 33.

Instead of folding up and succumbing to the momentum of favored Holy Name, Sacred Heart fought back, as they kept their composure and slowly took over the game. They ended with a 13-3 run, winning by the score of 46- 36, which sparked a wild celebration as they advanced to the finals.

Guard, Megan Lueder, the team’s MVP throughout the season, was the game’s leading scorer with 20 points, including 9 in the 4th quarter. Center, Melanie Lerner chipped in with 12 big points, and did a great defensive job on Holy Name’s best inside threat, Mary Kelly, blocking several shots. Forward, Alycica Feeney scored 6 points, including 2 huge baskets in the 4th quarter that began Sacred Heart’s big run. Feeney also played strong defensive game and pulled down several rebounds. Christina Mill scored 4 points and was very instrumental in breaking Holy Name’s tough full court press, as her in-bounds passes caused them to abandon the press completely by the start of the 4th quarter. Guards Lueder, Nicole Palombo and Sam Dicanio did a spectacular defensive job in shutting down Rachel (#25), Holy Name’s great long range shooter. Briana Beach, as usual, excelled on the defensive end, blocking several shots, as well as pulling down several rebounds on both ends of the court. Krupenye did a great job pressuring the ball, which forced many Holy Name turnovers. Palombo also forced several turnovers with her speed and quickness as she played her usual pestering defense. Dicanio, who was recently moved to guard, was excellent in moving the ball up the floor, including a great end to end drive for a layup. Needless to say, this was a total team effort.

Sacred Heart went up against another undefeated team from White Plains in the championship game the next day. Coming off the high of the game from the night before, and having a turnaround time of barely 12 hours, Sacred Heart could not seem to get back the same intensity, as they bowed to Our Lady of Sorrows by the score of 34-19, ending a very special season.

Coach Jon Lerner could not hide his happiness with the team. “The final game could not put a damper on this season, which was just amazing. When I think of where this team was 4 years ago when we came in last place, to making it to the championship game in a 28 team league, it is absolutely incredible. The steady improvement they showed each year is a testament to the girls’ desire to compete. The jubilation they shared after the big victory over Holy Name was, without a doubt, the best moment this team ever had. When you see results like these, you know that all the practice and hard work really paid off. There isn’t a selfish player in this group. Not one of them ever plays as if they care more about their own personal achievements than the overall success of the team. They are the definition of what a team is supposed to be, and I consider it a privilege to be their coach. I couldn’t be prouder them!”

Coach Karl Lueder was equally impressed. “Team play is about complimenting one another’s differences and growing on that premise. These girls understood each others’ roles and played around a mutual respect for one another. They're a great group of girls!”