The Barber Shop

ALDARELLI continued from Page 14 ing went to her head,” Schmid said. “It’s just ‘OK, on to the next game, just follow the game plan.’ There’s no cockiness. Sometimes you get a new kid coming in and messing up what (upperclassmen) thought is their season as juniors and seniors. The kids have embraced her.”

But she just works hard. She practiced all the rebound drills. And sometimes it’s just instinct and effort.”

As a new chapter unfolds for me in 2023, I invite all of our friends and customers to visit me at my new place of employment. Beginning in early February, I will be at The Barber Shop of Hamilton

As a new chapter unfolds for me in 2023, I invite all of our friends and customers to visit me at my new place of employment. Beginning in early February, I will be at The Barber Shop of Hamilton located at 1959 Highway 33, Hamilton Square.

For more information, please call the shop 609-586-6029 or my cell 609-947-0155.

For more information, please call the shop 609-586-6029 or my cell 609-947-0155. I appreciate your loyalty.

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Brenda

www.tbsbarbershops.com

And while Ava is not cocky and is respectful to her older teammates, that does not mean she will defer to anyone. Which is why she began leading the break in her first day of practice.

“It’s just kind of a natural instinct,” she said “I don’t really think that much about the age. When I go out there, I think that all these people are freshmen. It’s just ‘Get the ball up the court and score.’”

Which is exactly what she did in a Senior Night victory over Nottingham. Schmid started all seniors, as tradition decrees, and inserted Aldarelli when the game was still scoreless. Suddenly, the Ravens went up 11-2 and Ava finished with 16 points and eight rebounds in the

“She really reads the court well,” Schmid said. “She passes, finishes around the rim great, her jump shot is coming along. I don’t think she knows yet quite how good she can be.”

Aldarelli comes from a sports-oriented family, so effort is sewn into her DNA. She also plays softball and was part of a state championship team for Robbinsville Little League a few years ago. A lifelong soccer player, Ava switched to field hockey in the fall and ended up second on the team with eight goals for Jennamarie Colicchia’s 14-5, CVC Valley Division champion.

Asked why she changed fall sports, Aldarelli said “I honestly couldn’t tell you. It was kind of just a flip and I wanted to try something new. I actually ended up starting, which was a surprise.”

With her athletic skills, nothing should be a surprise.

“She’s one of those kids that can pick up anything,” said Schmid, who will be glad to know Ava considers basketball her main sport.

The refreshing thing about Aldarelli is that her modesty is as discernible as her talent. Schmid noted that after one win, he awarded her with the game ball that she sheepishly accepted, before saying to her coach “Couldn’t you just say you’re proud of me.” are a dedicated team of board certified physicians who provide high quality healthcare to newborns, children, and adolescents through college age.

Scheduled appointments and same day sick visits are available weekdays, evenings, and Saturday mornings.

Probably the most amazing stat is her rebounding totals, as she stands just 5-6 and plays on the perimeter.

“I just try to get in the paint when the ball goes up,” Aldarelli said. “Abby’s leading the team in rebounds, she’s great at it. She’s just a little taller than me, so I just try to do whatever she’s doing.”

Schmid added that “a lot of her rebounds are offensive boards, which helps her get extra points. I really got on her early. She wasn’t hitting the glass defensively too well, and rebounding kind of was a big problem early on for us.

Which is typical of Aldarelli, who would rather talk about the team’s success than her own.

“I think just trusting each other and going about it together and learning has really helped us,” she said. “We have so many seniors that are leading this team. We also have our new coach who is building a new culture for our team. With all of that, I think it’s just coming together finally.” thanks or to support our Emergency Response Fund, visit rwjbh.org/heroes

And knowing Aldarelli has three more years to help it come together has to be a comforting thought for Ravens fans.

And please, for them, stay home and safe.