SportS Vandenberg gets the job done for North girls’ basketball

By Rich Fisher

When listening to Frank Moore analyze Kylie Vandenberg’s game, it doesn’t sound too good until he finishes. And all of a sudden it sounds awesome.

“The way she takes layups and shots around the basket are unorthodox,” the High School North girls’ basketball coach said. “Nothing’s flashy. You would look at her and say ‘This girl’s not good.’ The next thing you know you have to put your best defender on her.”

So, she lulls defenders to sleep?

“That’s exactly what she does,” Moore continued. “She’s not quick, she’s not fast, but she’s very smart.”

When told of that assessment, Vandenberg had no problem with it.

“I think it’s true,” she said. “I don’t do anything fancy. But as long as he says get the job done and I get it done, that’s what matters the most, to be honest.”

In other words, it’s not how you get to where you want to be, just make sure you get there. The senior has been making sure of that since fourth grade, when she first started working with Moore at his basketball camp and play - ing AAU ball.

“You could always tell she loved the game and she loved the work; where a lot of people don’t love doing the little things to make good improvements,” said Moore, now in his sixth season as WWPN head coach. “I always remember when I worked on her team with their shooting form, Kylie was the one person who you could tell went home and practiced, and worked on keeping the guide hand straight and worked on following through with her shooting hand.

“She was always very meticulous with it. She paid attention to the details. It was clear from a young age that she loves the games; wants to be good. She dedicated herself to the game.”

That became apparent this season as Vandenberg helped WW-PN to a 10-13 record entering the Central Jersey Group IV state tournament Feb. 20. It is the Northern Knights’ most victories in Vandenberg’s four years of playing.

Along with fellow senior captains Maya Anico and Emily Potenza, Vandenberg has led a fairly young team in learning a new offense this year.

See VANDENBERG, Page 12

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We’re so proud to offer our residents the best of the best—from dining and fitness centers to social calendars—because we don’t just care for you, we care about you. As a nationally ranked Senior Living community, we’re proof that doing what you love is always worth it. So come do it here.