Senior gets psyched for basketball season

KELLY MCKEE STAFFWRITER KMM723@CABRINI EDU

Since he was old enough to remember Jody Boone, senior, has been playing basketball. Boone competed throughout his high school career at Interboro High, Pa., and now plays for the Cabrini Cavaliers. His love of the sport and determination to win have made him one of the best known players for the college team.

as a result of head coach Darlene Hildebrand resigning over the summer as well as the rest of her staff leaving for various other reasons.

Replacing Darlene Hildebrand is Barbara “Bobbi” Morgan. Coach Morgan was the head coach of the Haverford High School women’s team, a position

Kodak All-American Kate Pierangeli and recent Penn State graduate Caroline Tarves.

Yoder has only good things to say about this new coaching staff.

“I really like their coaching styles,” Yoder said. “They really work on team unity, work ethic and really want to win.”

Yoder said that despite the remaining unfamiliarities among the players, the team is still closer than ever. “I would say we’re very close. On the court we get along very well. Off the court we get along and we’re just a group of friends,” Yoder said.

This year the basketball team has been dubbed as “one of the strongest yet,” with a resolute group of seniors returning and some new freshmen talent. Boone is optimistic about this upcoming season. “We last won the PAC championships in my freshman year,” Boone said, “and we’re going to win it this year.” nearly every day between two and three hours. Although this may seem a lot to outsiders, to Boone the practices do not feel like a chore.

Coming from a family that shares his enthusiasm for the game, basketball has always been a big part of Boone’s life. His family regularly attend his games and give him a lot of support. Boone feels they are a big part of the reason why he loves the sport so much. “I was brought up on the game,” Boone said. “My Dad even coached me in high school.” she held since 1990. During her 14 seasons, she compiled a record of 272-118 as well as six Central League Championships.

In 2003, Coach Morgan led Haverford to a 28-3 record and a berth in the Sweet 16 of the PIAAClass AAAABasketball tournament.

“I didn’t come here to lose,” Yoder said.

Also on her staff is assistant coach Fran Burbidge, two-time

Nonetheless, the team is still in the process of getting to know one another. “We’re a little bit more of strangers towards each other since we don’t know each other that well. Last year…we all lived together, so we all knew each other. This year it’s a little bit different scenario, were just starting to get used to each other.”

This is an opinion shared by new head coach Bobbie Morgan, “We’re in a get-to-know process here,” she said.

The Lady Cavaliers season officially gets underway on Sunday, Nov. 28 with their first game against the Knights at King’s College.

His fourth year on the team, Boone has formed strong friendships with many of the other players. One can often see the team sitting together at meals at the “designated” basketball table. “The team is great this year. With so many seniors playing there is a lot of experience there, and because we’re friends away from the court, when we play it makes us much stronger,” Boone said.

Boone chose basketball over other sports for its fast moving pace and the sense of teamwork that emanates from the sport. His love of the sport is obvious in watching him train vigorously for the upcoming season. Coached by John Dzik, the team practices

Boone recently attended a leadership seminar along with other seniors on the team. The seminar was hosted by Rober t Holman, CEO of Push the Rock, an apparel and motivational basketball company with the mission of “to impact as many as possible with the core values that exemplify Push the Rock: Respect, Hard-work, and Dedication.” The seminar enforced the principles of how to speak out to the younger members of the team, gaining their respect whilst strengthening the team bond. Boone appreciates the importance of good leadership giving credit to coach John Dzik. “He’s a great coach with good game plans.” Boone said.

The Cavaliers begin their season with an 11 day tournament, held in Virginia. Beginning on Nov. 19, the tournament will provide competitive practice for the team who eagerly await their chance to regain the title of PAC champions in 2004-05.