QV Basketball Nets a Spot in the Playoffs

By: Homer Campbell

This year, both the boys and girls basketball teams have had a successful season, the boys team with 8 wins to 0 losses and the girls team with 14 wins to 2 losses. With both teams playoffs-bound, the season is far from over.

The head coach of the girls team, Coach Johns, says the hardest team to play this year was the first game against Thomas Jefferson, which was not a section game. He believes the team has fared well this year. “I hope we do well in the playoffs,” Johnson said. “That is always tricky because it really comes down to playing well in one game in order to see if you advance.” He is optimistic for the rest of this season, as well as for next year’s team.

Coach Mastroianni of the boys team says the hardest teams they have played this season were the teams in the Florida tournament, though he also noted that “our section is very competitive.” Mastroianni has stressed the importance of consistency in success. “Heading into the final week of its season we have had consistent play from all of our starters, which has helped us maintain consistent momentum,” Mastroianni said. He claims he will miss the seniors when they graduate and that they bring a lot to the team, although he does have faith in what the team will look like next year.

This year, both the boys team and the girls team played in a tournament in Orlando, Fla. The girls lost two games and won one, and the boys team lost two and won one as well. The trip also included passes to Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure, which provided players with a much-needed opportunity to relax and recharge off the court. 

Senior Mimi Thiero broke the school record for points scored in the game against Sto-Rox in the first half of the season. She beat the old record of 1,396 points, and her current record is 1,758 points. The last record was held by Farrah Clanagan in the class of 1996. Thiero, the top women’s basketball recruit in the state, has committed to the University of Maryland. “I’m not sure what record I’ll beat, but I’ll definitely try to beat some at Maryland,” Thiero said.

The teams work very hard day in and day out, so students are encouraged to support them in the playoffs. Both of them have excelled this season in their sections, and will hopefully maintain their energy in the playoffs, as well as in the season next year. 

QV player Sam Chapman shoots for a hoop.

Girl's basketball team huddles as they discuss their next move.

Quaker Valley Boys prepare to make a free throw.

All pictures credited to Lily McClain.