History repeats. One year ago, on this same day and against the same opponent, the Montrose Mavericks Basketball team clinched the Independent Girls Conference League title. On everyone’s mind was the recent passing of Elizabeth Schickel. Yesterday, on the same day, the Mavericks did it again — claiming the 2015 IGC champs. And the champs wrote “ES” on their arms, carrying Elizabeth with them through their victory. Therese Schickel ‘18 was the first team member to raise the trophy high for post-game photo opps.
Celebrating our first championship win on home court, Montrose fans turned out in droves to support the team, and their cheers echoed throughout the new Arts & Athletic Center. No doubt, their cheers were also joined by cheers from above. Gann Academy brought a supportive contingent of fans as well, and often the Montrose and Gann fan cheers overlapped.
Two close scores for the playoff and final round marked the Maverick’s post-season ascent, against Landmark in the playoff round and Gann Academy in the finals. Coach Conroy emphasized at the trophy-presentation that the game was close, and any of those teams could have taken the championship. The team ended the season with an 11-1 record in the league, and yet another IGC conference enhances the Montrose coffers.
Key starters played most of the game — Lauren Francis ‘16, Tyra Alexander ‘16, and co-captains Catherine Conroy ‘16 and Lindsay Lombardo ‘15. Kate Wahle ‘16, Alexa Lombardo ‘17 and Katie Stordy ‘17 alternated in the fifth position. The Mavericks demonstrated speed and agility, with frequent fast-breaks and maintaining man-to-man defense throughout the game. While Montrose won by outscoring the opponents 44-41, it was the defense that remained consistent in propelling the Mavericks to victory. The quick hands and feet of the Montrose defenders led to countless steals, rebounds, and jump balls.
Montrose’s Athletic Director Coach Blackburn said, “I’m so proud of our girls, and I give credit to the Landmark and Gann teams as well. The level of competition in the league heightens the value of this trophy; the championship win was hard-fought and therefore even sweeter!”
She added praise for the team’s fearless leader, Coach Conroy: “We are all so grateful to Coach Conroy for his unfailing support and wise leadership of the team. He is the kind of coach who encourages the best values in sportsmanship, personal courage and team spirit.”
With a regular season record of 9-1, the Montrose Varsity Basketball team has been unstoppable all season. The team faced opponents such as Landmark, Cambridge School of Weston, Chapel Hill-Chauncy Hall, Waring, and Gann Academy. Team captains Catherine Conroy ‘16 and Lindsay Lombardo ‘15 led a strong team through the season to the playoffs. Their fellow teammates, Tyra Alexander ‘16, Sylvia Conte ‘16, Lauren Francis ‘16, Alexa Lombardo ‘17, Sarah McAuliffe ‘17, Kaitlyn Stordy ‘17, Margaret Stordy ‘18, and Kate Wahle ‘16, all contributed to the success of the season.
While it’s clear this squad had the energy and skill needed to finish off the season strong, more importantly, they had a great time doing it. Catherine Conroy ‘16 described a few fun things the team does outside of the gym: “we have pizza parties after games and practices and we had a Christmas party along with a yankee swap.” She stressed the unity of the team as the key to success: “the team plays well and works hard while still having fun.” Kate Wahle ‘16 added: “The season has been great, and we always have so much fun. We really support each other too.”
With success on and off the court, as well as a strong returning class for next season, the team looks ahead, hoping to further their legacy with another shot at the 2016 IGC title.