BEACON FALLS — The Woodland girls basketball team lost some key figures from a team that put up its best record (13-7) in five seasons under head coach Jess Moffo. The Hawks graduated their second leading scorer in Carla Piccolo, a stout rebounder in Jill Chicano and their most fierce defender in Cam Caswell.
So what do the Hawks have coming back?
A squad that features seniors Morina Bojka, who led team with 16.3 points per game last year, utility player Maddie Hupprich, who scored 6.5 points per game last season, and post player Jenna Pannone.
“Our senior leadership is what will take us even further than last year,” Woodland head coach Jess Moffo said.
The Hawks also return forward Camryn Johnson along with guards Haley Andrews, Eliza Smith and Megen Sirowich, all juniors. Sophomore Hana Bojka and freshman Jill Barbarito will also be in the mix.
“We have a good group returning,” Hupprich said. “Getting off to a good start will be important, and I feel with what we have coming back we will be able to do that again.”
“Jenna is an amazing player on both ends of the court,” Bojka said. “Haley has got a lot stronger mentally bringing the ball up court and that will help us on offense.”
Woodland got everyone’s attention getting out to an 8-1 start last season. A quick start this year will only add to the team’s confidence heading into the teeth of the schedule.
“Communication will be the key and a high intensity presence will also be a factor,” Pannone said. “We are really looking forward to getting a home game during tournament time and get a few wins behind us.”
The Hawks scored over 40 points in 15 out of 20 games last year. The offense is led by Bojka, who can simply take over a game. Last season, her first with Woodland, Bojka had a 34-point game and a 35-point game.
Teams may not be able to just focus on stopping Bojka this season as the Hawks are developing other pieces to the puzzle. Assistant coach Joe Kmetz has been bringing along the younger Hawks.
Moffo said jelling as a team will be vital for the Hawks to build off of last season’s success.
“We need to get that confidence up and take that right though the season,” Moffo said. “We expect to do better than we did last season.
“Win a game at NVLs and win a game at states is our top priority. We have a lot of heart and great leadership to make that happen. We have all the key items we need and we have the players who want to be out here in the gym, and that is the first component to success.”
Woodland opens the season Dec. 13 at home against Derby and will visit Ansonia on Dec. 14.
“We are ready for the challenge,” Moffo said. “Mentally we are prepared, physically we are in good shape and it comes down to team chemistry when we get out on the court.”
