Vernon basketball teams ready to go

VERNON — The Vernon Township School District won't charge for high school athletic events, but even if it did cost money to see the girls' and boys' basketball teams compete on their home court this season, it would worth the price.

Both squads are striving to reach their full potential through competitive, positive attitudes in practices, scrimmages, and soon, regular-season contests.

Bill Foley, the head coach of the Vernon girl’s basketball program realizes the graduating class of 2013 will be missed for all of their contributions on the court. At the same time, however, he is optimistic about the season ahead.

Top returning student-athlete’s to the varsity roster for the Viking’s this year include Amanda Rourke (senior, forward), Josephine DeProspo (sophomore, guard) and Courtney Furrey (sophomore, guard).

Newcomers hoping to be positive influences in the varsity lineup include Julie Cacace (senior, guard), Rebecca Renna (senior, forward), Brooke Sabol (senior, forward), Kate Dulmer (sophomore, forward), Kelsey Hall (sophomore, forward), Jenna MacDonald (sophomore, guard) and Taryn Schofield (sophomore, guard).

Vernon is scheduled to start the regular season with a road game at Morris Knolls on Friday, Dec. 20 at 7 p.m.

“[We] graduated our post presence in Marissa DeCaro and Carleigh English," Foley said. “Without any significant varsity ready post presence, the Vernon girls will present a ‘guard oriented’ approach. Knowing this dilemma for the future, DeProspo and Furrey were thrown into the fire last season as freshmen and I am hoping their growth and maturity last season will begin to provide us with some leadership and scoring. Senior captain Rourke will also be counted on for scoring and leadership.’’

Matt Ferguson, the head coach of the Vikings’ boy’s program, said he is happy with the way in which the student-athletes on his roster have been conducting themselves in the pre-season and hopes they will continue to progress in a positive way throughout the season.

Returning players to the Vernon boys' lineup include Phillip Thompson (senior, forward) and Luke Venskus (junior, forward). Newcomers looking to make a strong impact on the varsity level include Nick Kinsella (senior, forward), Kevin Moran (senior, guard), Kahlil Stewart (senior, guard), Logan Costello (junior, forward), Tyler Klos (junior, guard), Tom Ryder (junior, guard) and Seamus Hughes (sophomore, center).

The Vikings are scheduled to begin the regular season with a home game versus Morris Knolls on Dec. 20 at 7 p.m.

“Hard work and team play will continue to be our focus," Ferguson said. “This group of athletes are a pleasure to coach."