A Strong Season for Leonia Girls Basketball

After a difficult 2021 season, the Girl’s Basketball team at Leonia High School is back and stronger than they have been in years. Despite the unavailability of their home gym, the team has been able to get a lot of practice through other local gyms in Leonia and Edgewater.
This year, the team has come together and won games like they haven’t in years. Last year, their first year since the start of Covid-19, they had a small total of nine players and had enough for one varsity team. Due to this among other things, the team won zero games last year.
The 2021-2022 season however has proven to be a much more successful season for them. As of now, the team holds a comparatively significant record of 10-12. It is confirmed that the team will be making it to the state playoffs this year. Their first playoff game is scheduled for February 28, against Rutherford.

Senior and three-year player Jeila Seals says, “Last year there were so many regulations because of Covid and I feel like we all missed out on the full experience. This year was definitely more fun”.

With a larger team and fewer restrictions, players were able to experience more of a normal basketball season. The biggest Covid-19 related restrictions this year include the requirement to wear masks at all times and the limit of only two spectators per player during home games.
The sport has been a big-time commitment for many of the girls, with about 10 hours of practice and games weekly. With a large amount of time spent with her teammates, Zoe Beck, a new student at Leonia High School says, “It’s given a lot of opportunities to find new friends and make new connections”. Many of the other girls can agree that they have met someone new through this experience.

The Lady Lions basketball program has taken a significant turn in 2022. Players have demonstrated hard work and unity like they haven’t in years. Even through the struggles that the year has brought, the players’ dedication has been shown by the scoreboard. Coaches and players are excited and have high hopes for the next basketball season to come.