The Morgan girls basketball team is off to a great start this year with a record of 4-1 in conference games. Morgan is led by returning starters and captains Ava Johnson, Maeve Madura, and Victoria O’Neil. Fourth Captain AJ Luke, recovering from a tibialis injury she suffered during soccer season, should be returning soon. The team faced challenges over the last few seasons, including their age. Compared to others in the league, they have always struggled with being a younger team, as Victoria and Ava have been starting since their sophomore year.
This season they have a record of 4-1. The team beat two teams they lost to last year, with a 45-36 win over Cromwell, and a 53-48 win over North Branford. The team kept their roster well-balanced, with sophomore Sadie Passante and junior Lili Luciani both securing starting spots. Another young player to make her impact this season is freshman Emma Turner, who currently has the 4th most rebounds per game average in the state. She has the most in the Shoreline, with 11.3.
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Senior Ava Johnson built herself an impressive reputation in the girl’s basketball community, making herself known not only on school teams but by playing AAU in the off-season. She specializes in sharp shooting from behind the 3-point line, yielding the highest percentage on the team, with almost 40% success, in the 2023 season. Last year, Ava recorded an average of 8.1 points, and 6 rebounds per game, making her top 2 in both. She had 36 3-point shots in just 20 games, making her 3rd in the Shoreline while playing 7 fewer games than the 2 players above her. Ava also earned an honorable mention from the Shoreline Conference last season. This year she continued to improve, with an average of 16.5 points per game, making her the team’s leading scorer.
Senior Victoria O’Neill also continues to impact her team, recording an average of 2 blocks per game and 7 rebounds. Teammates describe Victoria as a great leader and someone they can always look to as a good role model. She also takes the tip-offs for the team, which often sets the tone for the game. Victoria says she is excited to play home games this season, as the team has been on the road for much of the season thus far. When at home, many of Victoria’s friends come to watch her play, including senior Julia White, who said she loves to watch, and can always tell how passionate Victoria is about the game.
This year, the team has high expectations for a better record. Top opponents such as Valley Regional do not have a team this year due to low numbers, and teams like North Branford lost key players. The team hopes it’s 6 seniors who continue to leave their mark on the Shoreline Conference.
The team’s next game is January 12th, at 7:00 pm against Coginchaug Regional High School.
