Basketball captains lead by example

There are plenty of new faces in the Sparta High School girls basketball varsity lineup.

Kristina Danella, the first-year head coach, relies on the team captains, junior Molly Chapman and senior Malaya Dobbs, to help players learn what it takes to compete in a very tough division.

“The captains were already selected when I got the job last spring,’’ Danella said. “But it became apparent very quickly why these two were chosen as captains. Malaya and Molly are our two leading scorers this season. Molly is our leading rebounder while Malaya leads our team in steals and assists.

“These two both lead by example. I have seen such growth in their vocalization this season of leading a young and inexperienced team who plays in one of the toughest divisions in New Jersey.’’

The captains also lead the way where it counts: in the classroom.

“My two captains are in Honors and AP courses,’’ Danella said. “Malaya is part of the National Honor Society, Science National Honor Society, Student Council, DECA and Stem Academy.’’

The coach is happy with how the two leaders communicate with their teammates.

“Molly and Malaya are great teammates who always set a positive example for their teammates,’’ she said. “Molly is the ultimate competitor. She hates to lose more than she likes to win. She is not scared to put the team on her back and lead the way.

“Malaya is always calm, cool and collected. She is a level-headed leader who always wants the best for her teammates.’’

Through Feb. 15, Sparta’s overall record was 8-16. The team advanced to the Hunterdon/Warren/Sussex Tournament semifinal round before being defeated by Voorhees.

Last year, the team finished the season with a 22-8 record and won the H/W/S championship.

“We lost three 1,000-point scorers and five seniors from last year’s Hunterdon/Warren/Sussex Championship team,’’ Danella said. “Only one player this year has significant varsity experience. We play in an extremely difficult division, with teams like Chatham, Pope John and Morristown.’’

Several student athletes on the team have contributed on the court this season. They include Katie Sutton, Abby Connors, Moira Sweeney, Kayleigh O’Brien and Brooke Shust, the coach said.