Pope John girls basketball team defeats Ridge, Morris Hills

It’s already obvious that the Pope John High School girls basketball program isn’t just talking about doing what it takes to win tough games.

The team is proving that all of the hard work and determination demonstrated in the preseason is paying off on the court now that the regular season is under way.

The Lions won back-to-back games against quality opponents Ridge and Morris Hills on Dec. 17 and Dec. 19, respectively.

On Thursday, Dec. 29, the Lions will conclude tournament competition at Mount Saint Dominic Academy.

On Jan. 2, Pope John is scheduled to host Wallkill Valley.

Among the student athletes returning to the varsity lineup are senior Madeline Rento (guard), senior Kylie Squier (guard), junior Alanisse Freire (forward), junior Madison Miller (forward) and sophomore Katie O’Keefe (guard).

Promising newcomers to the varsity roster include junior Cassidy Ball (forward), junior Anisa Akinola (forward), freshman Kennedy Brown (guard), freshman Addison Platt (guard), freshman Mia Washington (guard) and freshman Cailey Fitzmorris (forward).

Leadership will be a key component in favor of Pope John on the court this season.

“We’re confident all players will have a significant role in being leaders for our team during different parts of our season,’’ head coach Kevin Houston said. “We expect to see leadership come from girls on the court and on our bench.’’

Pope John tallied 13 impressive victories during the 2021-22 season and advanced to the NJSIAA North Jersey Non Public A sectional tournament’s semifinal round, where the team lost a close game to Immaculate Heart. It defeated Saint Elizabeth and Paramus Catholic in the sectional tournament in March.

“We’d like to finish over .500 as we have a very difficult schedule,’’ Houston said. “I believe we have one of the toughest schedules in New Jersey. Finishing .500 would be a great accomplishment. We aspire to be one of the best passing and defensive teams in the state.’’

Houston, who in his first season as the head coach, sees this as a rebuilding season.

“(We are) rebuilding as we have a young team that lacks experience like the other teams in our division,’’ he said.

Pope John competes in the NJAC American Division along with Montville, Chatham, Morristown, Morris Hills and Sparta.

Houston views Sparta, Morristown and Chatham as among the top teams to beat in the division.