Captains boost Wallkill Valley girls basketball team

The energy, competitiveness and focus displayed by Erin Anderson and Trinity Hartung, captains of the Wallkill Valley Regional High School girls basketball team, are major factors helping propel the Rangers toward victory after victory this season.

After 14 games played through Jan. 19, Wallkill Valley had an overall record of 9-5.

Hartung and Anderson are big contributors for the Rangers this winter.

“They are both four-year varsity players,’’ head coach Earl Hornyak said. “They have a love of the game and play year-round.’’

Both student athletes are making a positive impression on the court this year.

“Erin is having a great year,’’ Hornyak said. “One of her biggest strengths is shot blocking - she has over 200 career blocks.

“She is currently ranked No. 1 in the Northwest Jersey Athletic Conference (NJAC) and No. 3 in the state with 44 total blocks. She’s averaging 4.4 blocks per game this season. She is also a top rebounder in the NJAC, ranked No. 20 in the top 50 with 76 rebounds. (She’s also) averaging 7.6 rebounds per game.

“Trinity is also having a great year. One of her biggest strengths is three-point shooting. She currently leads the team in three-pointers made with 21. She is the second-leading scorer on the team with 103 points, averaging 10.3 points per game. She is also ranked in the NJAC top 50 for steals, at No. 25 with 26 steals. (She’s also) averaging 2.6 steals per game.’’

Several student athletes on the roster have helped guide the Rangers to numerous victories this season.

“In addition to our two senior captains, we have five more seniors and two juniors that make major contributions to our team,’’ Hornyak said. “Seniors Alexa Letelier, Isabella Cuevas, Jennifer Roth, Kellie Roth and Emily Xochipa all play major roles in attaining our team’s success. Juniors Jackie Schels and Zora Reinle are also important players on our team.

“Jackie is one of the best players in the area. She is averaging 16.7 points per game, 12.2 rebounds per game, 4.5 assists per game, 3.1 blocks per game and 3.7 steals per game. In the NJAC Top 50, Jackie is ranked sixth in scoring, fourth in rebounds, fifth in assists, third in blocks and fourth in steals. In the State Top 50, Jackie is ranked No. 18 in rebounding and No. 18 in blocks.’’

The very challenging Hunterdon/Warren/Sussex Girls Basketball Tournament is scheduled to get under way Jan. 28.

“Our team is hoping to have success in the upcoming H/W/S and (NJSIAA) state tournaments,’’ Hornyak said. “Our girls are leaders in school who have high academic standards. In addition to basketball, they are involved with multiple clubs and organizations at Wallkill Valley. They are all members of the various honor societies that exist at Wallkill. They are an amazing group of young ladies on and off the court. I am very proud of them.’’