Coach: Schels is outstanding player, captain

With good reason, Earl Hornyak, head coach of the Wallkill Valley Regional High School girls basketball team, refers to senior Jackie Schels as “the best captain any coach can ask for.”

Through the first week of February, Schels’ accomplishments included averaging 30.2 points per game, 13.8 rebounds per game, 5.7 blocks per game, 2.6 assists per game and 2.5 steals per game.

She also was shooting 78 percent from the foul line and ranks first in the Northwest Jersey Athletic Conference (NJAC) in points scored, rebounds and blocks.

“She is extremely talented and knowledgeable, which helps with the other players’ development,’’ Hornyak said. “The rest of the team is young, so Jackie’s leadership has been a blessing. In practice and games, she helps her teammates improve. It is like having another coach out on the floor during games, and she is so nice about it.

“She is positive and encouraging with all of her teammates. Her kind, humble disposition has enhanced the growth of the team tremendously.

“As a player, she is amazing. She is one of the best in the state. In the state, she is ranked third in points, third in blocks and 16th in rebounds. She also tied the school record for most points in a game (44) and passed the 1,000-career-rebounds mark. She is currently the No. 1 leading scorer for the girls in Wallkill Valley history with 1,638 points.’’

Schels began playing basketball as a third-grader.

“Some things that attracted me to basketball were the competitive nature of the sport as well as the team aspect to it,’’ she said. “My dad also taught me how to shoot at a very young age, and it was something we could do together.

“As a competitor, some of my strengths I think are staying focused and living in the moment during close games with a lot of pressure. I would like to speed up my shot release and improve my handle.’’

Wallkill Valley qualified for the New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association (NJSIAA) North 1 Group 1 Sectional Tournament as the No. 10 seed.

The team is scheduled to face seventh seed Emerson Boro there Thursday, Feb. 22.

“Some goals for the team is mainly to get better every single game, especially because of how young we are,’’ Schels said. “Learning now will help the team in the future.’’

A strong support system has helped propel her to great heights throughout her basketball career.

“The most positive influence in my basketball career has definitely been my parents,’’ she said. “My dad introduced me to basketball and always helps me with my workouts. My mom is always supporting me and gives me so many opportunities to succeed.

“Within the sport, Kobe Bryant has always been my basketball inspiration because of his competitive nature and mentality.’’