By Andy Loigu

Warren Hills senior guard Heather Laffan was a first team Skyland Conference Valley Division all-star last year, helping the Blue Streaks’ girls basketball team roll to an impressive 16-0 start and 24-4 final record.

In head coach Meg McGeehan’s 11th season, the Blue Streaks won the conference and Hunterdon/Warren/Sussex championships and reached the section final in North 2 Group 3.

They face a tough start to their new season, but welcome the challenge and want to take that next step in pursuit of that ever elusive state title. They open at Somerville, a veteran team and a winning program, on December 20. Then, after their home opener against Governor Livingston on December 23, they will travel to Sparta on December 27, 28, and 30, to play some of North Jersey’s toughest teams in the Sparta Holiday Tournament. Sparta, the host team, has a proud history which includes several state championships.

Laffan averaged 14 points per outing last season while playing an unselfish game, often assisting on fast break baskets scored by Nicole Mallard, who has graduated. Mallard’s speed, instincts, and basketball IQ will be hard to replace, but Laffan has the athletic ability, motor, and experience to lead the Blue Streaks’ charge this year and keep them playing fast paced hoops. In the spring she led the Blue Streaks’ girls lacrosse team in scoring with 32 goals.

Advika Thandoni averaged 10 rebounds per game and blocked 65 shots last year. She will help Warren Hills be a strong rebounding and defensive team. Caroline Larsen saw a lot of action off the bench last year and will see an expanded role and increased minutes this season.

Opdyke Back For Belvidere

Another Warren County team also has a returning all-star. Belvidere senior guard Brieann Opdyke averaged 16.2 points per game and was a first team performer in the Skyland Conference Mountain Division last season as a junior.

Let The Bucket Brigade Begin!

******************

Ladies and gentlemen, Elvis has left the building.