Irvington High’s Tiara Mahon lays up a shot in a game against Immaculate Conception last season.
IRVINGTON, NJ – Under first-year head coach Noel Segarra, the Irvington High School girls’ varsity basketball team has a solid returning nucleus looking to post a successful season this winter.
The Blue Knights return 5-foot-9 senior guard Tiara Mahorn, 5-10 junior center Aniya Masse, 5-9 senior forward Herbina Masse, 5-8 senior guard Karizma Thomas and 5-7 junior guard Celine Caesar.
Last season, Mahorn made First Team; Aniya Masse made Second Team and Herbina Masse made Honorable Mention on the All-Super Essex Conference-Independence Division as the team finished 7-16 overall.
Thomas is a defensive specialist who will “shadow” the oppositions’ best players.
The key newcomers are sophomore point guard Rayonnah Freeman; senior forward Shaquana Lyle, who is a transfer from Christ the King Prep; junior forward Yanay Robinson, who is expected to provide rebounding on both ends of the floor; and senior forward Rayna Smith, who will provide defense.
Segurra expects strong contributions from everyone on the team.
“I am focusing on the entire team stepping up and becoming leaders,” said Segarra, who coached the Union Avenue Middle School boys’ basketball team for the past eight seasons. “However, I would truly like to see the strong senior class step up and lead the team this season. That starts with seniors Tiara Mahorn, Aniya Masse and Karizma Thomas.”
Offensively, the Blue Knights appear solid.
“We can score with the best of them,” Segurra. “I am confident that we will be able to put up points this year, and get the offense moving the ball up the court. We have added a few more ballhandlers to the team and looking to spread the ball around more. Rebounding should also be one of our team strengths. The team has definitely improved with communication on and off the court, which will hopefully make a positive impact on the season.”
With hard work, commitment and perseverance, the Blue Knights hope to achieve their goals this season.
“ I expect the team to step up and contend for the conference championship,” Segarra said. “I expect the team to work hard, improve on their defense, stop teams from scoring and communicate on the court. I want to see the team double their wins from last season and earn respect from teams that face us this season. I want to see the senior leaders step up and provide support and guidance for their fellow teammates.”
The assistant coaches are Mike Brown and Marc Baltimore. Brown previously coached Lincoln High School of Jersey City, including the 2007-2008 state championship team. Baltimore is the all-timleading scorer and rebounder in IHS history and was inducted into IHS Hall of Fame.
The Blue Knights open the season Dec. 14 at home against Cristo Rey.
Schedule
Dec. 14, Cristo Rey, 4 p.m.
Dec. 18, at North Star, 4 p.m.
Dec. 20, West Side, 4 p.m.
Dec. 27-28, Somerville tournament
Jan. 8, East Side, 4 p.m.
Jan. 10, at Weequahic, 4 p.m.
Jan. 11, East Orange Campus, 4 p.m.
Jan. 14, Golda Och, 4 p.m.
Jan. 15, St. Vincent, 4 p.m.
Jan. 17, at Barringer, 4 p.m.
Jan. 22, at Cristo Rey, 4 p.m.
Jan. 24, North Star, 4 p.m.
Jan. 29, at East Side, 4 p.m.
Jan. 31, at Linden, 4 p.m.
Feb. 1, at West Side, 4 p.m.
Feb. 5, Weequahic, 4 p.m.
Feb. 7, Newark Collegiate, 4 p.m.
Feb. 12, at St. Vincent, 4 p.m.
Feb. 14, Barringer, 4 p.m.
Feb. 19, at Payne Tech, 4 p.m.
Feb. 21, Snyder, 4:30 p.m.
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