IRVINGTON, NJ (updated Wednesday Dec. 21, 12:57 p.m.) – Despite losing their two all-conference post players to graduation – Jasmine Williams and Atonie Johnson – the Irvington High School varsity girls’ basketball team hopes to continue last season’s success when it finished with a 16-10 record.
The Lady Blue Knights, under head coach Rashawnah French, have a nice mix of veterans and newcomers this season.
Senior guards Jessica Washington and Rhoda Aygemang are the top returning players. Washington made First Team and Agyemang made Honorable Mention on the All-Super Essex Conference Colonial Division last season. They are expected to pick up a new role of handling the ball and being leaders on the floor, said French. Washington led the team with 68 three-pointers, but “but will have to do more this year,” while “Rhoda has gotten stronger and will help with her aggressive play,” French said.
Tiffany Terrell, a senior, has moved up to a starting position and will have to contribute by playing aggressive in the paint, noted French.
Celine Ceasar and Herbina Exume are two freshmen who will be starters and learn as the season moves along, French said.
IHS has started the season with a 2-1 record. The Blue Knights defeated Barringer, 33-15, on Friday, Dec. 16, in the season opener. Washington had 14 points and four steals and Agyemang had eight points and five rebounds.
The Blue Knights lost to Newark Collegiate, 44-32, on Dec. 19 at IHS. Washington had 14 points and Agyemang had 12.
Washington scored 34 points in the 54-42 win at Weequahic on Dec. 20 in Newark. Agyemang had 15 points with eight rebounds and six assists.
NOTE – Williams, who is now playing at Lackawanna College, made First Team and Johnson, who is playing at New Jersey City University, made Second Team on the All-SEC-Colonial last season.
IHS current roster
Jessica Washington, senior
Rhoda Aygemang, senior
Tiffany Terrell, senior
Samaiyah Diggs, senior
Alyashia Stewart, senior
Tianni Roberts, junior
Star’Asia Battle, sophomore
Celine Ceasar, freshman
Herbina Exume, freshman
Schedule
Dec. 16, Won, Barringer, 33-15*
Dec. 19, Loss, Newark Collegiate Academy, 44-32
Dec. 20, Won, at Weequahic, 54-42*
Dec. 22, Cedar Grove, 4 p.m.*
Dec. 28-29, Kearny Tournament, TBD
Jan. 5, at Orange, 4 p.m.*
Jan. 7, at Arts, 1 p.m.*
Jan. 12, Caldwell, 4 p.m.*
Jan. 14, at Technology, 11:30 a.m.
Jan. 17, at Barringer, 4 p.m.*
Jan. 19, Weequahic, 5 p.m.*
Jan. 21, Columbia, 1 p.m.
Jan. 26, at Cedar Grove, 4 p.m..*
Jan. 28, at St. Anthony of Jersey City, noon
Jan. 31, Orange, 4 p.m.*
Feb. 2, at Hillside, 5:30 p.m.
Feb. 4, at Dickinson of Jersey City, 12:30 p.m.
Feb. 7, Arts, 4 p.m.*
Feb. 14, at Montclair Kimberley Academy, 4 p.m.*
Feb. 16, at Caldwell, 4 p.m.*
Feb. 17, Snyder of Jersey City, 4:30 p.m.
*SEC-Colonial Division game
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