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Whippany Park's first girls' basketball state sectional finals since 1992 ended in a tough loss against a powerful opponent in Bloomfield Tech. The Wildcats had a hard time handling the constant defensive pressure and traps by the Spartans, who also limited their second chance opportunities. Nonetheless, while it was a difficult way to end the hoops season, the Wildcats have much to be proud of.
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The North Jersey, Section 2, Group I final started with the Spartans taking a 5-0 lead. The Wildcats finally scored on a three pointer by Jocelyn Wilson 2:50 into the contest, then put together a spurt to go in front halfway through the first period. Unfortunately for them, that would be their last lead.
Bloomfield Tech finished that quarter on a 17-0 run, taking a 22-9 lead and control of the basketball game. The second period was much of the same, the Spartans kept building on their lead and took a 41-17 lead at the break.
In the third quarter, the Spartans went on a 18-2 run to take a 59-19 into the fourth period. Despite the big deficit, the Wildcats kept playing hard. They outscored the Spartans 13-2 in the fourth, showing a lot of character and respect for the game. Most teams would have given up, instead, the Wildcats wanted to prove to themselves and the faithful fans that they do belong.
Whippany Park reached the state sectional finals for the first time since 1992. Led by the outstanding play of senior Devin Feeney, the team earned highly respectable seeding in both the county and state tournaments. They also had their first 20 win season since 1997, finishing at 20-8.
Coach Tom Wilson said, “We’re losing our leading scorer and rebounder in Devin Feeney, and that's a lot of stats to make up. But we have the personnel to do it." With four starters coming back and some new talent expected to enter the school, the Wildcats expect to reload, rather than rebuild.
Feeney left a legacy that will be hard to match with nearly 1,700 points, highest in school history. Known as the heart and soul of the team, Feeney preferred to deflect the credit. "The success that we had was just amazing," she said, "and I was glad to be a part of it my senior year." Feeney will head to Montclair State University where she looks to start another sports legacy. -- Emir Liguori for Jersey Sports Now
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