On March 8, the Lady Raiders officially wrapped up their basketball season. Finishing fourth in their division, the team ended with 18 wins and 9 losses. This year’s team leaders consisted of Amy Rachilla with a total of 416 points, Tanya Shah in steals with 14, and Mya Loniewski in rebounds with a total of 35. Nonetheless, every Lady Raider proved to have a successful season considering how hard they fought throughout the playoffs. 

In the first round of the NJSIAA Tournament, the Lady Raiders played Newark East Side on February 28, where they ended with a win of sixty-five to thirty-seven. A few days later on March 2, they competed against Scotch Plains-Fanwood in the quarter finals, and came out with another win. Continuing on their streak, they played Franklin in the semi-final round on March 4, and though it was a close game, they were able to defeat them with sixty-two points over Franklin’s fifty-seven. 

On March 8, the Lady Raiders battled against Westfield in the state championship. Unfortunately, they fell short and lost 69-42, but they did not let this sour their season. Senior Melissa Dorrler reflects on this year and past ones: “I never thought that we’d even make it past the first round of states. Not that we are bad or anything, we were just considered the underdogs all season. Being able to make it to the state finals felt so good because I was able to do it with the girls I’ve been playing with since fifth grade. We’ve grown to be a family all these years!” 

Congratulations to the Lady Raiders on a great season, and best of luck to graduating seniors and returning players next year!