VIDEO: Young but talented Tigers face difficult schedule
December 16, 2021
VIDEO: Younger Wildwood team out to prove it can still win its share of games
December 16, 2021

VIDEO: Deeper Wildwood team poised to make strong run

Seniors (from left) Emily Little, Ava Troiano and Imene Fathi lead the Wildwood High School girls basketball team into the new season.

By BRIAN CUNNIFF

The return of a handful of key players from last season and the addition of a couple of new players – although one of them isn’t truly new – has the Wildwood High School girls basketball team optimistic about its chances to perform at a high level this season.

Wildwood (11-4 last season) is led by 5-3 senior point guard Imene Fathi, who averaged 14.5 points, 4.8 rebounds and 2.6 steals per game last season. The four-year starter is on course to score her 1,000th career point early in the season.

Other returning starters include senior Ava Troiano (5-6 G/F) and junior Maya Benichou (5-4 G), who averaged 8.0 points and 3.1 steals per game last season.

Last year’s key substitutes back with the team include sophomores Sinaia Stroman-Hills (5-10 F), Sophia Wilber (5-3 G) and Kaliah Sumlin (5-2 G).

Other returning players who could contribute with the varsity include juniors Kaydence Oakley (5-5 G) and Abbey Pruszinski (5-8 F) and sophomores Siara McGrath (5-7 F) and Ashley Nagle (5-1 G). 

Also back out for the team is senior Emily Little (6-1 C), who got significant varsity minutes as a freshman for a South Jersey finalist team but did not play as a sophomore and junior. She’s expected to fill a major role this winter.

Senior Torrence Gallo (5-3 G) could also play a key role as a shooter off the bench but is currently awaiting medical clearance after suffering a major knee injury in a game last season.

The top newcomer is freshman Macie McCracken (5-6 G), who is expected to be among the team’s top scorers and playmakers.

Other new players out for the team include junior Isariam Rivera-Sanchez (5-0 G) and freshman Mia Cripps (5-4 G).

Wildwood should be among the top teams in the Tri-County Classic Division, along with Gloucester Catholic. The Lady Warriors also have the potential to be a contender for a South Jersey Group I title but will have to battle a powerhouse Woodbury team that has had two star players transfer in, an experienced Haddon Heights team and the always well-coached Haddon Township.

Wildwood is coached by Teresa Cunniff (fifth season, 76-27 career). Her assistant coaches are Jim Clarke, Maddie McCracken, Bob Fusik and Fred Daniel.

Wildwood opens the season Friday at Penns Grove.