VIDEO: Deeper Wildwood team poised to make strong run

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.