Sparta girls basketball captains are solid

By Josh Lashley
Sparta — To get the true measure of a team’s character, to fully grasp whether it’s built upon a flimsy or solid foundation one should witness how that team reacts not only in victory, but in defeat as well.
When the Sparta High School girl’s basketball program has been victorious this season, they’ve done so with class. Just as importantly, when they’ve suffered a setback they showed the resiliency, desire and commitment needed to improve for the next time that they step onto the court.
Of course, the coaching staff has a lot to do with the toughness and determination shown by the Spartans so too do the team captains — Tatiana Esteva-Ingram, Erin Scott, Paige Smith and Erin Walsh, all of whom are seniors.
“These four captains and seniors are some of the best student-athletes that I have had the pleasure to work with,’’ Sparta head coach Catherine Wille said. “They are focused students and athletes, very active in student government and are deeply involved in our community.
“They have led this team to a current record of (9-5 through January 28). Three out of the four seniors start and the fourth is the sixth man off the bench. They create incredible team chemistry because of the type of people these young ladies are. They are amazing role models athletically and academically. They are all in the top on their class academically and in the school athletically.’’
The Spartans have a winning record and will look to continue their winning ways, but when they lose a game, the captains are there to encourage their teammates to move forward in a positive direction.
“We have had some tough losses, and instead of these young ladies giving up, they come to practice and work even harder each day,’’ Wille said. “Their enthusiasm and dedication is contagious and has spread to the younger players.
“They are complete role models for our team, school and community. These four young ladies have made such a difference for our youth programs, varsity sports teams, student body and overall atmosphere in the school.’’
NOTES: Sparta has consecutive home games scheduled versus Morris Hills and Saddle River Day on February 6 and February 8, respectively. The opening rounds games for the NJSIAA Sectional Tournament are scheduled to begin on February 26 and 27. Last season, the Spartans advanced to the quarterfinal round of the North 1 Group 3 Sectional Tournament before losing a three point game to Ramapo.