Sparta HS girls basketball in review

By Josh Lashley
Sparta — One of the key components to the success of the Sparta High School girl’s basketball program this winter is that they entered the season with enthusiasm and promise-and those attributes never waned. The results, not surprisingly were positive.
The Spartans had an impressive overall record and they played very well in the Northwest Jersey Athletic Conference American Division, finishing just one game behind Division winner Jefferson.
“We were 18-9 this season, the best record for Sparta in 15 years,’’ Sparta head coach Catherine Wille said. “We came in second place in American League with a record of 6-2.’’
Veteran student-athletes on the roster were more than willing to step to the forefront and lead the way this year.
“Erin Scott, senior guard/forward really demonstrated a lot of leadership on the floor this season,’’ Wille said. “She became a true scoring threat and was the heart and soul of our team. Paige Smith, senior guard/forward also was an incredible floor leader. She shut down leading scorers of all our opponents and also contributed offensively. Erin Walsh, senior forward really contributed by stepping up her defensive game. She did an incredible job shutting down the paint and help side defense.
“My two juniors, Emily Dilger and Brianna Falco, also really picked up their games and added to our incredible record and season. Brianna is our point guard who helped our team succeed running plays and Emily Dilger played at our center and really had an incredible end of the season with points in the paint.’’
Sparta advanced to the NSJIAA North 1 Group 3 Sectional Tournament as the No. 8 seed. In the opening round, they downed ninth seeded West Essex, 50-27. In the quarterfinal round, Sparta lost to top seeded and eventual Sectional runner-up Pascack Valley. Old Tappan won the North 1 Group 3 Sectional title.
“I know this sounds cliche, but each player really showed dramatic improvement from the beginning to the end of the season,’’ Wille said. “If I had to pick one player that demonstrated the greatest amount of improvement it would have to be Erin Scott. She really turned it on offensively, rebounding and shutting down opponents.’’
The Spartans are very hopeful that they can keep the momentum going in the right direction for the 2018-2019 season.
“I have a hard working young team that I am looking forward to helping develop,’’ Wille said. “With my two junior returning floor leaders, Brianna Falco and Emily Dilger, I have a good base and look forward to building around them.’’