Basketball players from Council Rock North, Central Bucks South and Cheltenham are recognized.
Millennium Administrators
Highlighting…SOL Girls’ Basketball Players
This recognition is sponsored by Millennium Administrators. Athletes are chosen based on nomination of coaches.
National Conference Millennium Administrators Highlighted Players
Abby Jones, Senior, Council Rock North High School
Note from the coach:
“Coaching a new team for the first year is always a bit of a challenge,” coach Jim Roynan said. “New ideas, new approaches, and a different way
of doing things both on and off the court can lead to a lot of anxiety and stress for a team that has been used to doing things the same way for many years. Any success in the first year of a new program depends largely on the buy-in of the players, but especially the seniors.
“My first interaction with Abby was right after the first time I met the team. She asked me if it would be OK if she organized several team-bonding and team-building activities as the new season approached. That was the first indication I had that Abby was going to be the kind of leader and teammate for which we had hoped. Since that first meeting, she has exceeded my expectations as a captain and a leader.
Abby is such a supportive teammate and great role model for a very young team, and she has eagerly embraced and supported our program. She works hard every day in practice and has a great attitude no matter what the circumstances.
“This year for her has been very different from past years in terms of both her role and the team’s results. As the lone returning senior and captain, she has taken on the responsibilities of guiding her teammates in what it takes to be successful on the court, in the classroom, and in the community. She’s been totally supportive of the new ideas and ways of doing things that the coaches have introduced, and she’s embraced our off-the-court charitable initiatives and helped make them a success. Our results on the court don’t reflect the impact that Abby has had on the team and on the basketball program. There’s one regret that I’ll have about this season, and it’s that this will be the only one that I’ll have with Abby.”
About Abby:
Best memory playing basketball: Making it to the quarterfinals of states my junior year
Part of the game I enjoy most: Becoming best friends and teammates with different girls
My role model is: My Mom, Colleen Jones
Music that gets me pumped before games: “Wings” by Macklemore
Favorite food: Sushi
Favorite TV show: Friends
Four people I’d invite to a dinner party: My Grandfather, David Dobrik, Lizzo, Blake Lively
Continental Conference Millennium Administrators Highlighted Players
Kirsten Schaller, Senior, Central Bucks South
Note from the coach:
“As a senior, Kirsten has really stepped up as a leader for our team,” coach Beth Mattern said. “Every day Kirsten is giving her all for the team on the court, working with players to learn plays, watching film, or driving her teammates to and from practice. Kirsten is the ultimate team player who always puts the success of the program over herself, but works hard to be a better basketball player every day. I love coaching Kirsten because of her positive energy, desire to improve, and her team first attitude.”
About Kirsten:
Best memory playing basketball: Our winter tournament at Wildwood.
Part of the game I enjoy most: Locker room preparation before games.
My role model is: Julie Ertz
Favorite food: Sushi
Favorite TV show: Vampire Diaries
Four people I’d invite to a dinner party: Joe Kosman, Fatima Cervera, Harry Styles & Donald Trump
American Conference Millennium Administrators Highlighted Player
Nailah Johnson, Senior, Cheltenham High School
Note from the coach:
“Nailah is more than a captain on our team, she is a leader on and off the court,” coach Ben Bowman said. “Not only does Nailah show up ready to work each day, she also does the little things that her coaches appreciate. She is constantly working on her game and asking questions to help in any way she can. In addition, she also makes sure to always be there for her teammates. Whether it is with words of encouragement or challenging them at practice, Nailah wants all of her teammates to succeed. Nailah is the true meaning of Panther Pride and the team is lucky to have her.”
About Nailah:
Best memory playing basketball: Positive practices where we’re all helping each other
Part of the game I enjoy most: Hearing my team cheer each other on
My role model is: My younger brother
Music that gets me pumped before games: Whatever the team listens to
Favorite food: French Fries
Favorite TV show: Jane the Virgin
Four people I’d invite to a dinner party: My great grandmother, Michael Jackson, Beyonce and Michelle Obama
Katie Denyer, Senior, Cheltenham High School
Note from the coach:
“Katie is a hardworking basketball player and really shows up each day with both heart and hustle,” coach Ben Bowman said. “She is a tough competitor and a solid defender. Katie is such a pleasure to coach as she takes direction and guidance from the coaching staff very well. She has put a lot of work into improving her shot and her hard work is paying off. Furthermore, Katie is a wonderful teammate. She is supportive and encouraging to her teammates with her words and actions, both on and off the court.”
About Katie:
Best memory playing basketball: Basketball dinners.
Part of the game I enjoy most: Cheering for my teammates.
My role models are: My parents.
Music that gets me pumped before games: Whatever the team blasts
Favorite food: Pizza
Favorite TV show: Criminal Minds
Four people I’d invite to a dinner party: Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, Kevin Hart, Shawn Mendes and Ellen DeGeneres
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