Seniors from Abington, Pennridge and Plymouth Whitemarsh are highlighted.
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 Player
Emily Willard – Senior at Abington High School
A senior reserve who has been part of Abington’s program for four years, Willard is a hard worker who pushes the players in front of her to become better. She is a positive presence whether on the bench and on the court.
Note from the coach:
“Emily really has busted her butt every day at practice to make us better,” coach Dan Marsh said. “She’ll motivate the second team to really play hard, and she relishes the opportunities when she gets in a game, and she goes after it. I think people sometimes forget how important those kids are. You can’t win basketball games with five kids. That’s impossible. If we went to practice every day with just my five best players, we’re not going to be successful because we can’t practice every day. I think people take that for granted and don’t understand that everybody is important, and everybody has a role. Emily is one of those kids who accepts it, excels at it and goes after it. That’s why she’s one of my favorite kids. She’s such a hard worker, and her attitude – you never see her get down. She always has a smile, she’s always upbeat. If someone is coming out of the game, she has an encouraging word for them. She’s one of those kids that makes coaching worthwhile. You’ll always have kids like Deja (Rawls) and Aiyannah (Peal) who are phenomenal and awesome athletes who work really hard, but when you get the kids that are okay with not being in the spotlight but still work very hard, that’s what makes a basketball team good, in my opinion.”
About Emily:
Best memory playing basketball: Winning the District One championship at Villanova in 2010.
Part of the game I enjoy most: Shooting (foul shots and three-pointers)
My role model is: Hope Solo
Music that gets me pumped before games: Taylor Swift!
Favorite food: Macaroni and cheese
Favorite TV show: NCIS
Chocolate or vanilla: Vanilla
Continental Conference Millennium Administrators Highlighted Player
Nici Bonacci – Senior at Pennridge High School
A two-year starter and four-year varsity player, Bonacci is a leader on and off the court. The senior captain is a versatile player who has filled in at multiple positions from point guard to shooting guard to small forward.
Note from the coach:
“It means a lot to have a captain like Nici,” coach David Martin said. ”She’s so down to earth, and she understands the game. She understands that she doesn’t have to be the leading scorer and that there are other aspects of the game.
“She not only understands the game but how to interact with the other players on the team. They really look up to her. She’s a two-year captain and has been a very good leader.
“On Saturday, we had Community Day, and we were together since nine o’clock in the morning. She’s there always smiling, helping out and setting an example for the younger girls. Her first thought after Friday night’s game was going to see Jordan Rimmer in the hospital. She’s always putting everyone ahead of herself.”
About Nici:
Best memory playing basketball: Playing with my best friend Brianne McGrath for the last eight years and awesome team bonding parties on the weekends.
Part of game I enjoy most: The feeling you get when our team makes a great defensive play.
My role models are: My amazing parents
Music that gets me pumped before games: ‘Fly’ by Nicki Minaj
Favorite food: Chili
Favorite TV show: Project Runway
Chocolate or vanilla: Vanilla
American Conference Millennium Administrators Highlighted Player
Erin Martin– Senior at Plymouth Whitemarsh High School
Martin joined the Colonials as a junior after transferring to PW from Penn Charter School. The senior captain is capable of putting points on the board and is a contributor on both ends of the court. She is averaging eight points and nine rebounds a game. Next year, Erin hopes to continue her basketball career and study physical therapy.
Note from the coach:
“She transferred to Plymouth Whitemarsh as a junior, and instantaneously, Erin was well liked and respected by the coaches and players for her big smile, friendly attitude and fun-loving personality and equally for her great rebounding abilities, smooth jump shot and intensity on the court,” coach Becky Duffy said. “As a senior captain this season, Erin has led the team through a challenging season both on and off the court. She contributes at big moments in games with key shots or rebounds or taking the ball strong to the basket. She is a smart player who understands the game and works hard to get better every day.”
About Erin:
Best memory playing basketball: Scoring at the buzzer to beat Central High School last year.
Part of the game I enjoy most: Pulling down rebounds and winning close games
My role model is: Diana Taurasi
Music that gets me pumped before games: Anything by Lil Wayne, Jay-z or Drake. I must listen to ‘Lose Yourself’ by Eminem before every game.
Favorite food: Penne pasta with marinara sauce and shrimp
Favorite TV show: Law and Order: SVU
Chocolate or vanilla: Vanilla
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