ITEM PHOTO: KATIE MORRISON
Kayla Carter, left, speaks at the St. Mary’s girls basketball banquet while teammate Gianna Maschella looks on.
By KATIE MORRISON
LYNN — The St. Mary’s girls basketball team celebrated its successful 2015-16 season at its annual banquet Thursday at Gannon Golf Course.
The Spartans, who lost to rival Bishop Fenwick in the Division 3 North semifinals, endured a season that was racked with injuries, including two that ended the seasons of senior Gianna Moschella and junior Amanda Idusuyi. Nevertheless, they captured a share of the Catholic Central League title, won championships at the Boverini tournament and Spartan Classic, and won a game at the Rose Classic in Brooklyn, NY.
Coach Jeff Newhall said the season was perhaps his “most challenging in 14 years of coaching,” with a new injury cropping up seemingly every week.
Newhall and the coaching staff honored senior Kayla Carter with the defensive player of the year award, praising her for her ability to guard the opposing team’s best player night in and night out. Carter will continue her basketball career at Bridgewater State University.
Sophomore Olivia Nazaire was awarded the offensive player of the year. Nazaire shot 46 percent from the floor and Newhall pointed out that not one player on the Celtics this season shot better than 44 percent.
Temi Falayi was presented with the Spartan award, for her leadership on and off the court. Falayi broke her foot and missed a large chunk of the season, but Newhall praised her determination to get back on the court for the final few games of the year. Falayi averaged 5.7 points per game, 15.3 rebounds and 6.3 blocks.
Sophomore Mia Nowicki received recognition as the team’s most improved player, ranking third on the team in points per game with 8.2 and fighting through injuries to step up and start 19 games for St. Mary’s.
Katie Dixon was presented with the unsung player award for her dedication to the program over her four years and her ability to take advantage of the opportunities she got this season. Dixon will play at Norwich University next year.
Moschella was named the most dedicated player, with Newhall calling her “the hardest worker.” Moschella received a full basketball scholarship to Adelphi University, just the fourth Spartan ever to receive a full ride.
Finally, Marnelle Garraud was honored as the team MVP. Garraud was the CCL MVP, averaging 20.2 PPG and shooting 79 percent from the free throw line. Her 502 points as a sophomore is the second-best mark in St. Mary’s girls basketball history. Newhall praised her incredible work ethic and her drive to be a part of a championship team.