It has certainly been an unusual year for high school sports as the nation attempts to navigate a pandemic while still providing student-athletes with opportunities to play. After much deliberation, it was decided that the winter sports season would begin on February 1st, kickstarting the Massapequa Girls Varsity Basketball team into action. 

The season came with new safety guidelines – wearing masks on and off the court, temperature scans before practice, and socially distanced bus rides – but that didn’t stop the team from working their way to a 5-2 record, which earned them second place in their conference. 

Due to the extremely short season (only one month compared to the typical four months), it was more difficult than usual for the team to get to know each other on and off the court. “We had five new varsity players and you miss out on a lot of the team camaraderie moments because you can’t be together outside of the gym,” said Coach William Herr. Sophomore Alexa Cirabisi, who led the team in scoring at 11 points per game, added that the shortened season presented a challenge offensively, “but it allowed our team to get more creative when trying to score.”

Despite these challenges, the team powered their way through the season, featuring big wins against Oceanside, Uniondale, and Westbury. Their season ended with a win against Freeport in which the Chiefs turned in an absolute team effort, with four players scoring in double figures. “The last game of the year was bittersweet because I really started to see everything coming together and everyone really starting to grow,” notes Coach Herr, “The whole team contributed that final game and it was such a fantastic moment to be witness to.” 

Six of the girls were acknowledged by the coaches of Nassau County for their success during the season. Sophomore Alexa Cirabisi and freshman Briana Neary earned All-County, junior Megan Kirtyan and senior Olivia Hinck made All-County Honorable Mention, and freshman Grace Trotta and senior Hannah Pugliese were recognized for All-Conference. 

The Chiefs, despite their success in the 2021 season, are focused on even bigger goals for next year, the county championship. “Right after our last game, we all agreed 2021-2022 is County Finals or bust. We all believe we have the team to compete at the highest stage and we’re going to go for it.” Coach Herr remarks. The whole team has bought into this mentality of success. Next year’s goal is to, “work on the team’s strengths and weaknesses to win as many games as we can, especially counties,” Cirabisi says.

The team could choose to be satisfied with their success, but they know they can push themselves harder to achieve even more. “We spoke on day one of believing in the term ‘All Gas, No Brakes,’” reflects Coach Herr, “We’re going to work to keep that mindset.”

Congratulations to the Massapequa Varsity Girls Basketball team and their success in the 2021 season and good luck to the team’s seniors Olivia Hinck and Hannah Pugliese in their futures!