Cape girls’ basketball returns with unsettled business
The Cape girls’ basketball team posted a 20-3 record in the 2022-23 season, but lost 48-34 to Woodbridge in the DIAA quarterfinals, falling short of the goal of making it to the Bob Carpenter Center.
Coach Pat Woods looks for his team to improve this season, believing the Vikings can turn the corner on their quest for an elusive DIAA title.
“We can go with a bigger lineup or we can go with a smaller group that is super fast,” said Woods. “We have girls that can fly all over the court. It will be a mixture of the two.”
The returning 6-foot-1 twin towers, Amalia Fruchtman and Hayden Hudson, are joined by 6-foot-2 transfer Havyn Greene, who will add power down low with a soft touch to the goal.
“I think it’s awesome what Havyn has brought to the team,” said Fruchtman. “Her hustle and her physicality has just bumped everything up in the levels of competition in practice. Having her opens up a new door for us to have more options. I just want this team to execute and reach its full potential.”
Fruchtman broke the team record for blocks and averaged 11.5 points per game as a freshman. Hudson, an exceptional interior defender who is always protecting the rim, led team in rebounds with 205 and slapped away 67 shot attempts.
The small, speedy backcourt will feature senior point guard Mya Maull, a veteran leader who led the team in assists last season and averaged 10 points per game. Junior shooting guard Faith Re led the team in scoring last season, averaging 15 points per game. She also set a new team record for threes in a season, breaking the record of former all-state player Dania Cannon.
“I think we are going to be real competitive this year,” said Maull. “I think as long as we communicate and play hard, we’ll be fine. Our main goal is to make it to the Bob.”
Senior Lulu Rishko rounds out the returners. She will continue to be a thorn in any competitor’s side as one of the best defenders in the state.
Senior Grace Wiggins, fresh off a field hockey state championship, will fill a senior post position when needed. Juniors Kayden Borge Williams and Macy Steinwedel will add depth to the squad. Sophomores include Jurnee White, Maya Yngve, Syd Wetzel and Jerny Haines. Freshmen looking to make an impact are Amara Fruchtman, Ally Diehl, Harper Mamele, Kate Hill and Mairead Rishko.
A new addition to the Cape bench this season is Sid Guzman, a 30-year coach from Los Angeles who has coached a national team in Guam, coached professional players and started a 300-player youth program.
“He’s great,” said Woods. “He’s very demanding and comes with a new energy for us. It’s exciting. It’s going to be a fun season.”
