Pictured are Freshmen – Lexi Skibitski, Jillian Brodock and Zoe Olmsted.
Sophomores – Alex Day, Jordan Newton, Riley Markle and Jennifer Brodock.
Seniors – Lindsey Casler and Nichole Shene.
Juniors – Ashley Granger and Jenna Didio.
Jenne Brodock (13) with ball (Jenna Didio (5), Lindsey Casler and Jillian Brodock (44) in background.
Zoe Olmstead (3) with the ball, Riley Markle (10) on right and Jillian Brodock (44) in back.
Story and Photos by Amy Brodock
(Oneida, NY – Feb. 2013
) When you look at a basketball team you usually look at the size of the players, but when you look at the Oneida Girls’ Varsity basketball team you will not see a lot of height but, rather, a versatile team. These groups of 11 girls love the game of basketball and play from their hearts. The mixture of freshman, sophomores, juniors and seniors makes for a great blend. You can put a bunch of girls on the court to play, but it takes a dedicated group to play together as a team.
Freshmen Jillian Brodock and Zoe Olmstead are playing with the upperclassmen and holding their own. Under the hoop on the outside, these two girls are gaining great experience under the leadership of coaches Katie Nestler and Michelle Kinville, both of whom were Oneida basketball standouts in their day.
Jillian Brodock brings some height to the team and works under the basket while Olmstead brings speed and great ball handling. Lexi Skibitski is a freshman, although unable to play this season due to injury, was dedicated and brought spirit to the team.
There are four sophomores who play important roles on the team. Jennifer Brodock is a second-year varsity player. Her knowledge of the game and dedication brings a lot to the court. In defensive and offensive play, Jenne helps her team in scoring and preventing her opponents from doing so.
Riley Markle is a quick sophomore with a great outside shot. Markle can handle the ball and get down the court quickly to defend. Jordan Newton gives some height to the sophomores and an outside shot that keeps them going. Alex Day has a defensive edge. Alex’s quickness and rebounding help Oneida keep the ball in play.
Of the two juniors, Jenna Didio, in her fourth year of varsity play, is the point guard for Oneida. She has great ball-handling skills and can run the ball from one end of the court to the other. Didio’s leadership skills on the court help keep the team together. Her drives to the basket and passing help keep Oneida in scoring position.
Ashley Granger comes in the game working under the basket for rebounds. She helps this team move up the court and keeps the ball in play.
As for the seniors, what can you say about two girls who will be playing their last games for Oneida? Nichole Shene is a great basketball player and a great role model for her team. Nichole can play any position and help her team in any situation. A smart player on and off the court, Nichole leads her team by example.
Another tough player who is dedicated to the team is Lindsey Casler. She adds height as the team’s center and plays under the basket to get the rebounds. She is a hard worker and helps the team in many ways.
The girls’ basketball team is 11-6 with one game left in regular play. They have had an undefeated January, which gave them wins over Whitesboro, New Hartford and Utica Notre Dame. They have also defeated Rome Free Academy, Canastota, Camden and Chittenango.
These girls have had an amazing season thus far.
The Oneida Lady Indians have made sectionals for the first time in years. Their record stands to show the hard work and dedication they have put into this game as a team. It is fair to say that this team has a “can-do” attitude. They play as a team, not as individuals, and that cohesiveness is the key to better play.
You could say there are one or two standouts, but this team is not selfish. Everyone contributes, everyone shoots and everyone passes.
For more photos, pick up the print edition of the Madison County Courier on newsstands Feb. 13-20.