Athletic News

2009-10 a banner year for Lady Braves basketball

The 2009-10 will go down in the record books—literally—for Fonda-Fultonville's girls basketball program. It was a year of individual and team accomplishments, something that Coach Wendy Waters admits comes only rarely. Her senior squad compiled an outstanding record, her star player broke record after record, and Coach Waters tallied her 200 win in just 11 years.

Another great season

The Lady Braves captured the Western Athletic Conference title for the seventh straight year. The girls were undefeated in league play and finished their season 17-3 overall.

For the second consecutive year, the team was knocked out of the Section II playoffs by Hudson Falls. Equally odd, the game found Fonda-Fultonville down by three points in the closing seconds of the game—just like last year.

Despite the tough loss, Waters looks back on the year with pride.

"It was a disappointing end, but overall we had a great year," she said.

She is equally proud of the girls off the court.

"This is a NYSPHSAA Scholar-Athlete team with a 96.58 average," she boasts.

With this season barely in the books, she looks forward to next year when Fonda-Fultonville makes the jump to the Colonial Council. The move is expected to raise the level of competition.

"I am looking forward to the opportunity and the challenges of the Colonial Council," she said. "Night in and night out, we will face stiffer competition, but I am sure we will handle it."

Egelston rewrites record books

Senior Paula Egelston capped off her successful senior year by leading her team both on the court and in the classroom. Over four years, she has been an integral part of the Lady Braves success, but has never lost her focus. She is ranked third in her class with a 97 GPA and serves as president of National Honor Society.

Paula is best recognized for her skills on the basketball court. She began playing varsity as a talented freshman. Rather than relying on her natural gifts, she worked hard both during the basketball season and off-season. Her efforts paid off as she set three school records and joined the Top-10 list in seven categories. Her accomplishments include:

• Most Career Point - 1372 (the most by any girl or boy)

• Most Career Rebounds - 899

• Most Single Season Rebounds - 292

• 3rd in Single Season Scoring - 419

• 7th in Career Steals - 199

• 7th in Single Season Steals - 72

• 8th in Career Assists - 181

• 4th in Single Game Rebounds - 20 (reached that mark twice)

"This is something I have worked toward for four years," said Paula. "I want to thank Coach Waters and my parents for supporting me along the way. And I couldn't have done it without such a close-knit team."

Waters is equally quick to mention Paula's academics. On Saturday, Mar. 6, Paula was named the WAC Girl top Athlete-Scholar.

"She deserves these honors," said Waters. "She shows what can be accomplished with hard work and dedication. She is one of the most complete players I've ever coached. And to do all that while maintaining a 97 average is a statement to her character and work ethic. The school and the community are proud of what she has done over the last four years on varsity."

Coach Waters reaches 200 wins

On Feb. 9, the Lady Braves presented Coach Waters with a 58-36 win over Mayfield—the 200th win in just 11 years at Fonda-Fultonville. In that time, her teams amassed an impressive 202-58 record (77.7 winning percentage).

She credits much of her success to the people around her. The Biddy basketball program introduces fourth graders to the sport. Not only do they begin to develop the skills they will later need, they see older kids winning and want to be successful, too.

That drive for success is a key to Coach Water's success.

"The kids I've coached made it easier," she said. "They loved the game, worked hard, took it seriously, and wanted to win."

She also thanks JV coach Art Dockerty.

"Coach Dockerty does a great job getting JV kids ready for varsity play," she said.

Coach Waters admits that this year's team is one her favorites. Their work ethic, dedication, and love for the game set them apart.

"I'm glad that it was this team that gave me my 200th win. I wish I were taking them to the Colonial Council next year. They would be up for the challenge," she laughed.

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