Perfect start for AMS Red 8th-grade girls

Perfect through their first 10 outings this season, the Austintown Middle eighth-grade girls red basketball team is without question one of the most intimidating units in the entire Mahoning Valley.

“We’re a group that works hard whether it’s in practice or in a game. Everyone buys into our system and knows their respective roles,” coach Jeff Wilson stated.

“They all have great, caring parents; parents who have encouraged their roles on the team. This group has been together for the past three years, always hustling as they prepare for the next level of play.

“It’s really no surprise that they are enjoying the success that they are currently enjoying,” he added.

Wilson runs a two guard/three forward offense that features Megan Sefcik at point guard and A.J. Corradi at the off-guard and Gabbie Butcher, Sarah Melfe and Maura Bianco as the forwards.

The team averages 41 points per game and yields just 18 per fray with Sefcik (20 ppg) as the scoring leader and both Butcher and Bianco the team’s leading rebounders, hauling down over five caroms per outing.

Rounding out the roster are Alexandria Coe, Gabbie Figueroa, Samantha Swoger, Hannah Guidosh, Christian Roberts, Kierra Lawrence, Latrice Nelson and Sydney Greenwood.

Greenwood is currently serving as team manager after suffering an injury that has sidelined her from competition.