JAMAICA, NY— A year after losing a heartbreaker in the conference tournament quarterfinals, the Lady Cardinals are hungrier than ever to take the next step and get closer to capturing their first ever CUNY Athletic Conference championship. With a long list of veterans, a number of talented newcomers and a knowledgeable coaching staff, the Lady Cardinals look poised to achieve that goal.
“Our goal this year is to improve upon last year,” said assistant coach Michelle Reed. “In order for this to happen, we need to take pride in our defense. We need to work together and trust each other and we need to play every game like it’s our last.”
Last season, the Lady Cardinals finished fifth in the CUNYAC and nearly upset fourth-seeded Brooklyn College in the quarterfinals. York missed a last second lay-up that would have propelled them to the semifinals. Despite the loss, the season could be viewed as a success since the team improved upon its conference standing for the third straight season.
This season, the Lady Cardinals will feature a roster with a number of experienced upperclassmen such as seniors Jaime Mohan, Chiquita Greene (4.8 ppg, 2.8 apg) and juniors Maimouna Dabo (9.9 ppg), Niya Jarvis (6.9 ppg, 6.3 rpg), Elizabeth Padilla and Shayna Smith. York also will have multi-sport athlete, Shanine Bogan, who is returning after sitting out the prior two seasons.
“Shanine should bring that big presence we need on the inside,” added Reed. If she can do the little things like rebounding, boxing out and being aggressive on defense, I think she can help us tremendously.
Sophomore Kadisha Wickham (8.7 ppg, 5.5 rpg), who came on late last season, will also be a presence down low, while sophomore April Jones should make an impact in the backcourt. “April has a shown a positive attitude since coming back and that has trickled down to the other players,” noted Reed. York also brings in a number of talented rookies such as Adalya Orr, Kiara Atkins, and Vanessa Rivera.
In addition, York will have a newcomer on the sidelines in assistant coach Maya Monroe, who is the daughter of New York Knick legend Earl Monroe. “She knows the game and she is definitely an asset to have,” said Reed. Monroe joins Reed and head coach Winnifred Brown on the staff.
The Lady Cardinals will have some stiff competition standing in the way of their goals this season. “CSI, Baruch and Lehman are always tough,” added Reed. “If we just raise our confidence level and know that we can compete with these teams— than the only thing that can stop us is ourselves.”
York opens its season November 15 at Albertus Magnus College. Tip-off is set for 2:00 p.m.