By Ron Denny ‘12 and Amanda Cirino ‘12
High school seniors will describe their recent experience applying to college as stressful, overwhelming, tedious, and even confusing. To some people, the college process is a nightmare, but it does not have to be like this.
There are so many steps when applying to college: The Common Application (Common App), teacher recommendations, supplements, the essay, SATs, and the list goes on and on. That being said, it is not surprising that each senior expressed a different part of the college search as being the most challenging.
Tori Von Ancken said the hardest part for her was deciding on which schools to apply to, wishing she had a list of colleges before senior year even started. According to BrainTrack.com, The US has over 7,000 higher education institutions and over 15 million students.
Andre Loukrezis and Olivia Zacks agreed. Zacks commented, “The Common App was the hardest part.” If they could advise underclassmen about the Common App they would tell them to complete it over the summer so they don’t have to worry about it when school starts.
Some students are accustomed to getting “spoon-fed” and “babied” and may have trouble coping with the many deadlines of senior year. Betty Denny mother of a Trumbull High senior said, “Don’t wait for your parents to take on the responsibility.” Take the initiative and be more independent.
At the end of junior year students should have two teachers committed to writing their letters of recommendation. Teachers limit the amount of letters they write, so it is better to ask them earlier rather than later.
Seniors at THS agreed the best option for applying is early action. This has an earlier deadline (usually November 1st), and students will hear back from the schools up to four months before the seniors who opt to do regular decision. “It is so much better to apply early action rather than regular decision. You will have more time to decide, and the anticipation of waiting for those letters will be over before the holidays,” said senior Silvia Sclafani.
Applying to college may seem terrifying; however, taking it one step at a time and listening to advice from family, friends, teachers, and guidance counselors will ensure success. Do not get discouraged and remember to be independent, be organized, and be an advocate for yourself.
Here are some tips for the underclassmen:
Freshmen:
• Grades do matter freshmen year. These grades will factor into the overall GPA and will be on the transcript that gets sent to colleges.
• Explore a wide variety of classes to see what is intriguing.
Sophomores:
• It’s never too early to start looking. See what colleges are out there.
• Go on a college visit in the area to get an idea of what is out there. (Weather it’s a big school, small school, public, or private, in Connecticut or out of Connecticut).
Juniors:
• It is important to take the college essay serious. Finish as much as possible in junior year English classes. Make sure it’s 500 words or less.
• Compile a list of schools that are options to visit and/or apply to. Use Naviance to find schools within reach. Don’t be unrealistic.
Monday, February 13, 2012
Saturday, February 11, 2012
SOPA: The Bill That Takes Away Rights
By Hamze Mah and Alex Almedia
SOPA is as disastrous to the Internet as the terminator was to John Conner. The Stop Online Piracy Act is a bill that strives to demolish the right of Internet users.
The Stop Online Piracy Act (SOPA) is a United States bill presented by U.S. Representative Lamar S. Smith to expand the ability of U.S. law enforcement to fight online trafficking in copyrighted and counterfeit goods. The law would extend existing criminal laws to include unauthorized streaming of copyright material, imposing a maximum penalty of five years in prison for ten pieces of music or movies downloaded.
At first glance the Government appears to have a positive aim for the protection of Internet users. However, in actuality, they have serious potential to negatively affect the Internet as its known today. SOPA was created in order to pit a stop for online piracy, with the entertainment industry having serious concern with how many people are illegally downloading their video and audio content without payment.
Gabe Newell the owner and founder of Steam, the largest PC game service has stated “Piracy is almost always a service problem and not a pricing problem.” Newell’s plan to combat piracy is simple; provide a service superior to pirating. Newell exclaims that piracy is a non issue for their company and would even advocate piracy for people unable to afford certain games as he has done in the past.
The opponents, who consists of many anonymous Internet users and leading websites such as YouTube, Wikipedia, and Google state the proposed legislation threatens free speech and innovation, and enables law enforcement to block access to entire Internet domains due to infringing material posted on a single blog or webpage.
When asked on his opinion on the matter senior Matt Megenis proclaims “I thought it was a terrible idea because it’s invasive to people’s privacy.”
Many hundreds and thousands of websites have already fought to drive SOPA away. Facebook users and Sites across the Internet have already begun showing their protest of these bills by censoring their logos or either completely taking down their sites.
Wikipedia showed their protest by “blacking” out their webpage on January 18–19, 2012. In place of articles, Wikipedia showed only a message in protest of SOPA and PIPA asking visitors to "Imagine a world without free knowledge."
While the Obama administration has opposed SOPA for the time being, the incredibly similar bill PIPA is still waiting to be approved, and has plenty of support. No one knows how the future of the internet would look like after the election of 2012. Weather the future government would deny or approve these acts is unknown. However, judging by the consistent panic and uproar; we can expect horrendous outcomes happening if the bill is passes.
SOPA is as disastrous to the Internet as the terminator was to John Conner. The Stop Online Piracy Act is a bill that strives to demolish the right of Internet users.
The Stop Online Piracy Act (SOPA) is a United States bill presented by U.S. Representative Lamar S. Smith to expand the ability of U.S. law enforcement to fight online trafficking in copyrighted and counterfeit goods. The law would extend existing criminal laws to include unauthorized streaming of copyright material, imposing a maximum penalty of five years in prison for ten pieces of music or movies downloaded.
At first glance the Government appears to have a positive aim for the protection of Internet users. However, in actuality, they have serious potential to negatively affect the Internet as its known today. SOPA was created in order to pit a stop for online piracy, with the entertainment industry having serious concern with how many people are illegally downloading their video and audio content without payment.
Gabe Newell the owner and founder of Steam, the largest PC game service has stated “Piracy is almost always a service problem and not a pricing problem.” Newell’s plan to combat piracy is simple; provide a service superior to pirating. Newell exclaims that piracy is a non issue for their company and would even advocate piracy for people unable to afford certain games as he has done in the past.
The opponents, who consists of many anonymous Internet users and leading websites such as YouTube, Wikipedia, and Google state the proposed legislation threatens free speech and innovation, and enables law enforcement to block access to entire Internet domains due to infringing material posted on a single blog or webpage.
When asked on his opinion on the matter senior Matt Megenis proclaims “I thought it was a terrible idea because it’s invasive to people’s privacy.”
Many hundreds and thousands of websites have already fought to drive SOPA away. Facebook users and Sites across the Internet have already begun showing their protest of these bills by censoring their logos or either completely taking down their sites.
Wikipedia showed their protest by “blacking” out their webpage on January 18–19, 2012. In place of articles, Wikipedia showed only a message in protest of SOPA and PIPA asking visitors to "Imagine a world without free knowledge."
While the Obama administration has opposed SOPA for the time being, the incredibly similar bill PIPA is still waiting to be approved, and has plenty of support. No one knows how the future of the internet would look like after the election of 2012. Weather the future government would deny or approve these acts is unknown. However, judging by the consistent panic and uproar; we can expect horrendous outcomes happening if the bill is passes.
Friday, February 10, 2012
Annual Black History Month Celebration
By Vishaka Negi
As history tells us, the women’s rights movement and abolition movement went hand in hand. White women like Elizabeth Cady Stanton and black men like Fredrick Douglass, amongst countless other citizens, were truly devoted to “liberty and justice for all.” The connection between these two movements is especially prevalent as February is Black History Month and March is Women’s History Month. So, as we go forth with March and count all the contributions of women of generations past, we should also look back upon the connection to Black history. As people strived to create a truly integrated, racially tolerant society, they have influenced mainstream culture. In fact, many African Americans, whether they were pioneers in education or legendary musicians, directly impacted mainstream culture unknowingly. Specifically, the cultures of the continent of Africa, which were brought to and sustained in America for generations, have shaped our society. The Cultural Diversity Club explored this during its annual Black History Month Celebration.
Held in the Senior Lounge on February 8th, this event was attended by many people, students and faculty members alike. As people socialized and tried out African instruments, they developed a taste for the cultures of Africa, which have, in turn, shaped history. The keynote speaker for this event, Michael Apaloo ‘12, shared his experiences from freshman year, when he moved from Ghana. With willingness to answer all questions, Michael hit home with his connections between Ghana and the United States. He maintains that the toughest part, when adjusting to America, was adjusting to the expectations and culture. The ignorance of some students was a real pet peeve for him, at first. “Over time, however,” Michael says, “I became used to it. I don’t hold anything against anyone else for not knowing where I came from.” When asked what he would like to share with other students, Michael says, “Always be willing to adjust to other people’s cultures. They say ‘When in Rome, do as the Romans do.’ At first, I was not willing to do as the Americans do. But, that was not the right approach, and I think I took a lot from the experience.”
As history tells us, the women’s rights movement and abolition movement went hand in hand. White women like Elizabeth Cady Stanton and black men like Fredrick Douglass, amongst countless other citizens, were truly devoted to “liberty and justice for all.” The connection between these two movements is especially prevalent as February is Black History Month and March is Women’s History Month. So, as we go forth with March and count all the contributions of women of generations past, we should also look back upon the connection to Black history. As people strived to create a truly integrated, racially tolerant society, they have influenced mainstream culture. In fact, many African Americans, whether they were pioneers in education or legendary musicians, directly impacted mainstream culture unknowingly. Specifically, the cultures of the continent of Africa, which were brought to and sustained in America for generations, have shaped our society. The Cultural Diversity Club explored this during its annual Black History Month Celebration.
Held in the Senior Lounge on February 8th, this event was attended by many people, students and faculty members alike. As people socialized and tried out African instruments, they developed a taste for the cultures of Africa, which have, in turn, shaped history. The keynote speaker for this event, Michael Apaloo ‘12, shared his experiences from freshman year, when he moved from Ghana. With willingness to answer all questions, Michael hit home with his connections between Ghana and the United States. He maintains that the toughest part, when adjusting to America, was adjusting to the expectations and culture. The ignorance of some students was a real pet peeve for him, at first. “Over time, however,” Michael says, “I became used to it. I don’t hold anything against anyone else for not knowing where I came from.” When asked what he would like to share with other students, Michael says, “Always be willing to adjust to other people’s cultures. They say ‘When in Rome, do as the Romans do.’ At first, I was not willing to do as the Americans do. But, that was not the right approach, and I think I took a lot from the experience.”
Thursday, February 9, 2012
University Graduates Unable to Find Jobs
By Dalexi Carrillo
Even though more and more high school students pursue a higher education and many study beyond the four-year bachelor degree, a rising number of university graduates still find it difficult to find a job in today’s workforce. With employment rates and starting salaries plummeting, graduates ask themselves if the higher education is even worth it.
The United States is slowly recovering from a recession that hurt the country’s economy and the pockets of many Americans. Consequently, those who once had high paying jobs in top corporations now do not and are hired by companies with a lower paying salary. Due to the slow down of the economy, wages and salaries have also plummeted leading to many unsatisfied workers. Those who have fought the cuts in salaries have been easily replaced by people who may or may not be qualified for the job. Three years later, the effects of the 2007-2009 Recession still continue to negatively impact the careers of those freshly out of college.
“Many of my buddies who have just graduated in May still can’t find a job, not even a low paying one. The one or two who actually do have a job, are ones that are not even related to their major,” Brian Yanez, a recent graduate of Hoftra University stated. “I even feel that those with decent jobs got them through connections or just when they happened to graduate. It’s just luck,” he continued to say.
Young people are forced to deal with the hardships of this economy and the consequences are apparent. According to the New York Times, during the years of 2006 and 2007, 90% of college graduates had jobs by the following spring. However, currently, only 56% of graduates hold at least one job. Inclusively, half of those that found a job did not require a college degree anyway. Thus, current college students wonder if further education, more specifically graduate school, is even worth the time and money. Many are starting to believe that opportunities are similar with or without a graduate degree and would prefer to work, that is if they find a job, rather than spend more years in school wasting money they do not have.
The best advice for current university students is to pick a major that will make it easier for them to find a job down the line. The choice of major is quite important and certain ones, like teaching and engineering, have more jobs available than others, such as humanities. “The whole situation is scary,” Rhianna Sefferian, a Trumbull High senior, admitted. “I know that the job market is not looking so great so I know that choosing the appropriate career will open doors and make me more marketable. I want to pursue something I love and something that will provide me a future,” she continued to say.
Many young adults find themselves in their parents’ house right after college. This, which once was an embarrassment, is now turning into something common. Unfortunately, it delays the pattern of American life where one hopes, by their early thirties, to support a family and own a house. The country that once granted countless opportunities now is not able to provide a bright future for the next generation of workers.
Even though more and more high school students pursue a higher education and many study beyond the four-year bachelor degree, a rising number of university graduates still find it difficult to find a job in today’s workforce. With employment rates and starting salaries plummeting, graduates ask themselves if the higher education is even worth it.
The United States is slowly recovering from a recession that hurt the country’s economy and the pockets of many Americans. Consequently, those who once had high paying jobs in top corporations now do not and are hired by companies with a lower paying salary. Due to the slow down of the economy, wages and salaries have also plummeted leading to many unsatisfied workers. Those who have fought the cuts in salaries have been easily replaced by people who may or may not be qualified for the job. Three years later, the effects of the 2007-2009 Recession still continue to negatively impact the careers of those freshly out of college.
“Many of my buddies who have just graduated in May still can’t find a job, not even a low paying one. The one or two who actually do have a job, are ones that are not even related to their major,” Brian Yanez, a recent graduate of Hoftra University stated. “I even feel that those with decent jobs got them through connections or just when they happened to graduate. It’s just luck,” he continued to say.
Young people are forced to deal with the hardships of this economy and the consequences are apparent. According to the New York Times, during the years of 2006 and 2007, 90% of college graduates had jobs by the following spring. However, currently, only 56% of graduates hold at least one job. Inclusively, half of those that found a job did not require a college degree anyway. Thus, current college students wonder if further education, more specifically graduate school, is even worth the time and money. Many are starting to believe that opportunities are similar with or without a graduate degree and would prefer to work, that is if they find a job, rather than spend more years in school wasting money they do not have.
The best advice for current university students is to pick a major that will make it easier for them to find a job down the line. The choice of major is quite important and certain ones, like teaching and engineering, have more jobs available than others, such as humanities. “The whole situation is scary,” Rhianna Sefferian, a Trumbull High senior, admitted. “I know that the job market is not looking so great so I know that choosing the appropriate career will open doors and make me more marketable. I want to pursue something I love and something that will provide me a future,” she continued to say.
Many young adults find themselves in their parents’ house right after college. This, which once was an embarrassment, is now turning into something common. Unfortunately, it delays the pattern of American life where one hopes, by their early thirties, to support a family and own a house. The country that once granted countless opportunities now is not able to provide a bright future for the next generation of workers.
Opinions: Show Me the Money
By Jeff Jarboe
In today’s sports community, college athletes are looked upon as if they play in the pros. To the fans, the administration, or the media, they are superstars. So why aren’t they paid like superstars?
The debate over whether or not college athletes should be paid by their school is one that seemed ridiculous until now. The traditional college athlete stayed all four years, received a diploma and then decided if they wanted to go play professionally or not. Nowadays, athletes go to college for a year because they have to, and then go to the pros as soon as they are eligible. When senior classmate Kelly Gallagher was asked if college athletes should be paid, she said, “Well, technically they already are being paid in a full scholarship. Many people do not have that luxury, so in that sense they are treated like superstars.” This is completely true, and is the primary argument against the payment of college athletes.
What good is a full scholarship going to do if these athletes leave as soon as they are eligible? The majority of these athletes go to a school because they: A) Think they have the best possibility to win a national championship. Or B) Think that school will prepare him or her for the pros better than any other school. College athletes want to win a national championship, but not as bad as they want to get paid. Most athletes would choose to play for the New York Jets over almost anything school related, unless they had one major reason to stay in school. What better reason than millions of dollars and a national championship?
Senior Captain of the THS football team, and future Villanova college athlete Don Cherry had this to say on the matter, “I would favor this only because I know how hard these guys work and they deserve every dollar they make. Colleges have built this game into an absolute money making business with all of these talented athletes, it is only fair that they get a piece of the pie.”
Just imagine what John Wall could have done at Kentucky in four years. Imagine the dynasty that could have been built at USC by Leinart and Bush, had they stayed all their years. Imagine if Lebron went to college! All of this might have happened if these athletes had a reason to stay in school.
In today’s sports community, college athletes are looked upon as if they play in the pros. To the fans, the administration, or the media, they are superstars. So why aren’t they paid like superstars?
The debate over whether or not college athletes should be paid by their school is one that seemed ridiculous until now. The traditional college athlete stayed all four years, received a diploma and then decided if they wanted to go play professionally or not. Nowadays, athletes go to college for a year because they have to, and then go to the pros as soon as they are eligible. When senior classmate Kelly Gallagher was asked if college athletes should be paid, she said, “Well, technically they already are being paid in a full scholarship. Many people do not have that luxury, so in that sense they are treated like superstars.” This is completely true, and is the primary argument against the payment of college athletes.
What good is a full scholarship going to do if these athletes leave as soon as they are eligible? The majority of these athletes go to a school because they: A) Think they have the best possibility to win a national championship. Or B) Think that school will prepare him or her for the pros better than any other school. College athletes want to win a national championship, but not as bad as they want to get paid. Most athletes would choose to play for the New York Jets over almost anything school related, unless they had one major reason to stay in school. What better reason than millions of dollars and a national championship?
Senior Captain of the THS football team, and future Villanova college athlete Don Cherry had this to say on the matter, “I would favor this only because I know how hard these guys work and they deserve every dollar they make. Colleges have built this game into an absolute money making business with all of these talented athletes, it is only fair that they get a piece of the pie.”
Just imagine what John Wall could have done at Kentucky in four years. Imagine the dynasty that could have been built at USC by Leinart and Bush, had they stayed all their years. Imagine if Lebron went to college! All of this might have happened if these athletes had a reason to stay in school.
The End of The Word
By Billy Kattler
Explosions, fire balls, twelve headed beasts or just another routine day.
December 21, 2012 marks the date the Mayan calendar cycle comes to an end and possibly the end of days.
Since the turn of the century alone, the end of the world has been predicted by almost 30 people on over 15 dates. Emily Riehl a student at Trumbull high school commented on this fact saying “If there have been predictions like this one and I’m still here, then why should I believe this.” This questions the credibility of the event occurring in 2012, but somehow December 21, 2012 holds more validity than other dates due to its long history.
The Mayan calendar is a great part of history. This is considered as one of the first date trackers and was as important to the Mesoamerican culture as our calendar is to our society. The long count calendar’s great cycle will end in December and this can be blamed the Spanish. At the point of history in which Spain took control of Mexico the Mayan calendar records ended and no later date then December 21, 2012 was made. Along with the ancient calendar’s great cycle coming to an end the 2012 winter solstice will occur in the sky. This will be the first time in 25,800 years that this event happens. In a winter solstice the sun will align with the center of the Milky Way galaxy starting another 25,800 year cycle.
A poll taken in Trumbull High School asked if people believed the world would end on December 21. The results weren’t surprising. Fifteen of 15 upperclassman believed there was no way the world would end on the 21st. Josh Boxer a senior at Trumbull High said “I just can’t believe the world would end in my lifetime.” When asking underclassmen the results greatly differed. When polled 6 of 10 underclassmen believed the world would end.
Having two historical cycles ending on the same date has people thinking all cycles will end. These two extraordinary events can make you notice the extraordinary events that happen every day. If it’s the lively green leaves growing on lifeless trees or beautiful blue skies on a brightly lit day, this year, or the last year on earth, will prove to be a great one.
Explosions, fire balls, twelve headed beasts or just another routine day.
December 21, 2012 marks the date the Mayan calendar cycle comes to an end and possibly the end of days.
Since the turn of the century alone, the end of the world has been predicted by almost 30 people on over 15 dates. Emily Riehl a student at Trumbull high school commented on this fact saying “If there have been predictions like this one and I’m still here, then why should I believe this.” This questions the credibility of the event occurring in 2012, but somehow December 21, 2012 holds more validity than other dates due to its long history.
The Mayan calendar is a great part of history. This is considered as one of the first date trackers and was as important to the Mesoamerican culture as our calendar is to our society. The long count calendar’s great cycle will end in December and this can be blamed the Spanish. At the point of history in which Spain took control of Mexico the Mayan calendar records ended and no later date then December 21, 2012 was made. Along with the ancient calendar’s great cycle coming to an end the 2012 winter solstice will occur in the sky. This will be the first time in 25,800 years that this event happens. In a winter solstice the sun will align with the center of the Milky Way galaxy starting another 25,800 year cycle.
A poll taken in Trumbull High School asked if people believed the world would end on December 21. The results weren’t surprising. Fifteen of 15 upperclassman believed there was no way the world would end on the 21st. Josh Boxer a senior at Trumbull High said “I just can’t believe the world would end in my lifetime.” When asking underclassmen the results greatly differed. When polled 6 of 10 underclassmen believed the world would end.
Having two historical cycles ending on the same date has people thinking all cycles will end. These two extraordinary events can make you notice the extraordinary events that happen every day. If it’s the lively green leaves growing on lifeless trees or beautiful blue skies on a brightly lit day, this year, or the last year on earth, will prove to be a great one.
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
Exclusive Interview with Head Coach Steve Tobitsch
Email Interview with Girls Basketball Head Coach Steven Tobitsch *UNEDITED*
January 10-11, 2011
1. What has been the key to the team's great start?
The Trumbull girls Basketball team is off to a fantastic start. We are 7-1 Overall and 6-0 in the FCIAC.
Our team first attitude and pressure Defense has been a huge reason for our early season success. We have always been a terrific defensive team, but this year we have had multiple players scoring in double figures on different nights. Teams we have played early in the year have had difficulty scouting us and matching up with us. This team has been willing to make the extra pass to set-up another teammate for the score. This group of girls gets just as excited for the girl who is getting the assist as they do for the girl who gets the basket. This comes from the terrific leadership we have from our captains to all our seniors.
2. Who, in your opinion, has stepped up the most?
Our Guard play has been tremendous. Seniors Kelly Coughlin and Megan Puglia have been coaches on the court. They do a great job of communicating what defenses we are playing and who should be where. I have been very impressed with the leadership of our Junior, captain and floor leader Victoria Pfohl. She helps us get in and out of offensive sets as well as communicates our defensive pressure.
Our bench has been ready to step up and meet the challenge when their numbers are called. Seniors, Taisha Lima and Jackie Palmer as well as sophomore, Alexa Pfohl has given us a tremendous boost of energy and confidence off the bench.
I have also been pleased with our post play. Our Forwards have probably shown the most improvement from last season to now. Senior forward Mookie Kennedy has been tremendous asset on the boards and has become a terrific defender. Erin Moore has established herself as a low post presence that most of our league fears to play against.
3. What was your team's biggest win so far this season?
Our biggest win thus far was beating Danbury on our home court. However, I was most impressed with how we dominated Darien from beginning to the end of the game. Both teams should be top 8 teams in our league and we sent a clear message on those nights that Trumbull Girls Basketball should be considered in the mix for a top 4 spot in the FCIAC playoffs.
4. What do you think is the team's biggest game for the rest of the upcoming season?
We have quite a few games left and each game presents its own challenge. However, I believe there are 5 teams in the league this year that have separated themselves from the rest and are competing for the FCIAC championship. Danbury, Ridgefield, St. Joe’s, Trinity Catholic, and Trumbull.
We have already beaten Danbury but still have St. Joe’s and Trinity at home, and a tough road test at Ridgefield later in the season.
5. What is the best thing your team does?
By far we are the best full court pressure team in the FCIAC. We have a lot of quickness, athleticism, and depth. I have been very impressed with how well prepared and ready our bench is when they enter the game. Sophomore, Alexa Pfohl is up for any challenge and Senior Taisha Lima can battle with anyone under the boards. Senior Jackie Palmer is a tremendous defender adds depth to our bench with her speed and quickness, while Sophomore Erin Puglia is a shooter who has just begin to earn some varsity minutes and is earning more and more minutes each day.
6. What do you need to improve on?
Although, I think we are doing many things well a good team is always looking at the things they need to improve most upon. I think we need to be stronger on the defensive boards and look to box out first before we chase down a rebound. I also think we need to get better at doing the little things in our offense. Like setting good solid screens, catching and passing with two hands, and willing to make the extra pass. “The little things lead to big things.”
7. Is the team confident heading into the rest of the season/High expectations?
This team is extremely confident. Even if we lose a game here or there along the way this team has already showed its determination to come back and work even harder. This group of girls has very high expectations for themselves and as long as we work together to improve each day in practice and that practice translates into games, then we will be right where we want to be at the end of the season.
8. Where do you see your team at the end of the season?
I would like to see us make a return trip to the FCIAC playoffs where many of our current seniors were on the team when we qualified when they were sophomores. Except this time we want to qualify for one of the top 4 seeds to earn a home FCIAC playoff game, as well as try to get to Fairfield Ludlowe to compete in the Semi-finals. I would also like us to earn the right to play 2 home games in the first two rounds of the state tournament.
For all this to happen we must continue to get better in practice, compete every night, and overcome any obstacles that may come along the way.
-Andrew Vojt
January 10-11, 2011
1. What has been the key to the team's great start?
The Trumbull girls Basketball team is off to a fantastic start. We are 7-1 Overall and 6-0 in the FCIAC.
Our team first attitude and pressure Defense has been a huge reason for our early season success. We have always been a terrific defensive team, but this year we have had multiple players scoring in double figures on different nights. Teams we have played early in the year have had difficulty scouting us and matching up with us. This team has been willing to make the extra pass to set-up another teammate for the score. This group of girls gets just as excited for the girl who is getting the assist as they do for the girl who gets the basket. This comes from the terrific leadership we have from our captains to all our seniors.
2. Who, in your opinion, has stepped up the most?
Our Guard play has been tremendous. Seniors Kelly Coughlin and Megan Puglia have been coaches on the court. They do a great job of communicating what defenses we are playing and who should be where. I have been very impressed with the leadership of our Junior, captain and floor leader Victoria Pfohl. She helps us get in and out of offensive sets as well as communicates our defensive pressure.
Our bench has been ready to step up and meet the challenge when their numbers are called. Seniors, Taisha Lima and Jackie Palmer as well as sophomore, Alexa Pfohl has given us a tremendous boost of energy and confidence off the bench.
I have also been pleased with our post play. Our Forwards have probably shown the most improvement from last season to now. Senior forward Mookie Kennedy has been tremendous asset on the boards and has become a terrific defender. Erin Moore has established herself as a low post presence that most of our league fears to play against.
3. What was your team's biggest win so far this season?
Our biggest win thus far was beating Danbury on our home court. However, I was most impressed with how we dominated Darien from beginning to the end of the game. Both teams should be top 8 teams in our league and we sent a clear message on those nights that Trumbull Girls Basketball should be considered in the mix for a top 4 spot in the FCIAC playoffs.
4. What do you think is the team's biggest game for the rest of the upcoming season?
We have quite a few games left and each game presents its own challenge. However, I believe there are 5 teams in the league this year that have separated themselves from the rest and are competing for the FCIAC championship. Danbury, Ridgefield, St. Joe’s, Trinity Catholic, and Trumbull.
We have already beaten Danbury but still have St. Joe’s and Trinity at home, and a tough road test at Ridgefield later in the season.
5. What is the best thing your team does?
By far we are the best full court pressure team in the FCIAC. We have a lot of quickness, athleticism, and depth. I have been very impressed with how well prepared and ready our bench is when they enter the game. Sophomore, Alexa Pfohl is up for any challenge and Senior Taisha Lima can battle with anyone under the boards. Senior Jackie Palmer is a tremendous defender adds depth to our bench with her speed and quickness, while Sophomore Erin Puglia is a shooter who has just begin to earn some varsity minutes and is earning more and more minutes each day.
6. What do you need to improve on?
Although, I think we are doing many things well a good team is always looking at the things they need to improve most upon. I think we need to be stronger on the defensive boards and look to box out first before we chase down a rebound. I also think we need to get better at doing the little things in our offense. Like setting good solid screens, catching and passing with two hands, and willing to make the extra pass. “The little things lead to big things.”
7. Is the team confident heading into the rest of the season/High expectations?
This team is extremely confident. Even if we lose a game here or there along the way this team has already showed its determination to come back and work even harder. This group of girls has very high expectations for themselves and as long as we work together to improve each day in practice and that practice translates into games, then we will be right where we want to be at the end of the season.
8. Where do you see your team at the end of the season?
I would like to see us make a return trip to the FCIAC playoffs where many of our current seniors were on the team when we qualified when they were sophomores. Except this time we want to qualify for one of the top 4 seeds to earn a home FCIAC playoff game, as well as try to get to Fairfield Ludlowe to compete in the Semi-finals. I would also like us to earn the right to play 2 home games in the first two rounds of the state tournament.
For all this to happen we must continue to get better in practice, compete every night, and overcome any obstacles that may come along the way.
-Andrew Vojt
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