Dayton Girls Basketball: A Look Back and Ahead

Now that the Dayton Bulldogs girl's basketball season has concluded, it's time to look back at what some cherished most about their respective season—and to also take a look into what they think the future holds for them.

Below are recounts from some of the stars on the team. The Bulldogs [16-9] won a home playoff game—an easy 64-36 over Newark Central in the opening round—before succumbing to Glen Ridge, 43-28, two nights later at home.

The loss certainly did not epitomize the season. If anything, it made the ladies on this team appreciate what they truly had.

Dayton was led by a trio of sophomore phenoms—Anna Lies, Jen Kuczynski, and Emily MacDonnell—who mixed in well with the two seniors and a plethora of freshmen. As well as the triumvirate played, it was senior Sami Cariani who was the heart and soul of the bunch.

Cariani, who along with Kuczynski, almost carried the youthful Bulldogs to victory in the final game, said the loss was overshadowed by the camaraderie.

"Our team was very close this year and it seemed like each one of us played our hardest for [each other]," said Cariani. "It was a lot of fun to play with them... next year's team will be great. I'm coming to see them because I know they will win conference!"

The fiery Cariani was the rock the entire season. But her support alone would not have let Dayton win without its top-two scorers, Lies and MacDonnell, in the final game. Suffering from post-concussion symptoms due to a minor car accident the previous week, the duo had to cheer from the bench in Cariani's swan song.

MacDonnell, who poured in a team-high 22 points in the previous game, said the season-ender was bittersweet.

"Ending our run was pretty disappointing, especially for our two seniors [Cariani and Melissa Mansur]," said MacDonnell. "It was frustrating for the team because they worked so hard in the last game against Glen Ridge…everyone really stepped up and there's no reason to be upset with the loss. Although it was aggravating not being able to play, Anna and I loved cheering for them on the bench."

MacDonnell is already looking towards the future. She foresees a young team that gained valuable game experience to be even better in the 2010-11 season.

"Because there were three freshmen starting in the final game, they really proved to the rest of the team and the coaches that they all can work hard and be key players for our team for the seasons to come," she said.

One girl who'll certainly take a bigger role next season is Kuczynski. The junior forward is an admitted gym rat who will take a scant breather before getting back into the groove.

"I never take a break from basketball," said Kuczynski who plays AAU with Lies and MacDonnell on the New Jersey Crusaders from March all the way into the summer. "I play almost all year round, which keeps me in the best shape. The key is to make sure that I'm playing and improving my game in the off-season."

Teammate Megan Ceri also plays AAU but for the NJ Cyclones. And the rest of the team will re-join during summer league basketball in July.

Besides the actual hard work on the courts, another factor that helps them improve is head coach Dave Rennie. The longtime coach has not only been the only head coach most of the girls have ever head but he's also a teacher in the Dayton school system. He's had a huge hand in molding the girls into what they are today.

Coach Rennie tries to do whatever he can to improve his girls. And this off-season, he managed to get private training sessions for the team at a local gym, "No Body Denied."

All are extremely grateful.

"Anna, Jen, and I have been playing for Mr. Rennie since we were younger," said MacDonnell. "He was also my fourth grade teacher, so we all knew what to expect when we came in as freshman last year. I think we've learned a lot more from him now that we're older.

"I enjoy playing for him, he teaches us more about the game and he always has an inspirational quote for the team in the beginning of the week. Without him and Coach Campbell, Dayton basketball probably wouldn't have been nearly as successful these past few years."

That success should reign for at least two more seasons because of the experience gained by all. Rennie was never afraid to play freshmen in key spots, so that faith should once again pay off for Dayton.

Each player interviewed cited not only the preparation as a major contributor but also the fan involvement. During their two-game playoff run, the Bulldogs saw support they hadn't seen in a while.

"Playing at home for State's was great," said MacDonnell. "I enjoyed having all of our fans there for the game against Newark Central. And it was awesome cheering for the team, along with everyone in the stands, during the game against Glen Ridge. It's just so much more exciting having classmates being able to come and root for us."

Being that Dayton is such a small school [Group 1], and everyone knows each other, makes for such an intimate – and loud -- setting during big games.  
 
"To play a State game at home was incredible," Kuczynski added. "Having our home fans meant a lot to me because it gave me a boost of energy. I love our gym and I love to play in it. The combination of our fans cheering for us and playing in a gym that is very comfortable for me was very important."

The players who are returning are already relishing the chance to build upon their great season and use whatever motivation they can to improve.      
 
"I think that everyday during practice, looking up at the girl's basketball banners, seeing 2004 Conference Champs and 2005 Section Champs, really set a high mark for us," MacDonnell said. "We proved that we may be a small team in size, but our hearts are huge. I know we're all proud of the hard work and effort we put in.

"I'm really excited about next year's season. I'm convinced, based on our performances this year, that we'll be a pretty solid team next year."

Kuczynski has an even bigger motivational factor—in her own family. Not even older sister and former Dayton star, Jacqueline, took the Bulldogs this far. So for Jen, she feels next season will be their best chance at capturing that elusive state championship.

"From the years my sister played (2005-09) and from my own experience of last year, we have never gone far in states," said Kuczynski. "I want to show people that Dayton is a good team and it's a team that people need to look out for."

Win or lose, the Dayton girl's team took great pride in their season. And after letting go of that final game, each returning player sees nothing but greener pastures ahead.