The Championship Dinner for the 2011 Girls’ Varsity Basketball Team was held at the Reef on Monday, April 25th. It was a night for memories, accolades, and love. Those gathered to celebrate with the team included family, friends, PHS staff, School Board members, and special guests.
The guest speaker was 1986 graduate Sheila Wagner. Ms. Wagner praised our girls’ team for their numerous accomplishments. Mr. Colombini, who introduced Ms. Wagner, told the crowd that he had been a guidance counselor when Sheila attended PHS. He then went on to speak of her many accomplishments which included: being a 6 year starter on the Girls’ Varsity, scoring an all time Red Devil high of 2,476 points, and earning a 4 year scholarship to Georgia Tech. Ms. Wagner, who now lives in Albany and works for the State, appeared humble as the crowd gave her a standing ovation.
In additiion to Athletic Director, Lou Panzanaro, each of the Coaches- Rodney Headley Sr., Rodney Headley Jr., and James Smith spoke after dinner. Mr. Smith spoke of his long history with the team . His memories of the journey included the four win season and a heartbreaking loss to Lakeland in sectionals. Coach Headley Jr. spoke of the teams’ willingness to work hard,which was exemplified by the morning he got sick to his stomach trying to keep up with the girls during a 6a.m. practice.The most emotional speaker was Coach Headley Sr. ( the “Drill Sargeant”) As a coach, he spoke of his pride for the team and as a parent he spoke of his pride and love for his son. Coach Headley also spoke about his own mother who taught him the game of basketball. In memory of his mother, Coach Headley announced that the Headley family was establishing an award for players on the team who exemplify high standards of excellence on and off the basketball court. For 2011, Co-captain Tasia Nolan was named the recipient of the award and a $500 scholarship.
The girls were referred to as the ” Dream Team” during the evening, but their success obviouly had more to do with hard work than dreaming. Principal Lazarus offered what might have been the best perspective on the team when she said that ” these girls made the possible a reality.” Turning dreams into reality- that was what the 2011 Girls Varsity team was all about!
The 2011 Champion Girls’ Basketball Team:
Morgan Beechum- Dottie Bradshaw- Latisha Clark- Tanisha Crewe- Aubrey Dabbs- Jazmin Garcia- Shaina Iton- Adriane Jackson- Asia Jackson- Samantha Jackson- Kiana Letsinger- Tasia Nolan- Troi Nolan- Sheridan Taylor.
Also acknowlwdged at the event for supporting the dinner and the team were: the Peekskill High School Athletic Hall of Fame Committee, Daisy Brand/Camp Inc., Virginia Bovian, Doug Brown, Joanne Clark, Ramon Luna, Mike Miner, Wendy Moore, The Taylors, and Dawn and Jim Tosto.