Livingston Manor’s winter sports wrapped up for the season, and although no teams made it to sectional finals, the athletes had successful seasons of learning and growth. Scores students took part in modified, junior varsity and varsity basketball as well as varsity cheerleading.
“The 2023-2024 Winter Athletics season was unique in the fact that Livingston Manor and Roscoe were fully merged for all winter sports,” Athletic Director David Eggleton said.
The players on the newly merged teams learned to work together.
Boys varsity basketball
The boys varsity basketball team’s season ended Feb. 2 with a nail-biter of a game against Chapel Field in the sectional semi-finals,45-41, after a 14-point comeback in the fourth quarter.
The team, which was merged for the first time this year, finished the season with a 4-2 league record and a 7-11 record overall.
“I'm very excited about what the future holds next year as we return six players from this year's team,” Coach Charlie Hicks said. “And with the players coming up from a very talented JV team we should have all the tools for another successful season.”
Girls varsity basketball
With a merged team for the first time this year, the varsity girls basketball team worked hard learning how to play with one another and get better at the game, Coach Maggi Fitzpatrick said The team ended the season 1-19 and were unable to make a playoff appearance.
“While we are losing six seniors to graduation, we are looking forward to next season with six underclassmen returning to the team,” she said.
Boys junior varsity basketball
The JV boys basketball team ended the year with a record of 14-4.
“This group showed great dedication to the game of basketball and grew tremendously,” Coach Joseph Clarke said.
The team returned nine players from the merged team the previous year, which combined with new players, helped the team get off to a fast start, he said
Led by tAnthony Hicks and Logan Thomas, the Wildcats held opponents to only 31 points per game on the season. Along with not allowing points, the defense created many turnovers leading to easy points on the other end, Clarke said.
On the offensive side, the team was focused on creating good opportunities and passes for teammates and scored at an efficient rate. Leading scorers included Adam Rivera, Aidan Roycroft, and Patrick Gorr. The Wildcats outscored their opponents by an average of 15 points per game.
Clarke said highlights of the season were going undefeated against league opponents, shutting out Goshen for an entire half, and defeating Liberty.
Girls junior varsity basketball
The 13-member girls JV team, which had been merged last year, finished the season with a record of 11-8.
“I think this resembles their hard work and efforts this season,” Coach Nate Juron said. “This team binded together really well, they worked as a team to achieve their goal of scoring 500 points on the season.”
There were many different leaders on the team, including Andrea and Nevaeh Bush from Roscoe and Grace Darder and Allison Froehlich from Livingston Manor, Juron said.. There were also many athletes showing growth including Manor’s Alex Potosek, Lynnz Amback and Emily Froehlich.
“This team was a very fun team to coach, and I look forward to all of them returning next season,” Juron said.
Boys modified basketball
The modified basketball team, which was merged last year, showed great progress as the season progressed, coach Kevin Clifford said. “By the end of the season they showed a strong understanding of all aspects of the game of basketball.”
The nine eighth graders proved they are ready to make the jump to JV next year, and the seventh graders showed they are ready to take the lead next year, he said.
Girls modified basketball
The girl’s modified basketball team, which combined for the first time this year, included seven girls this season. The girls came to each game and played hard, Coach David Irwin said. They played against other larger teams and prevailed with an 8-3 season. They were able to compete even when other teams were able to sub in more frequently. “We had a great season and it was a pleasure to coach them,” Irwin said.
Varsity cheerleading
With many first time members, the progress varsity cheerleading members made as a team was incredible, Coach Jan LeMyre said. “We were able to learn and perform new stunts with all team members who had never stunted before.”
The team, which had been merged with Roscoe in past years but was not last year, spent a lot of time building trust and the team atmosphere to create a space where all team members felt safe and comfortable with the stunts.
“I was so impressed with their ability to communicate and check in with each other, as well as take correction in order for the stunt to be more successful,” she said.
The team also added visual elements to its presentation this year with handmade bows for special occasions and pink pom poms specifically for the team “Pink Out” games.
“I am very excited to see what we can do with this team in years to come,” LeMyre said.
Eggleton added that the team “brought great enthusiasm and school spirit into every home contest.”
LMCS spring sports will begin March 11 for varsity and junior varsity teams and the following week for modified teams. Fall and winter athletes will be honored during an awards ceremony on March 11.
The district is offering varsity and modified baseball, softball, golf and outdoor track and field this spring.
“We are excited about the upcoming spring season,” Eggleton said. ”Once again, this spring both districts will be merged for all spring athletics.”