Mark Capasso is quickly becoming the Geno Auriemma of Clark Lane Middle School.
This year, for the third year in a row, the Clark Lane Middle School girls’ basketball team went undefeated. The team is coached by Capasso, who formerly coached the Waterford High School boys' basketball team before a health problem took him out of the position.
Not that Capasso is taking much of the credit. In an interview last week with Capasso and several players, he credited the town’s strong recreation system.
“Waterford's youth coaches do a phenomenal job,” he said. “These kids are ready by the time they get (to Clark Lane Middle School).”
The team this year went 13-0, with two wins coming via forfeit. They were led by Mia Brennan and a group of tightly-knit girls who have been playing together for years.
So what’s the secret behind their success?
“The little things,” said Brennan, which was met by a loud “Oooooohhhhhh” by her teammates.
The interview with the girls went the way many conversations with a group of preteen girls go: they talked about their crushes, the relationships with their friends (and sudden enemies) and their favorite pop stars. Yet it was obvious that the members of the team, many of whom have been playing together since they were kids through the town leagues, have a strong bond with each other.
“We just know each other so well,” said Kayla Jean-Pierre. “It helps us on the court.”
Roster
Here is the roster of the 2012-13 Clark Lane Middle School girls’ basketball team, which went 13-0:
- Jordan Kovacs
- Alaina Moger
- Mia Brennan
- Kayla Jean-Pierre
- Brittany Sylvia
- Hayleigh Annibalini
- Mary Grace Wyatt
- Carissa Aekins
- Taya Gollsneider
- Emily Borysewicz
- Savannah Larson
- Baylee Brackett
Head Coach Mark Capasso, Assistant Coach Dan McClure
