Next Up James I. O’Neill March 11 -7 p.m.-Mahopac High School
MVP Emilee Doherty and Arsela Mustafaj
YPS Superintendent Dr. Anibal Soler with YMA Cheerleaders
By Dan Murphy
The magic ride for the YMA Lady Eagles Girls basketball team continues after another decisive win in the Section One, Class B Championship at the County Center on March 8. YMA defeated Hamilton, 55-39, bringing their record to 20-3.
The Class B tournament MVP was YMA Sophomore Emilee Doherty, who had 19 points, 6 rebounds, 5 assists and 3 steals. Doherty helped lead a stifling YMA defense and also hit a couple of three-pointers that opened up the lead.
The win gives YMA back to back Class B Championships, and yes there was celebration after the win, but also a determination from the team and Coach Elie Moise-that they want to go further into the State Championships this year. Last year, the Lady Eagles lost in the State Semifinals.
“This is awesome, but we’re not done yet, there’s more to do,” said Doherty.
Next up for YMA is a subregional game against James I. O’Neill, from Highland Falls, March 11 at 7 p.m. at Mahopac High School.
As usual, it was a team effort for the Lady Eagles, with Senior Arsela Mustafaj contributing 9 points and 9 rebounds, and her sister, Eighth-grader Anisa Mustafaj with 13 points (yes 8th grader!). Grace Gleeson added 5 points, Liliana Toro had 4 and Keria Peters 4.
All of the hard work, extra effort, and team play that make the YMA Lady Eagles a special team comes from Coach Elie Moise, who has quietly built a dynasty in Yonkers that is about to take off. After the game Coach Moise spoke about how the Class B title this year validates last year’s win.
“The first 6 minutes of the game, we were down 8-1, and we looked like we just hopped off of Willie Nelson’s tour bus. But then we settled down and started playing our brand of YMA basketball. I am proud of our girls,” said Coach Moise.
Coach Moise has also gotten the girls to “Buy In” to a team concept of working hard in practice, helping each other on defense, and making the extra pass on offense. “I think Coach Ellie’s biggest strength is his year-round dedication, commitment, and work ethic. He opens the gym and keeps the girls active. He’s a very humble guy, but on the inside, he wants to win badly! He’s one of the hardest working Coaches you will find,” said Chris Toro, whose daughter Liliana is the Lady Eagles point guard.
“Defensively, it starts at the point of attack. Liliana’s been relentless with ball pressure and is more of a facilitator this year. They force a lot of turnovers, and when they get the ball, everyone is running, and the ball is finding the open player. Grace Gleeson is probably about 6’2” and anchors the paint with rebounding and shot blocking. She’s also a Soccer player, so she sees the floor and anticipates very well. She can also put it on the floor and start the break. Both are very smart kids and cerebral players who set the tone defensively. The team can play man or zone equally well. Also, they can press full court and disrupt the game with a good level of physicality,” added Toro.
“This is one of those seminal moments for Yonkers and these girls are an excellent representation of the community,” said RoseAnn Collins-Judon, assistant superintendent of the Yonkers Public Schools district. “Elie is a Saunders grad, too, so this program is Yonkers through and through. They’ve made the ‘10701’ proud.”
GO LADY EAGLES!
