Leading the Lady Dragons

Donna Fintzi / Thomas Henning

Despite the High School for Math Science and Engineering girls basketball teams’ losing record, their junior point guard Donna Fintzi has demonstrated the necessary ability to lead the team. During this 2012-2013 season, she scored a consistent 5.8 points per game, earning her the title of leading scorer. While this season may not have been the best for HSMSE, there is still another year for Fintzi to improve and truly carry the team to more wins.

One athlete can only do so much to pick up their team’s record. With the help of junior forward Mikaela Bloch, these two are able to provide a strong presence on the court. Leading the team in rebounds, Bloch showed pride in her ability to secure the ball both offensively and defensively. “I think I was a good contributor [to] help us get back the ball.“

The duo demonstrated what they were really capable of in the Lady Dragons’ November 29th game against Bread and Roses High School. Fintzi put up 15 points while Bloch managed to contribute another seven. In addition to this outstanding performance, both athletes also managed to grab five rebounds. “We [just] know where we can pass to each other,” Bloch explained about her chemistry with Fintzi. Despite the relentless efforts of the Lady Dragons to obtain an early lead, Bread and Roses High School came back in the fourth quarter with the win. “We played really hard,” Fintzi said. “We only lost by three or four, [and] I just played my hardest.”

Toughing out a winless season, Coach Nick Diunte emphasized the importance of both Fintzi and Bloch's role on the court. By being what may be the best duo on the Lady Dragons, Fintzi and Bloch have taken the role and the pressure of leading the team. “Donna has a lot of responsibility as a point guard,” Diunte said. “Usually she has the responsibility to defend the other team’s best ball handler [and] Mikaela has to rebound against folks much bigger than her as well as contributing offensively.”

Fintzi played a huge role off the court as well by assisting the younger members on the team. “I think in practice she works hard helps to encourage the other players and the team.” Diunte explained. “She is more quick to give pointers to the newer players on the team without me asking her to do so.”

Despite the sluggish development of the Lady Dragons, Fintzi is confident in their abilities. “[We have to] be more fluid with our plays. I think everyone can just improve generally.” Despite the team’s disappointment in their record, they are determined to grab more wins for HSMSE next year.

Contributed by Alex Long and Velid Mulic