By Rich Chrampanis | rchrampanis@tworivertimes.com
When the final state polls are released, it’s likely that Saint John Vianney girls basketball team will be ranked at the top, but the Lancers won’t be hoisting any trophy or bragging about the honor. The New Jersey high school sports season came to a halt March 13 when the NJSIAA canceled the remainder of the boys and girls basketball season due to the coronavirus. SJV was slated to play Immaculate Heart Academy one day later for the Non-Public “A” state championship. A win there would have put the Lancers into the Tournament of Champions. When it’s all said and done, SJV was one win away from a state title and two more victories from winning the T of C. Nothing was guaranteed, but SJV was in a position to have one of the best seasons in the history one of of New Jersey’s most successful girls basketball programs. St. John Vianney was the lone local program that was affected by the sudden end to the basketball season. Head coach Dawn Karpell talked with the Two River Times to discuss the unique end to the season and how her team handled the disappointment of finishing the year abruptly.
TRT: What did you tell your team about these unique circumstances and what was the initial reaction?
Karpell: The initial reaction was (for) sure disappointment. The girls really wanted to see it through and to be cut short was upsetting. That is on the court. Off the court, I think they were even more upset as this team really enjoyed each other and being together and that it has ended so abruptly and with no closure – that was another level that made it really difficult as well.
TRT: If there’s a silver lining, you are in the unique position of having no seniors on your roster. How much harder would this have been with a senior-laden roster?
Karpell: The seniors part I guess does help a little bit but coaching for the number of years that I have when you are at the end of such a special season is still really hard to digest. This team was on the path to being one of the best in our rich history and to not have the opportunity is an extreme disappointment. Also, you just never know what the future holds so that is the hard part.
TRT: As a leader of young women, what are you doing to help not only your team but the Saint John Vianney community during this turbulent time?
Karpell: It is so hard because of the limitations that are being enforced but I did reach out to the girls and we are in the process of sending out some content on social media. I speak to our girls that they are leaders and many younger players look up to them so they are in the process of putting together video clips of their favorite basketball drills (things you can do in your driveway.) We have the hopes of sharing it and hopefully, the younger players can be inspired and go out and work on what the girls are sharing. I even reached out to some of my college alumni to share as well so stay tuned.
The article originally appeared in the March 19-25, 2020 print edition of The Two River Times.
