No longer an underdog, Ridley looks to repeat as Central League champs

RIDLEY TWP. —They sat six feet apart on the gym bleachers, listening intently as their coaches provided the rundown of the night’s practice.

Most importantly, everyone wore a mask and followed COVID-19 protocols. It’s become as routine to the players as brushing their teeth in the morning.

Wednesday was the second time Ridley’s girls basketball team gathered in full since the official re-start of winter sports practice at the high school. For senior leaders Lindsay Boyd, Shannen Hinchey and Kylie McNicholas, having a chance to be a team again is a privilege they don’t take for granted.

“Basketball-wise, we were on Zoom pretty much every day, since right after the season ended. Coach Roe (Falcone) really took advantage of that,” Hinchey said.

“It’s been difficult. We felt so bad for the seniors (last year) and didn’t think we had it as bad as juniors, but then it carried over to our senior year,” Boyd said. “We’re definitely happy to be back. It’s been tough without it.”

The Green Raiders have hit the ground running as they prepare for the opening of their regular season, one they’re hoping to begin the week of Jan. 18.

Falcone is happy to have them back. She has formed a strong bond with her players since the pandemic hit. Too many group texts and Zoom meetings to count.

“Coach Roe always stays connected with us,” McNicholas said.

“We call her ‘mom’ all the time, just to embarrass her,’ Hinchey said. “Not only a coach, she’s a role model and a mentor, too.”

Falcone’s message to the team? Keep it loose, have fun, and be grateful.

“I think we have to maintain a positive attitude, as I’ve told the kids,” Falcone said. “We did Zoom workouts for the three weeks (in December) we were shut down, just trying to make the most of it. This is a horrific situation. I love all of my kids. Let’s just appreciate what we have right now.

“I love these kids. They never complain about what’s going on, they are just focused on working and getting better. They love being out here together and just having the opportunity to play again.”

Last February, in Falcone’s first season as head coach, Ridley defeated Springfield to win the Central League championship.

“We wanted the opportunity to repeat,” Falcone said. “Let’s be safe, let’s be together as much as possible. We’re trying to make the most out of whatever the situation is … and get an opportunity to repeat, especially for these seniors who have worked so hard and have committed so much to the program.”

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