The Most Improved Player Award
This is awarded to the athlete who displayed the greatest amount of improvement and growth in their skills which contributed to the success of their team.
The Bernie Ward Commitment Award
This award is named after our beloved former faculty member, coach and colleague Bernie Ward is for the athlete who has displayed the most passion and commitment towards bettering themselves and their teammates during the season.
The Most Valuable Player Award
This is awarded to the athlete whose contribution to the team contributed most towards that team’s success during the season.
Girls JV B Lacrosse
Most Improved: Kristen Dempsey
The Most Improved player on the girl’s JVB lacrosse team is Kristen Dempsey. At the beginning of the season, Kristen immediately took corrective criticism with a positive attitude and maturity. Kristen took every suggestion that was made to help her improve and absorbed and used them. She made a record high of 14 saves in a single game and became a strong defensive force for the team. The coaches cannot wait to watch Kristen continue to grow in her lacrosse career here at Kellenberg.
Bernie Ward Commitment Award: Andrea Lauritsen
Andrea Lauritsen returned to the JVB lacrosse team this year and immediately fell into the role of a captain. She was a leader both on and off the field. Andrea supported her teammates during fitness and cheered them on during practice. On the field, Andrea was the glue that kept the team together. As a midfielder, she played an important role in both the attack and defense. Midfield was a new position for Andrea this season, and she rose to the challenge, picking up over 20 draw controls this season. Andrea showed true commitment to the team over the course of the season and was a key asset to the team’s success. The coaches can’t wait to watch Andrea continue to shine in her lacrosse career.
Most Valuable Player: Mary Orena
Choosing this season’s MVP was a very easy decision. Sophomore captain Mary Orena is the all-around package when it comes to a lacrosse player. Her quick speed and hustle make her a force to be reckoned with on the field. Mary scored 30 goals this season while adding multiple assists as well. Mary could be knocked down two or three times in a single game and never once give up. She would create important opportunities for the attack, while always looking to keep up a positive attitude on the field. This was Mary’s second season as a captain, and she took that role seriously. The coaches are extremely proud of everything that Mary accomplished this season, and we cannot wait to see her continue her lacrosse career in the future.
Girls JV A Lacrosse
Most Improved: Nicole Tursellino
Nicole Tursellino is this year’s recipient of the Most Improved Player Award. As a natural athlete, Nicole was able to pick up the game of lacrosse quickly. Throughout the season she continuously strived to improve in many aspects of the game. She made tremendous strides in using her non-dominant hand and her knowledge of the game as an attacker. By the end of the season, she was someone that I could rely on to put in the game and put maximum effort into every play. Her relentless work ethic and her desire to get better every day are why she is my team’s most improved player.
Bernie Ward Commitment Award: Lauren Crotty
This year’s Bernie Ward Commitment Award recipient goes to Lauren Crotty. Lauren’s positive attitude allowed her to be a strong leader that the younger teammates looked up to. Everyday at practice she would push herself and others to become the best lacrosse players they could be. She was a very encouraging and motivating and was a great captain on and off the field.
Most Valuable Player: Miranda O’Mara
This year’s Most Valuable Player Award goes to Miranda O’Mara. Since the beginning of the season, Miranda has made an immediate impact in the games at both attack and defense. Miranda was the go-to player that I could rely on to get the job done in crucial situations. She has a love for the game that was continuous to her other teammates. Her competitive attitude, mental toughness and willingness to learn new things allowed her to develop into a well-rounded player.
Girls Freshman Spring Track
Most Improved: Ezaifa Odiaka
This young lady, a “rookie” in the sport, exploded on both the track and field. Winning the shot put in the CHSAA Freshman Intersectional championships, she catapulted into the air to win the long jump in the NSCHSGAA freshman championships with a mark close to 16 feet. She has also been ready to running a fine leg on the sprint relay. We are proud this morning to honor Ezaifa Odiaka as this season’s Most Improve Performer.
Bernie Ward Commitment Award: Ashley Minns
This young lady defines Commitment seven days a week. Already the Freshman CHSAA Intersectional 3000 meter Champion, she responded to the call for a steeplechase participant and possible scorer in the NSCHSGAA Freshman/Sophomore championships by winning the event. With two other events, she ended up attaining 13 points for the team. At the Glenn Loucks Games, she ran with three upperclassman teammates to run to the 6th fastest 4×800 relay in the state thus far. We are honored to award Ashley Minns the Bernie Ward Commitment Award.
Most Valuable Player: Madison Scott
Another newcomer to the sport of track and field, this young lady made her big breakthrough at The Penn Relays, running a 60-second leg on the heat winning 4×400 relay. She followed that up three days later winning both the 400 and 400 hurdles at the CHSAA Freshman Intersectional Championships. At the NCSHSGAA Freshman and Sophomore Championships, she scored 14 points for the team by winning the intermediate hurdles, taking fourth in the triple jump, and running on the winning 4×400 relay. We are proud to award Madison Scott this season’s Most Valuable Award.
Boys Freshman Spring Track
Most Improved: Liam O’Reilly
During the spring season, it was clear that Liam had grown comfortable running the mileage necessary to prepare for the 1600 meters, but his speed needed improvement. During the season Liam ran shorter intervals in practice to perfect his quickness, and during the freshmen league championships turned in a huge personal best running 5 minutes 7 seconds in the 1600. This placed him in the Top 5 among all freshmen in the Catholic League and earned him our Most Improved Award.
Bernie Ward Commitment Award: Timothy Vadney
Commitment comes in all areas of our sport, but the one event runners shy away from is the steeplechase. The event at the freshmen level is measured over 2000 meters and has significant barriers and water pits that an athlete must navigate their way through. Tim elected to participate in this event and finished in 4th place at the Freshmen League Championships scoring some much-needed points for the team. Tim remained dedicated to the event and ran it with great confidence and joy which earns him our Bernie Ward Commitment Award.
Most Valuable Player: Alex Scagnelli
From start to finish, Alex proved to be our most valuable athlete of the season. Alex has a rare talent at an early age which is rarely duplicated. Alex was selected to represent Kellenberg in the 4X400 Relay at the Historic Pennsylvania Relays in Philadelphia. At the freshmen level, Alex finished 2nd in the 400 meters in a razor-thin race at the League Championships. He then came back two weeks later to finish 3rd at the CHSAA Intersectional Championships earning him a bronze medal against athletes from Long Island, New York City, and Westchester County.
Junior Varsity Softball
Most Improved: Cassandra Chamides
Each year I find that this is the hardest award to give to just one athlete on my team as each player has improved greatly since the beginning, however, this year the most improved player is Cassandra Chamides. Cassie has proven to the coaching staff that she is willing to try anything. She has played the outfield for us and caught many games. She has improved her hitting, catching skills, outfield skills, and throwing skills tremendously since March 3. With her continued enthusiasm for the sport and willingness to ask questions and act upon those answers is what stood out the most to all the coaches in our program. Congratulations Cassie.
Bernie Ward Commitment Award: Kellie Sandas
Commitment takes dedication and dedication takes love for the sport and Kellie Sandas does just that. She is dedicated to the sport of softball, dedicated to her teammates and dedicated to her team. Each and every day Kellie proved to the coaches she loves what she is doing. She caught many games, played first base, played third base and understood the sacrifices needed to become a great player. Kellie focused on her hitting skills but would also take a moment to help another teammate from time to time. Kellie is committed to the sport of softball but is also committed in making herself a better player each day. Congratulations Kellie.
Most Valuable Player: Daisha Howard
The most valuable player on our team is someone that contributes day in and day out and we would be lost if she wasn’t a part of our team. Daisha Howard has proven each day to the coaches that she is the most valued player. Daisha played third base for our team the past 2 years and the improvements she has made these past 2 seasons are incredible. She has become one of our best hitters on our team with a .432 batting average, 19 hits, 13 RBI’s and a homerun during our regular season. Daisha is the player on the team that will excite the bench, say something to a teammate to make them laugh and the one who will go on the field and just play the game. Daisha you are a remarkable player and a great young woman. I am excited to see what the future holds for you. Congratulations Daisha.
Boys Junior Varsity A Lacrosse
Most Improved: Joe Contino
Joe was with us last year as a freshman but did not see much playing time. Entering this season we were not exactly sure what to expect, with the shortened preseason due to weather we still were not sure what to expect when games began. However, we quickly learned in a rain-soaked game against Garden City. Joe had a breakout day dominating his defender and facilitating our offense. Joe continued to be one of the hardest workers on the team and continued to improve. Down the stretch, he was our biggest dodging threat on Attack and was fierce in the riding game. Joe also emerged as a leader and mentor to many of the other players on the team.
Bernie Ward Commitment Award: Will Ligarzewski
On a team of both Freshmen and Sophomores, it is rare to have a Freshman captain. However early on it was evident that this was a special case, earning the starting goalie spot, Will did not stop there. He became the leader on the defensive side of the field and an extension of Coach Masiulis on the field knowing what all defenders should be doing in every situation. Turning in an incredible 17 save performance against St. Anthony’s he cemented himself in that spot. Leading by example Will was always one of the first players out to practice working his hardest. When we were lethargic or lacked intensity Will was always vocal and affected change.
Most Valuable Player: Keith Curran
This award was one of the easiest decisions the coaches made all season. From Day one Keith came in ready to go and play at an extremely high level. We used Keith in every aspect of the game imaginable and he would routinely be on the field running for 40 out 48 minutes of the game without ever asking to come out or take a break. The leader on the team in both points and groundballs Keith was never satisfied and always demanded more from himself. Knowing he would be matched up against the opposing teams best defender or he was always starting with the ball out of a timeout was never a problem as he produced in every game.
Boys Junior Varsity B Lacrosse
Most Improved: Kevin Reiser
This year’s Most Improved Player is Kevin Reiser. Kevin improved drastically in all aspects of the game since last year. From hardly seeing the field to becoming a starter this year, Kevin has been playing with confidence and the potential the coaches saw in him last year. While Kevin was on the field, the coaches never had to worry about where he was or what he was doing because he was always in the right place at the right time. Kevin worked very hard this year to get to this position and the coaches hope he continues to work this hard throughout his whole lacrosse career.
Bernie Ward Commitment Award: Shane Wolf
This year’s Bernie Ward Commitment Award winner is Shane Wolf. Shane’s effort and commitment never had to be questioned once this year. Shane gave all he could every time he stepped foot on the field. If he ever made a mistake, he quickly tried to make up for it. If there was ever a need for a player to go on the field, Shane jumped up to volunteer regardless of the position; he just wanted to help his team win. Shane’s effort and enthusiasm will be missed next year, but the coaching staff is confident that Shane will continue to do great things on and off the lacrosse field.
Most Valuable Player: Timothy Maloney
This year’s Most Valuable Player is Tim Maloney. Tim was a quiet leader throughout the season. Although small in stature, Tim made up for that in heart. He never shied away from contact and was always the first one in the pile to get a ground ball. Tim also played very unselfishly and always made the right play on the field. He led the team in assists and was tied for third in goals this year. The coaching staff knows that Tim will continue to work hard and will always strive to get better. We wish him all the best in all he does in the future.
Junior Varsity B Baseball
Most Improved: Nolan Izzo
It is said that in baseball, “Speed never slumps,” but then again, one cannot steal first base. Fortunately for the JVB Baseball Team, we never had to be concerned with either scenario with Nolan Izzo, because his speed took care of itself, and he reached base in more than half of his plate appearances. His speed lent itself to a team advantage in the outfield defensively, but his true love was at second base, and it was at 2nd where he finished the season, making a spectacular, rally-ending, diving catch in Game 1 of the Championship Series vs. Chaminade. Going from a reserve player last year, to a player among the top of every offensive category speaks of Nolan’s desire to make himself better, which made the team better, and the coaches are proud to name Nolan Izzo the 2018 JVB Baseball Most Improved Player.
Bernie Ward Commitment Award: Michael Dominguez
Michael Dominguez looks like a baseball player. He moves like a baseball player. He smiles like a big league baseball player. But he doesn’t care about any of that. All he cares about is winning. He has such an unshakable confidence, especially in big spots, that whether it is on the mound, as the team’s #1 starter, or in the outfield, running down fly balls, or snagging the sinking line drive and doubling off a runner in Game 1 of the Championship Series vs. Chaminade, or at the plate driving in runs, Mike is dependable. He is a great example for the younger players to follow, and as someone whom the coaches can always count on, Michael Dominguez is the recipient of the 2018 JVB Baseball Bernie Ward Commitment Award.
Most Valuable Player: Daniel Settino
Traditionally, a cleanup hitter is a baseball team’s best hitter, an imposing force who knocks in runs and can get himself into scoring position with an extra-base hit. It helps even more when this force can steal bases, and have a great feel for the game. Fortunately for the JVB Baseball Team, we had such a force in Daniel Settino. Daniel aptly led the team in RBIs (collecting at least one in almost every game he played), batting average, and Slugging Percentage. He is, in purist baseball terms, a traditional cleanup hitter. He is about a businesslike in his approach as they come, which really set the tone for the freshman players to follow. There might have been other players who would have been able to anchor our lineup and our outfield in centerfield, but none would have been as great at it than the 2018 JVB Baseball Most Valuable Player, Daniel Settino.
Junior Varsity A Baseball
Most Improved: Xavier Cruz
Sophomore Xavier Cruz came into tryouts this past March a completely different player. Motivated to prove he’s one of the best players in the league, Xavier came in tremendous physical shape and ready to play every day at a high level. Coming off a freshman campaign last year where he batted .265 with 9 hits, 4 runs scored, and 6 RBI’s, he was determined to improve in all levels. As a sophomore, Xavier batted a whopping .531 with 26 hits, 19 runs scored, and 15 RBI’s. We look forward to Xavier’s continued growth and drive as a baseball player over the next two years of his career at Kellenberg.
Bernie Ward Commitment Award: Max Grewal
Sophomore Max Grewal is a true team player in every definition of the term. Whether he’s starting Game 1 of the series as the team’s ace on the mound or being a vocal supporter of his teammates from the bench, Max was an integral part of the team’s success this year. As a starting pitcher, Max had incredible success and is regarded as the best pitcher in the league. Statistically, Max finished the season with a 4-1 record while accumulating 27 innings pitched and giving up 12 hits, 3 earned runs, 36 strikeouts, and pitching to a 0.85 Earned Run Average. Max has a bright future in the Kellenberg Baseball program.
Most Valuable Player: Jordan DeLucia
Sophomore Jordan DeLucia was the table setter all season for the team. When Jordan was on his game, the team was winning. With game-changing athleticism and a willingness to be “coachable”, Jordan was the greatest threat on the field for all opponents. Jordan finished the year with a .340 batting average including 17 hits and 13 RBI’s. Most impressive of all were the two JV-A records he set in runs scored (29) and stolen bases (22). Jordan’s dedication to improving in all seasons of athletics makes him one of those special players for years to come.