Girls Basketball Ready for Tip-Off

Defense. Conditioning. Discipline.

These three words sum up Summit high school basketball, according to fifth-year girls head coach Brian Erickson. "I think that's basketball in three words," said Erickson. "That's the three pillars we use. That's our philosophy."

Last season, Summit's defense, conditioning, and discipline helped them earn a 16-8 record – the team's best record in nine years. The Hilltoppers were led by several talented players, including returning senior Emily Cristaldi and sophomore Kate Martino.

Last season as a junior, Cristaldi led the team in scoring with 353 total points (14.8 points per game), including a team-high 53 three-pointers. She was selected to the Union County All-Long Distance team and the Top Juniors team.

Point guard Kate Martino averaged 7.5 ppg last year as a freshman and led the team with 52 assists. She also had 56 steals and was named to the Union County Top Freshmen team.

Young But Experienced

Five sophomores, two juniors, and three seniors make up the Hilltopper squad this season. Despite graduating eight seniors from last year's team, Coach Erickson does not consider this to be a rebuilding year.

"I wouldn't say we're rebuilding because we've done a lot to cultivate the lower levels," Erickson said. "I've been lucky to have strong assistant coaches that have fundamentally broken things down for the girls. So we're kind of young again, but we're not inexperienced. We're returning three starters; we've got people who are ready and prepared and had great seasons last year."

Though Summit may not be the tallest team in the league, they'll use their size and speed to their advantage.

"Our offense builds off of our transition game. The kids like that style; they enjoy running up and down the court. We get more scoring opportunities that way. We're fast, so transition helps us," added Erickson.

On defense, Coach Erickson is admittedly loyal to man-to-man coverage.

"I'm a man-to-man guy. We teach strong side denial and weak side help. That's what we work on every day. I like the way we play it. We play a little bit faster, a little bit stronger, and more aggressive. I think there's a lot to be said for playing really strong man-to-man defense."

All About the Fundamentals

During the offseason, the Hilltoppers focused on basketball fundamentals and building team comradery.

"In the offseason, we go to Seton Hall team camp and Villanova team camp," said Erickson. "In between, we spend a lot of time on basic fundamentals – ball handling, shooting, passing. We do a lot of little things, but they're important things."

"We work hard at establishing a family atmosphere here, not just varsity but all three levels," said Coach Erickson. "We really try to emphasize that you and your teammates – you're a family – protect each other. I always use the analogy with them that if you're five fingers, you're nothing, but if you're a fist, you're strong and are all going in the same direction and reaching towards the same goal."

During practices, the Hilltoppers focus on improving their overall basketball IQ, something that Coach Erickson believes has given their players a better understanding of the game and of game-time situations.

"Three years ago, we changed our focus and started teaching offensive philosophies instead of teaching an offense," said Erickson. "I find that if you tell a player 'alright you're on this spot, go set a screen,' and the person is not there or something breaks down, they don't know what to do or how to react. So we taught them how to make backdoor cuts and curl cuts and how to move without the basketball. We try to break down every element of the game so that when the players are on the court, they're prepared."

Defining Success

For Coach Erickson and his players, success isn't necessarily about wins and losses.

"Success, for us, is about diving on the floor for loose balls, playing better defense, playing with enthusiasm," said Erickson. "Focusing on the small things that you can control is what makes a team successful."

Giving Back to the Community

On Saturday, Jan. 23 at 7 p.m., the Hilltoppers will face Dayton in their third annual Hoops for Hope night at Summit High School. Proceeds benefit the Adrienne Reid Memorial Fund and the Susan G. Komen Foundation.

"Based on some community service, our team won a grant and bought pink uniforms for the event," said Erickson. "The first year we raised $800. Last year we raised $4,200. We do raffles and sell t-shirts that we designed called Defending the Cure. Last year, Steve Van Zandt donated some autographed memorabilia and tickets. It's a great time."

"This season, I just want the players to have fun, keep learning, and more importantly, become better people," said Coach Erickson. "I want them to know that basketball can teach you a lot about life."

The Hilltoppers open their season tonight at Rahway High School. Game time is 4 p.m.