Things are going to look similar on the court for the Marlboro girls’ basketball team this season but will look different on the bench.

The Dukes have only lost two players – Ella Leduc and Lillie Drivas – from a team that compiled a 13-8 record last year, earning the second seed in the Section Class B tournament and advancing to the semifinals. Additionally, Matt Murphy has taken over as head coach from previous coach Gary Trapani.

The Dukes will return two key seniors in Hannah Polumbo and Leah Gunsett, and juniors Gabby Murphy, Lily Sullivan and Isabella Seager. Freshman Nalyah Campbell also returns.

The Dukes’ goals this season will be to be competitive every minute of every game and wear teams down with their speed and defense.

The returners will be joined by three new sophomores: Marley Lanzoni, Gabby Alvarez and Ellie Beaulieu.

“If our girls continue to work hard and push past their comfort zones, then they will put themselves in a position to do something very special this season,” Murphy said.

They will have more of a sectional challenge this year as the New York State Public High School Athletic Association has gone to sixth classes, which will move the Dukes into a new Class A.
The Highland Huskies, who will be coached by Michael Geller, entering his fourth season, will remain in the new Class B.

The Huskies will enter the season losing four players from last year’s team: Kayleigh Kaplan, Emma Thompson, Addie McDowell and August Trombetta.

However, there are eight players returning from a team that went 12-6 last year and earned the fourth seed and a home game in last year’s Section 9 Class B tournament.

Grace Koehler leads a group of returners that also includes Sam Calahan, Danica Valente, Navya Ruparelia, Deanna Barry, Lexi Pavese, Marisa Piegari and Emma Hanlon. Newcomers include Logan VanZandt, Keira Bishop, Ciara Teamer and Sierra Wiser.

“I am very lucky to coach this team,” Geller said. “Our goal is to compete for both the division and sectional titles. We will have to change our style a little bit from last year. If the newcomers quickly adjust to playing at the varsity level and we are peaking at the right time, I think we have a good chance of being successful.”