Knollwood Girls' Basketball Team Finish Perfect Season with a Rosy Victory

After dominating their division for the second year in a row, the Knollwood Girls' Basketball Team was crowned Queens of the Roses at the St. Rose Run for the Roses Basketball Tournament.

The team participated in the tournament in Belmar the weekend of March 20, 2011. This basketball tournament is regarded as one of the premier tournaments in the state for middle school players.

The girls from Fair Haven upset the defending champions, St. Catherines from Spring Lake, in the final round of the tournament.

"The scoring from the Knollwood team was very balanced and they played great as a team as they beat St. Catherines 40-33," said Gene Stefanelli, a proud supporter.

From the Knollwood team, Grace Stant was named Tournament MVP and Claire Stefanelli and Catie Ebner made the All-Tournament team. From Rumson, Jillian Swikart made the All-Tournament team as well.

"The prospects in the future for RFH girls basketball seem very 'rosy'!," added Stefanelli about the players.

In blog from www.hoopgroup.com, writer Tiny Green acknowledges the potential of the Fair Haven MVP, Grace Stant. "Grace is a special player who one day will be one of the best players in the state of New Jersey," said Green. "She has tremendous size for a point guard and is a great shooter with outstanding passing skills. But what I like about her most is her smile and her ability to relate to her teammates and friends; you see this is what makes all great players special."

The Knollwood Girls Basketball Team finished their season with a perfect 24-0 record. 

Congratulations to the team, the school and their supporters on a fabulous season!

**The girls' team from Forrestdale in Rumson also represented our area at the Run for the Roses Tournament with pride. Coach Tukis and her girls were awarded the Team Sportsmanship Award. This award went to the team who showed the most sportsmanship throughout the tournament.