Holmdel Hornets try to get over the hump Girls basketball team finished 12-12 last season BY WARREN RAPPLEYEA Staff Writer The Holmdel High School girls basketball team has an experienced crew back, along with several talented newcomers, as it tries to get over the .500 mark under new coach Kelly Burns. A year ago the Hornets went 12-12 and Burns promises an aggressive, uptempo style of play designed to keep opponents off balance. "I'm still looking for the right combinations, though I've been pretty impressed with what I've seen so far," the coach said. "The girls are working hard and they seem to want the system and their catching on fast." While the Hornets are a relatively small team, Burns has plenty to work with. Seniors Kim Fiorentino and Dana Graziano give Holmdel an impressive onetwo scoring punch. A year ago Graziano, a guard, averaged 15 points and Fiorentino, a small forward, was right behind with a 15-point average. Both girls are also threats from three-point range. Another key returner is point guard Melissa Martorelli, who made a splash last season as a freshman, averaging 10 points and distributing the ball well. The sophomore can hit the three and is a good defender as well. Mary Beth Lisberel and Melissa Tages, a pair of senior guards, saw significant playing time last winter and Burns believes they will team with Fiorentino and Graziano, and guard Melanie Gaddis, who moves up from the junior varsity, to provide a solid leadership group. "We're working hard to develop more of an inside game and I'm looking to maintain a fast pace," Burns said. "If things work out, we could end up using anywhere from an eight- to 12-player rotation." Junior Brianna DiAntonio provides an inside presence off the bench, while sophomores Stephanie DeSousa, a guard, and Alex Diekmann and Kay Nelson give the Hornets depth up front. Mary Mayell and Katie Toomey, another pair of sophomores, provide additional backcourt depth. In addition, a trio of freshmen guards Ally Mnich, Shannon Nelson and Priscilla Wong may see some varsity minutes. Burns said she is planning to have the trio split its time between the varsity and JV teams. To help her team prepare for the Shore Conference's tough Class A Central schedule, Burns set up a tough scrimmage schedule that included the likes of powerful Immaculate Heart Academy, as well as strong local teams such as Colts Neck. "We're going to show different looks throughout the season," Burns said. "I want the girls to have a versatile style of play, particularly on defense. I really like to mix things up defensively." Burns' approach has proven quite effective in her prior coaching positions; she joins Holmdel after spending the last five years as head coach at Teaneck High School, compiling a 91-35 record. A year ago her Teaneck team reached the NJSIAA North 1, Group III finals and in both 2005 and 2006 captured its division title. Teaneck qualified for both the state and Bergen County tourneys during each of Burns' seasons at the helm. During her 11-year coaching career, Burns has also turned around struggling programs at Cresskill High School and Dwight Morrow Academy in Englewood. "Our team already has a lot of potential and talent and they showed that last year," Burns said of her Hornets. "That doesn't mean they don't have a lot of work to do to get where I want them to be. They understand that and they're very motivated." Holmdel opens the season at home on Friday against divisional foe Red Bank Regional and will visit another division rival, Raritan, on Monday. The Hornets then return home to meet Elizabeth Dec. 20. During the holiday break Burns' team will host the Bayshore Tournament, which will also include RBR, Monmouth Regional, Shore Regional and Cardinal McCarrick.