Wayne Valley Girls Basketball 2025: A Season of Growth, Grit, and Foundation for the Future
The 2025 winter season marked the beginning of a new chapter for the Wayne Valley Girls Basketball program under the leadership of Head Coach Joel Troast, and though the win-loss column may not fully reflect it, the year was a powerful testament to growth, leadership, and the building blocks of a promising future.
For Coach Troast, it was his first season at the helm, guiding a team filled with underclassmen and anchored by a senior class that brought more than just experience—they brought heart, energy, and a deep investment in the program’s future.
Stars Who Stepped Up
At the center of the team's success was Sophia Benacquista, a sophomore standout who made her presence felt in every corner of the stat sheet. She led the team in every statistical category except blocks, earning 1st Team All-Conference and 2nd Team All-County honors along the way.
“Her impact was undeniable,” said Coach Troast. “Sophia carried herself like a veteran and gave us everything we needed on both ends of the court.”
She was joined by her older sister, Alexa Benacquista, a senior captain and vocal leader who finished as the team’s second-leading scorer. A steadying force throughout the season, Alexa’s leadership extended beyond the scoreboard. She was named 2nd Team All-Conference and received Honorable Mention All-County, capping off a decorated high school career.
Senior Ella Duffy also played a crucial role. A sharp-shooting guard and reliable ball handler, she made her mark with on-ball defense and timely buckets. Alongside her was Sophia Macgregor, a sophomore guard and second-year starter, who earned 2nd Team All-Conference honors and also picked up Honorable Mention All-County recognition. Her development as a floor general was a major plus for the team’s future.
Senior Class Leaves a Lasting Legacy
This year’s senior class was the soul of the team. Beyond the starting five, players like Alexa Longa, Delilah Morelli, Katherine Cummings, Mia Erminio, and Emma Dellobuono poured everything they had into the program. Whether it was rebounding, facilitating, or creating positive locker room energy, they made a lasting impact.
“This was an unbelievable senior class in every way,” Coach Troast said. “Their leadership on and off the court was amazing. They were great teammates and always willing to take care of the underclassmen. I saw so many meaningful relationships develop between the seniors and younger players.”
Alexa Longa, in particular, stepped into a larger role as the season progressed. She became the team’s second-leading rebounder and displayed an unselfish style of play as a great passer from the forward spot. On the defensive end, Giovanna Zaccone also emerged as a strong on-ball defender with top-tier athleticism.
Highs, Lows, and Turning Points
While the final record didn’t match the team’s effort, there were several bright spots and defining moments that illustrated what the group was capable of.
“We came up short in five games that ended in less than six points,” Coach Troast explained. “Another three were within twelve. We were in almost every game.
The most memorable victories came against local rivals. Wayne Valley defeated Wayne Hills in their first meeting of the season and swept Passaic Valley, both huge emotional wins for the team and community.
“These weren’t just wins on paper,” Troast said. “They were culture wins. They showed our girls that when we play together and believe in each other, we can beat anyone.”
Conversely, close losses to teams like Fair Lawn, in games decided by four points or fewer, became teaching moments. Though painful, they offered insight into how the team could improve execution in crunch time and taught resilience that will serve them well in seasons to come.
Building for the Future
If the 2025 season was about transition and growth, the future is about capitalizing on that foundation.
With three underclassmen starters and three more earning significant varsity minutes, Wayne Valley is poised for a breakout in the years ahead. The development of players like Sophia Benacquista, Sophia Macgregor, Amina Okanovic, and rising JV talent offers real optimism.
“We’ve got two great seniors returning next year, and a group of young players who learned so much this season,” said Coach Troast. “Our JV team gained valuable experience and will definitely contribute going forward.”
Coach Troast is especially encouraged by the way the younger players responded to their first taste of varsity action. They showed poise, absorbed lessons quickly, and demonstrated an eagerness to improve.
Offseason Focus: Growth Through Skill Development
Looking ahead to the offseason, Coach Troast has a clear vision: individual skill development as a path to team improvement.
“Our focus this offseason is to strengthen our individual games so that we can come together even stronger as a team,” he said. “From ball handling and shooting to defensive footwork and decision-making, we want to raise the bar.”
The team also plans to continue cultivating leadership and chemistry, key elements that defined this past season. With a young core and a coach fully invested in building from the ground up, the pieces are in place for a strong run in 2026 and beyond.
More Than Wins: A Season to Be Proud Of
While Wayne Valley’s record may not jump off the page, what Coach Troast and his team accomplished in their first season goes far deeper. This was a year where new systems were introduced, players stepped into leadership roles, and younger athletes learned what it takes to compete at a high level.
The season was also a celebration of camaraderie—senior players helping younger ones grow, hard-fought wins against rivals, and a culture rooted in accountability, effort, and heart.
The groundwork is set. The talent is developing. And the experience gained this season will undoubtedly shape the future of Wayne Valley Girls Basketball.
For full season statistics and more details, fans can visit NJ.com.
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