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Bethlehem Eagles Soar to Hot Start

It's unusual for a team with just two seniors on the roster to appear like they've been playing together for years, but that's exactly how the Bethlehem girls' basketball team looks midway through the season.

"We're young in terms of age, but we're not necessarily young in terms of basketball experience," said head coach Matt Bixby.  "They play AAU all season long in the spring and summer so they have a lot of big game experience."

Bridget Murphy is one of those seniors surrounded by a sea of sophomores, juniors, and freshman, but it's her leadership that's propelled the team to a 7-0 start with two wins by two points each over traditional powers Colonie and Troy.

"I make it my goal to slow everything down, make sure that everyone knows that this is our game, like we're playing at our speed and our tempo and let them know we need to just focus on what we're doing," said Murphy.

Aside from the leadership Murphy provides the Eagles have an interesting dynamic that contributes to the fluid chemistry of the team; sisters Gabby and Jenna Giacone.

"Its fun to watch them together," said Bixby. "Obviously you know they are sisters but you almost forget that sometimes. It's just two other basketball players out there on the court."

"I love having her to pass to," said sophomore guard Gabby.  "She always knows where I am on the court and she has a great feel for running plays."

"We've been on the same team when playing AAU also and we just know each other and what we are capable of on the court," said freshman guard Jenna.

While their chemistry is a sight to behold during games, Bixby said what's more interesting is watching them play against each other in practice.

"It' still my roll as big sister to show her that she's got to keep working hard because as long as you want it and can dream it you got to go for it," said Gabby.

Even with their early success the girls acknowledge they can't rely on what they've done so far to get bye because they will have the target on their back going forward.

"Right now we take it one game at a time, one step at a time," said Murphy. "Being 7-0 right now is a great feeling, it's a great motivator for us to go into the rest of our season and to keep pushing and moving forward.

The Eagles next game will be at home against Shenendehowa on Friday, January 4^th.