CLARK, NJ- The Arthur L. Johnson High School Crusaders girls varsity basketball team returned home, looking to get back in the win column. Through a battle on both sides of the game, the Crusaders came up short, falling to the Governor Livingston High School Highlanders 41-35 Thursday night in Clark.
Prior to the game, they honored their 2019 seniors in a pregame ceremony. Seniors Cecilia Puentes and Bailey Rosenmeier were recognized for their hard work and dedication towards the girls basketball program. Their efforts throughout the years and nights on the court have stood out to third-year head coach Joe Marino, who took over the program when the two were sophomores.
“They’re great leaders. They’re our captains,” Marino said. “All the girls look up to them, they are great role models for the girls and they never quit. The fact that they work so hard, the other girls follow [their work ethics].”
Both seniors were part of the 2016-17 Union County Conference Mountain Division championship team. On a roster that is young, the two have been the mentors for the younger players and the two reflected upon their countless days of hard work towards the basketball program.
“It’s really like a family, especially this year,” Puentes said. “This is the closest I’ve been to the girls. It’s going to be sad and it’s going to be hard leaving them after this year.”
“It’s been an insane run [and] it’s been a crazy ride,” Rosenmeier said. “There’s been so many experiences that I’ll hold for the rest of my life. It’s been great being a Crusader and I’ll never forget the time that I’ve played here. I’ve been playing with Cecilia since third grade.”
Puentes, who also was a standout soccer player on the Johnson girls varsity soccer program, will be playing soccer at Pace University. Rosenmeier, who will look to build on a successful softball career in the upcoming spring season, will be attending Middlesex County College and will play basketball.
Full Coverage of Johnson Girls Varsity Basketball Senior Night Against Governor Livingston HS Here
