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Sickles Looking For First Playoff Run In School History

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By GREGG BECNEL, Tribune correspondent

Published: December 20, 2007

Sickles coach Mark Key is looking to make history this season by doing something no other Gryphons girls basketball team has done.

"We want to win the first playoff game in school history," he said.

Key appears to have the team to do it.

Sickles (12-1), which returned four starters from last season's region quarterfinal squad, has a senior-laden group led by Shawnta Snakovsky, Katie MacKenzie and Melissa Ramsey.

"My seniors are determined to make this the best season in school history," Key said. "They are great about letting each player know that they are here to win every game."

Snakovsky, a 5-foot-7 guard, averages a county-best 22 points and 7.2 steals per game.

"Shawnta is very athletic and a pure scorer who loves to win," Key said. "She finds many ways to help us win by her defense and shooting ability."

MacKenzie, a 5-10 forward, is tied for the county lead in blocks (3.5 per game) while also averaging 11.8 points and six rebounds.

"Katie is a pure shooter that has a great desire to play hard and win," Key said. "She is a great leader on and off the court."

Ramsey, a 5-9 guard/forward, is a jack-of-all-trades who averages 8.1 points and a team-high 8.6 rebounds.

"Melissa is the glue that keeps our team together," Key said. "She does everything for us by rebounding, passing, scoring and plays great defense."

The Gryphons opened the season with 12 consecutive wins before falling to St. Petersburg 57-55 in overtime.

"I think it was very important to get the season off to a fast start. Our 12-1 start is what we were looking for," Key said. "I think our loss to St. Pete will help us in the long run. It shows us that we have to play a complete game to win."

Key believes the team's hunger for success will help it achieve its goals.

"These kids have more dedication and desire to win than any team I have ever been a part of," he said. "They want to be the best they can be every game."

INJURED PANTHER: Plant senior Kaitlyn Ostroski, who has battled left knee injuries the past two years, went down with a right knee injury during Friday's win against Gaither.

The injury occurred without contact when Ostroski was grabbing a rebound in the first quarter. Plant coach Carrie Mahon said Ostroski, a 6-0 center who averages 11.2 points and 7.9 rebounds, heard a pop at the time of the injury.

Ostroski had 30cc of blood drained from the knee Monday and had an MRI done Wednesday. Results won't be known until Friday morning.

"Kaitlyn is positive, but also realistic," Mahon said. "It's just heart-breaking for her and devastating for us."

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