By GEORGE MAHL – Sports Editor

RESERVE – The East St. John girls basketball team celebrated another winning season this past Wednesday night with their annual awards banquet.

ESJ Head Coach Troy Giordano presented awards to players and coaches.

The varsity team finished with an overall record of 40-2, the freshman team finished with a record of 17-2 and the junior varsity team had an 18-4 record.

“East St. John girls basketball has put this school on the map,” said East St. John Athletic Director Larry Dauterive.

“It might take a little luck, but you will win a state championship here at East St. John.”

ESJ Principal Debra Schum was proud of the effort the players gave, as well as the coaches.

“You all exhibit high expectations off the court and in this school. You made us proud to be here,” Schum said.

One of the things Giordano was most pleased with was that the effort the girls gave off the court was just as good as on the court. Except for two, every member of the team achieved a 3.0GPA or higher during the season.

“To me, it’s more than wins and losses,” explained Giordano. “I try to instill four things into these kids. I want to teach responsibility, develop self-discipline, develop a good work ethic and have self pride. If you do these things, good things will happen.”

Two of the players that received the highest honors were Erin Keller and Kojo Hamilton. Keller’s stats are impressive. She finished her career with more than 1,000 points and was a member of the All-State Coaches Association first-team.

Hamilton had 137 wins as a starter and was a first team All-State player. She will be attending Xavier in the fall.

“These two have done an excellent job for four years. Stevie Wonder could have coached Erin and Kojo,” said Giordano.

As far as the future goes, the Lady Cats return three starters next year.

“There is a lot of promise for the future. I am expecting nothing but the best,” Giordano said.