Cheshire High School Girls Basketball

November 26, 2008 by Greg Lederer

Cheshire High School senior basketball player Nora Bahgat flashed a big smile and breathed a sigh of relief on Nov. 17. Days before opening winter practice, the standout center finalized her plans for the next four years.
Bahgat was heavily recruited by both Eastern and Southern Connecticut state universities, but something kept bringing her back to Dowling College (Oakdale, New York). When the Golden Lions offered her an athletic scholarship, Bahgat was pleased to sign her letter of intent in the CHS Library.
“It’s a great feeling. It’s a weight off my shoulders,” said Bahgat, a three-time All-Housatonic Division center. “I want to be the best player I can be before college.”
Bahgat had never heard of Dowling until her Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) assistant coach mentioned it.
“It’s a wonderful school, coach, and team. I couldn’t ask for more,” said Bahgat. Joe Pellicane has led the East Coast Conference program to a 2-0 record so far. “I want to get on the court right away. Coach (Pellicane) said if I work hard then I won’t sit on the bench.”
Not only an imposing interior presence, AAU has allowed Bahgat to round into an all-around player, after working hard to expand her shooting range to the three-point line.
“AAU is not only practice, but you are playing people of the same level,” said Bahgat, who has played the circuit since she was 11. “It’s great competition.”
School wasn’t the only decision for Bahgat. An All-State/All-Housatonic star in volleyball, she led her team to the Class LL title two years ago and caught of the eye of college coaches across the state.
“I had no idea between volleyball and basketball,” said Bahgat.
Bahgat made an immediate impact as a freshman, helping Cheshire basketball earn their first Housatonic Division title. The Rams defended the crown one year later and advanced to the Class LL quarterfinals.
“I couldn’t be proud of her. It’s every high school player’s dream to play at the next level,” said Cheshire head coach Sarah Mik. “She has put a lot of work in and deserves it.”
Bahgat, along with classmates Maggie Riddle and Emily Thomas, will captain the Lady Rams in their final season. Kathleen DeVylder rounds out the senior group that is determined to regain the Housatonic crown. Last year ended the program’s two-year reign as division champions, finishing with a 10-12 overall record.
“It’s definitely one of our goals,” said Thomas. “We are capable of it.”
“We’ve played together since elementary school,” said Bahgat, who is approaching career milestones like 1,000 points and rebounds each. “I think we know each other very well. That will help us this year.”
Bahgat and Thomas provide experience in the post. While Bahgat can control a game with her size and power, Thomas started to come into her own last year. She improved as a spot-up shooter and makes an impact through coming up with loose balls.
DeVylder and sophomore Julia Strobel add inside depth, after Cheshire graduated co-captains Clare Samuelson and Alexa Frank.
“I think a year under her belt helped Emily at the varsity level. We need her to continue doing the little things to go with more stat production,” said Mik. “Nora (Bahgat) has a competitive mind and wants to end each season with a bang. I think you will see her take charge at both ends of the floor.”
Mik expects Riddle to lead at point guard. Riddle is coming off her first season as a varsity starter during which she contributed 15 points each in three consecutive games. Either setting up teammates with penetration or knocking down outside shots, Riddle creates problems for opposing defenses.
“I just need to make sure everybody is where there are supposed to be,” said Riddle.
“She leads very well and controls the tempo of the game,” said Mik. “Maggie worked hard this summer to improve her scoring.”
A junior trio is slated to step into larger roles this year. Guards Kristen Samuelson and Kelly Riddle, Maggie’s younger sister, will be looked upon to score in the absence of 2008 graduate Amy Nelson. Both players joined Lauren Hague through a versatile bench last winter.
“Lauren will be asked to come right in at three guard,” said Mik. Hague contributed a career-high 17 points during a 66-51 victory over Wilbur Cross last winter. “She put up numbers last year, but has to be more consistent.”
The Rams were tested by a seven-game losing streak last year, but persevered to secure a Class LL seed (31st) with a 55-52 victory over Harding. Cheshire feels they benefited from post-season losses to Trinity Catholic (65-36) and Southern Connecticut Conference foe Hillhouse (64-42). This year’s journey begins Dec. 10 at Career, the reigning SCC/Class LL Champion.
“By the post-season, we are used to playing tough teams,” said Riddle, who pointed to how many high seeds the program knocked off in their Class LL run two years ago. “As sophomores, we upset Norwich Free Academy and they were a three seed.”