OKS basketball returned to the hardwood this season and had a stellar campaign. Led by star Senior Milan Jones, OKS’s newest and 9th 1,000-point scorer in school history, the Royals returned to their winning ways with a record of 14-12. They finished with a 9-3 record in the UCC Mountain Division, earning them second place in the division. It was the team’s most wins since their 2019/2020 season.
Jones, the Senior guard, averaged over 18 points per game, leading the team in scoring for the third consecutive season. Jones was also the team’s top rebounder. Assisting Jones was her sister Malaya, who started as a Freshman and dished out several dazzling assists to Milan and her teammates. She also contributed as the second leading scorer on the team. When asked how it was playing with her older sister, Malaya stated, “I am so grateful to not only play with my sister, but my best friend. She inspired me to play hard every day and helped me to be the best version of myself on and off the court.”
Rounding out the starting lineup were Seniors Betsy Burton and Emily Van Orden and Junior Maris McGinty. Burton received the 2025 SFIC Academic Award, given to a top scholar-athlete at the annual Hoopfest tournament, and led the Royals in assists and steals. She was a key perimeter defender, often guarding the opposing team’s top scorer. Van Orden contributed with her lockdown defense in the paint, rebounding, and hustle. McGinty helped with her speed and athleticism on defense and by securing rebounds, as well as leading the team on several fast-break opportunities.
Sophomore Ava Paguirigan hit many key three-point baskets and contributed with frequent hustle plays, which helped secure several pivotal victories. Freshman Caroline Bennett also aided the effort with strong rebounds and points in the paint. Also coming off the bench and contributing to the team’s success were Senior Grace Koetje, Juniors Abby Han and Lizzie Van Orden, and Sophomores Deirdre Keenan, Dolce Stropoli, and Bridget Coyle.
The Royals had several remarkable wins, including victories over Johnson, Summit, South Plainfield, and Rahway. In their first-round state tournament game, OKS defeated Newark Academy decisively – 42-23 – and reached the quarterfinal round of the state tournament before bowing out to a strong Pope John team. The team’s success is attributable not only to the hard work ethic of its players but also to the strong leadership and commitment of its coaches, Katie Cummings, Ahmad Thomas, and Carol Sciaretta, who started working with the team in the Summer league in Elizabeth, NJ. Coach Katie, a 1,000-point scorer herself at OKS, said this about this year’s team: “This team was a joy to coach. The girls worked hard, supported each other, and secured some big wins along the way. Throughout the season, we emphasized the importance of being a great teammate, and they truly embraced that mindset. Our strong senior leadership played a key role in our success, setting the tone for a competitive and connected team.”
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