Miami Country Day School Girls Varsity Basketball Media Guide

Girls Varsity Basketball 2015 media guide

media guide designed by: kimberly arredondo

Miami Country Day School

home of the spartans Teamwork, sportsmanship, tradition, dedication, self-esteem—these are all values fostered by our athletics program that stay with student-athletes for a lifetime. The fundamental purpose of the athletic program centers on: encouraging each studentathlete to appreciate the lifelong values of physical activity; providing the opportunity to become experienced, skilled, and confident in any athletic arena; and above all, making the athletic experience rewarding and educational.

We offer collegiate facilities and endless options for our 37 athletic teams to challenge themselves and each other to improve and grow. Our coaches, many of whom are teachers at the school, provide instruction and encouragement to build strong teams on and off the field.

We compete against some of the top teams throughout Florida and have earned district and regional championships in sports such as golf, cross country, basketball, volleyball, swimming, soccer, tennis, baseball, softball, and lacrosse. As a student-athlete at Miami Country Day, lifelong friendships and memories are forged while developing an appreciation for health, fitness, and sport.

www.miamicountryday.org/athletics

miami country day school Miami Country Day School was founded in 1938 as a residential proprietary boarding school for boys through eighth grade and has evolved remarkably over the past 75 years. The School has become a coeducational, nonprofit, nondenominational school with approximately 1225 students in Pre-Kindergarten through grade 12 representing approximately 32 countries. The school’s first twelfth grade graduating class was in 1981.

The school is accredited by FCIS and SACS; active membership is maintained in SACAC, NACAC, NAIS, SAIS, CASE, CRIS, ERB, American Library Association, and the College Board.

Our Mission:

Miami Country Day School is a college preparatory learning community committed to educating the whole child. Through the core values of honor, respect, wisdom, and compassion, we prepare students to be lifelong learners. We inspire our children to develop their intellectual, physical, aesthetic, social, emotional, and spiritual potentials by valuing every student every day.

Our Core Values:

Honor fosters integrity and truthfulness, which lead to correct and trustworthy actions. Respect encourages valuing the rights and opinions of others as well as acting with consideration towards others. Wisdom defines intelligence and knowledge, which comes with experience and allows for good judgment and insight. Compassion expects action towards others with empathy, care, acceptance, and understanding.

“

Basketball has also taught me some crucial life lessons, and I am thankful for that. ogechi anyagaligbo ’15

”

quick facts Nickname: Spartans Mascot: Samuel “Sammy” the Spartan Location: Miami, Florida School Colors: Red, White, and Navy Blue Gymnasium: J. Calvin Rose Athletic Center, Home to the 2014 GVB State

Champions and numerous District Champions Class/District/Region: Class 3A, District 15, Region 4 Affilliation: FHSAA Athletic Director: Chuck Sennett Head of School: Dr. John Davies

facility The J. Calvin Rose Athletic Center houses offices for the athletic department staff, a collegiatesize basketball court with three volleyball courts, a classroom, an upgraded athletic training room with boys’ and girls’ upgraded locker rooms, and a fitness center. The Center also features an outdoor court and a snack shack.

“

The little things can really make a difference— like having a supportive team behind you. ta’kyla austin ’17

leadership

”

Dr. John Davies, Head of School

John Davies has been at MCDS for the past 29 years. He has served as a social studies and philosophy teacher, Middle School Director and now Head of School at Miami Country Day School. Dr. Davies is also the author of numerous articles and two books on the impact of media on learning.

In addition to serving on the Board of the Holocaust Documentation and Education Center, he is a board member of Florida Council of Independent Schools.

Chuck Sennett, Athletic Director

Coach Sennett has been a member of the MCDS community since 1992, first as a math teacher and baseball/football coach, and then as Athletic Director since 2003. A native of Lower Burrell, Pennsylvania, he participated in football, basketball, and baseball at Burrell High School.

Coach Sennett went on to attend Barry University in Miami Shores, where he served as the baseball team’s starting second baseman from 1986 to 1989.

“

I feel sports keep people active and are very important in a teenager’s life. jade iadarola ’18

”

media information Chuck Sennett* Athletic Director sennettc@miamicountryday.org

Oliver Berens* Girls Basketball Assistant Coach berensoliver@gmail.com

Chris Hayes Middle School Athletic Director hayesc@miamicountryday.org

Kimberly Arredondo Coordinator of Strategic Initiatives arredondok@miamicountryday.org

Mary K. Odio Athletic Administrative Assistant odiom@miamicountryday.org

*For all media inquiries, please contact Chuck Sennett or Oliver Berens.

Facebook /MCDSAthletics /MiamiCountryDaySchool

Instagram @thefightingspartan

Website www.miamicountryday.org/athletics

Livestream Channel www.livestream.com/mcds-athletics

Affiliates www.c2cschools.com www.maxpreps.com www.fhsaa.org gmac.dadeschools.net

“

We have to play like we didn’t win last year.

[We have to] stay hungry for it. michelle berry ’15

”

district opponents Archbishop Curley (Miami)

The Sagemont School (Weston)

Doctors Charter (Miami Shores)

Sports Leadership and Management

Academy (Miami)

Hialeah Educational Academy (Hialeah) International School of Broward (Hollywood)

Somerset Central (Miramar)

schedule Thurs, Nov 13 Hialeah Educational

Away

3:30 p.m.

Sat, Nov 15 Nova

Home

5:00 p.m.

Fri, Nov 21 Potterhouse Tournament

Away

TBA

Sat, Nov 22 Potterhouse Tournament

Away

TBA

Mon, Nov 24 Doctors Charter(D)

Home

5:30 p.m.

Fri, Nov 28 Florida Prospects (Orlando)

Away

TBA

Sat, Nov 29 Florida Prospects (Orlando)

Away

TBA

Mon, Dec 1 Somerset Central Academy (D)

Home

5:30 p.m.

Thurs, Dec 4 Oxbridge Academy

Away

6:00 p.m.

Sat, Dec 6 Florida Air Academy

Away

3:00 p.m.

Tues, Dec 9 SLAM(D)

Home

5:30 p.m.

Fri, Dec 12 Lafayette High School

Away

TBA

Sat, Dec 13 Lafayette High School

Away

TBA

Sat, Dec 20 Boca High School

Home

12:00 p.m.

Mon, Dec 28 Naples Tournament

Away

TBA

Tues, Dec 29 Naples Tournament

Away

TBA

Wed, Dec 30 Naples Tournament

Away

TBA

Wed, Jan 7 Sagemont

Away

5:30 p.m.

Fri, Jan 9 Fort Myers

Away

4:30 p.m.

Wed, Jan 14 Archbishop Curley (D)

Home

4:00 p.m.

Fri, Jan 16 Dunbar

Home

7:00 p.m.

Sat, Jan 17 Martin Luther King Tournament

Away

TBA

Tues, Jan 20 Calvary Christian

Home

7:00 p.m. Sr. Game

Fri, Jan 23 American Heritage

Away

6:00 p.m.

Sat, Jan 24 Potter’s House

Home

5:00 p.m.

Mon, Jan 26 Districts @ MCDS

Home

5/7 p.m.

Tues, Jan 27 Districts @ MCDS

Home

5/7 p.m.

Wed, Jan 28 District Semifinals

Home

5/7 p.m.

Fri, Jan 30 District Championship

Home

7:00 p.m.

Feb 5, 10, 13 Regionals

TBA

TBA

Feb 17-21 FHSAA State Tournament

Away

TBA

season outlook Coming off the first state championship in Miami Country Day history, the 2014 – 15 Girls Basketball Team is looking to do it again. After a historic run during the 2013 – 14 season, ending in celebratory fashion at the Lakeland Center after a 65-51 win over Seffner Christian, the team knows that repeating its success will be a challenge. Losing leading scorer Danielle Minott ’14, now a freshman at Syracuse, will prompt the team to seek its strength in its returning players and key new additions.

With the rest of the roster returning and newcomers Kelsey Marshall ’17, Dashaun Jackson ’17, and Ta’Kyla Austin ’17, the team is prepared not only to match, but in fact surpass what they were able to do last year.

The team is led by nationally recognized sophomores Channise Lewis ’17 and Kelsey Marshall ’17. Both Lewis and Marshall have already received interest from some of the top college basketball schools in the country. At the forward position, the team is led by Ogechi Anyagaligbo ’15, a Stony Brook signee, and Michelle Berry ’15, a Cal State Fullerton signee. Both Anyagaligbo and Berry are ranked in the top 25 players in the 2015 Florida class.

Coming off the most three-pointers made in MCDS Girls Basketball history, 8th grader Maria Alvarez ’19 will be a very important piece to this year’s team.

Senior Stephanie Mackenzie ’15, who is set to begin her fifth season on this Girls Varsity Basketball Team, will prove to be a force for the Spartans defensively. The coaching staff is very excited about sophomore Dashaun Jackson ’17, who will give the team the athleticism and length that they are looking for. Lindsey Pierre ’16 will give the team a spark with her ability to knock down the three-point shot, and the toughness of both Marsha Edwards ’16 and Ta’Kyla Austin ’17 give this year’s team the depth that they need to be one of the top high school teams in the country.

The 2013 – 14 schedule was extremely strong for the Spartans, but the 2014 – 15 schedule is even tougher. The team will face national competition across the country, along with facing the top talent in the State of Florida.

Some of the highlights on this year’s schedule are the Naples Holiday Shootout, the Florida Prospects Thanksgiving Tournament in Orlando, Florida, and the Potter’s House Shootout in Jacksonville, Florida. The lady Spartans host some of the top teams in the state of Florida as well. They host Dunbar on January 16 and Potter’s House on January 24.

Coach Ochiel “O” Swaby, Director of Girls & Boys Basketball Operations

scan for our video: “2014 – 15 a deeper look”

coach o

“

I genuinely appreciate Country Day. I really enjoy being a coach at Miami Country Day School. coach ochiel swaby

”

Ochiel Swaby, aka Coach O, attended North Miami High School, where he led the nation in scoring as a high school senior with an average of 47.4 PPG. He then went on to enroll at the University of Miami for his freshman and sophomore years. As a junior, he transferred to the University of Central Florida, where he finished his degree. There he earned many accolades, including 1994 TAAC Newcomer of the Year, 1994 TAAC First Team, 1995 TAAC Second Team, NCAA Gatorade Player of the Year, and USA Player of the Year. He won Conference Championship and played in the NCAA Tournament as a junior. Coach O played in various Professional Leagues from 1995 to 2001 (France, Italy, Belgium, and the Continental Basketball Association). In 1997 he signed to play with the Charlotte Hornets.

But 10 years ago, as fate would have it, MCDS was lucky to sign him as our coach, sharing his super skills for 10 years and guiding— as the ultimate teacher—our 2014 Varsity Girls to reach their ultimate goal. Coach O has been to three Regional Finals with Girls Varsity Basketball and two State Final appearances, with a 2014 championship title. Ochiel has a son and two daughters, one of them being Onika Swaby ’13— a member of the State Finals Runner-up Team in 2013 and the first Ochiel Swaby fan to congratulate him at the 2014 victory.

team & game day staff ochiel swaby director of basketball operations/head coach oliver berens ’11 assistant coach, 8 seasons jenna kochen ’05 assistant coach, 6 seasons carlyle “slim” lewis assistant coach, 3 seasons jackie smith assistant coach, 2 seasons michelle cordero, ms, atc head athletic trainer, 7 seasons laroy “roy” covington game day manager michael finny pa announcer

athletics administration chuck sennett director of athletics bryan parizo associate athletic director christopher hayes middle school athletic director b.j. teltsher ’93 assistant athletic director

student support dwight spencer ’16 play-by-play announcer

for full bios of all of our athletics staff, visit www.miamicountryday.org/athletics

player roster MARIA ALVAREZ ’19 #1 OGECHI ANYAGALIGBO ’15 #22 TA’KYLA AUSTIN ’17 #4 JODI BAUSON ’15 #12 MICHELLE BERRY ’15 #23 MARSHA EDWARDS ’16 #14 JADE IADAROLA ’18 #00 DASHAUN JACKSON ’17 #21 CHANNISE LEWIS ’17 #3 LINDSEY PIERRE ’16 #24 STEPHANIE MACKENZIE ’15 #2 KELSEY MARSHALL ’17 #20

maria alvarez

Maria Alvarez ’19 is in her second season playing basketball at Country Day. Before joining MCDS in 2013, she played at another middle school on the JV team. The most memorable moment in her career was, of course, winning the 2014 State Championship with her first high school team at a brand new school. She started playing basketball when she was four, and she slowly started to get better at it and began to love the game more every day. Her basketball idol is Dwyane Wade—she just loves how he plays the game his own way. She has earned MVP and rookie awards on her Middle School travel and interscholastic teams. Outside of basketball, Maria likes to hang out with friends and just relax. Maria has the love and support of her dad Carlos, mom Alba, godmother Irene, and her eldest brother Javier.

ogechi anyagaligbo

Ogechi Anyagaligbo ’15 is the fourth of five girls. She is a senior, and this is her second year attending Miami Country Day School. She has played basketball for eight years now, having started in fifth grade. When she first started, it was not because she had love for the sport; instead, it was because she felt she was “out of shape.” She grew to love and respect the sport, and she happily plays it today. She has received MVP, Player of the Year/Month, Medallions, and a host of other awards.

Her experiences playing basketball are some she shall cherish for the rest of her life.

Basketball has also taught her some crucial life lessons. Ogechi has the support of her mother and father Eucharia and Chris, both of whom were born in Nigeria. They moved to America in search of a better life. Ogechi loves being at Country Day and is already in search of another state championship.

ta’kyla austin

Ta’Kyla Austin ’17 looks forward to her first year at MCDS and feels fortunate to be a part of a hardworking, family-oriented team. She started playing basketball at the tender age of four and quickly developed a heartfelt appreciation for the game. Her most memorable moment playing basketball was her 8th grade year helping lead Nova Middle School in an undefeated season to their first championship game in the school’s history. Ta’Kyla enjoys spending time with her family, going to the park, and watching movies. Given that she aspires to be a sportscaster, she strives to be a Headmaster’s or Director’s List student. She strongly believes that education is the true key to success. Ta’Kyla thanks her mother Sherita, dad Leartis, godfathers Major Parker and Greg Gibson, and other relatives for their love, support, and most of all the sacrifices that have afforded her so many opportunities!

jodi bauson

Jodi Bauson ’15 has been playing basketball at Country Day for three years. The most memorable basketball moment in her career was her entire experience at the State Championship game. She started playing basketball in 4th grade, all because of her pediatrician, who had told her she needed more physical activity in her life.

Her favorite basketball players are Jeremy Lin and Dwayne Wade. Some academic awards that she has received are the Bryn Mawr Book Award, the Francoise B. Knapp Excellence in Religious Studies Award, and the Headmaster’s List and Director’s List Awards. Besides basketball, the activities she enjoys in her free time are singing, reading books, playing the piano, Thespian productions, and hanging out with friends. The support of her mom Nina is all she can ask for at many games. Jodi is always a fan favorite when she enters the game.

michelle berry

Michelle Berry ’15 started playing basketball in 10th grade, and this will be her second season at Miami Country Day. Actually winning the state championship in her very first season at Country Day was one of the most priceless moments she could have had. She is inspired by the words of Michael Jordan: “I can accept failing, but I can’t accept not trying.” When not on the court, Michelle loves to run and play soccer, play with animals, and listen to music. She enjoys watching movies and Sports Center. Her mother and older brother are big supporters at many of her games.

marsha edwards

Marsha Edwards ’16 has been playing basketball for Miami Country Day School for about three years. In her short career, her most memorable basketball moment was the time she scored a “step back dagger” of a three-pointer in the States game. Her favorite basketball player is Skylar Diggins. She has been Upper School athlete of the week for basketball. Academically, she has been on Director’s and Headmaster’s Lists, and she has earned achievement awards in particular subjects, such as Spanish and mathematics. Outside of basketball, she enjoys reading, going to the beach, watching movies, listening to music, eating, going to concerts, and just chilling with friends and family. She thanks her dad Alfonso, mom Charlina, and sister Michelle for their continuous support.

jade iadarola

Jade Iadarola ’18 has played basketball for three years. Her most memorable moment was her first varsity game that she played in. She started basketball when she was in 6th grade. Jade began to take up basketball because her sister was doing it, and she wanted to try it as well. A basketball player she emulates is NBA player Mike Miller. In her opinion, he always comes through for his team and does his best.

Basketball helps Jade manage her time. Thus, she is a student-athlete, who also competes on MCDS’ interscholastic and club volleyball teams. In her free time, Jade also plays tennis. She strongly feels that sports keep people active and are very important in a teenager’s life. Jade has the support of her mom Nanci, dad Stephano, and sister Sydney.

dashaun jackson

Dashaun Jackson ’17, a new student entering her sophomore year, is enthusiastic about attending Miami Country Day this year. As a freshman she attended The Sagemont School. The most memorable moment of her career was this summer when she traveled with her AAU team to Las Vegas. She is amazed by Lebron James’ athleticism, speed, strength, and talent and wants to be exactly like him. She decided to take basketball seriously and make it one of her goals to play professional women’s basketball. When not on the court or in the gym, Dashaun enjoys spending downtime reading. She has three younger siblings—one brother and two sisters.

channise lewis

Channise Lewis ’17 started playing basketball at the age of seven. This is her third season playing basketball at Country Day. Her most memorable moment was when she won the 3A State Championship as a 9th grader. She used to enjoy watching her older brother play basketball, and he inspired her to start playing herself. Her basketball idol is Candace Parker. During Channise’s time playing basketball, she has won numerous awards—most recently being named MVP for the USSSA States game. She has also won the “Key” to the City Hall of Miami Gardens. Outside of basketball, Channise enjoys spending time with family and cooking, which she learned from her dad. She is sure to receive a fan frenzy at every game, thanks to her mother Ivy Lewis, father Carlyle Lewis, and siblings—Carlyne, Carlyle (Coach Slim), Channing, and Carlylian.

lindsey pierre

Lindsey Pierre ’16 is beginning her second year as a student at Miami Country Day. She started playing basketball in the 5th grade because it was the only game she could play in aftercare at school. Before coming to Country Day, Lindsey attended a school in Weston. She has two favorite basketball players: Kevin Durant because of the person he is and how he is truly a class act, and Blake Griffin because of his amazing talents. She has received a few academic awards for being an avid reader and showing great citizenship. Lindsey has received a few basketball awards as well, including Tournament MVP and All-Tournament MVP. Outside of basketball, she likes to listen to music, read, and watch television and movies. Lindsey enjoys spending time with her mother, father, and her Uncle Edgar.

stephanie mackenzie

Stephanie Mackenzie ’15 began her basketball career at Miami Country Day in the 6th grade. She started off playing both soccer and basketball and ultimately decided to focus her energy on basketball. Steph has seen the program develop from just any “regular” other team into state contenders and champions. Needless to say, winning the Class 3A title, and the 2013 – 2014 season as a whole has been the most memorable thus far. When Steph is not in the gym, she and the girls on the team like to toss around a football or pass around a soccer ball. She also enjoys watching movies, spending time on the Internet, playing chess, and hanging out with friends.

Her favorite subjects in school are math and science. Steph has the support of her mother Monica, dad Don, and brother Matt—all of whom are big fans who support her at all home and away games.

kelsey marshall

Kelsey Marshall ’17 is in her first season at Miami Country Day School. She first started playing varsity basketball at The Sagemont School in 7th grade. Her most memorable moment in her basketball career so far was when she was invited to try out for the USA 16U basketball team. Kelsey first started playing basketball at about four years old because her older brothers played. Basketball players she tries to emulate are Skylar Diggins and Candice Parker. She has a few basketball awards— one being the Miami Herald’s All-team County Award. Outside of basketball, Kelsey enjoys hanging out with family. Kelsey is adored by her mother Myrline Marshall, father Joseph Marshall, and her two brothers Khyle and Brandon.

ogechi anyagaligbo

ta’kyla austin

jodi bauson

michelle berry

marsha edwards

jade iadarola

dashaun jackson

channise lewis

lindsey pierre

stephanie mackenzie

kelsey marshall

girls’ varsity basketball

maria alvarez

scan for the latest rankings

history and awards District Championships

7

State Runner Up

1

Regional Championships 2

State Championship

1

1988 – 1989

First Girls Basketball team filler at the JV level

December 7, 1988 First Girls Basketball game played in the

J. Calvin Rose Athletic Center 1997 – 1998

First of six District Championships won

2004

Coach Ochiel Swaby becomes Head Coach

2008

First District Championship under Swaby

2012 – 2013 First final four appearance in school history Received runner-up trophy 2013

Ochiel Swaby and Danielle Minott ’14 received 3A Division Coach and Player of the Year

2013

First best overall team record

2013 – 2014

First Girls Basketball team state championship

2014

Ochiel Swaby and Danielle Minott receive Class 3A Coach of the Year and Player of the Year from Miami Herald

“

Each day, I want the kids to come to practice... with purpose and focus. coach o

1st team miami herald all-dade

”

1997 – 1999

Colleen Kossally ’98

2007 – 2008

Christine Chancy ’08

2008 – 2009

Courtney Rivkind ’09

2010 – 2013

Onika Swaby ’13

2012 – 2013

Danielle Minott ’14

2013 – 2014

Danielle Minott ’14, Ogechi Anyagaligbo ’15, and Channise Lewis ’17

miami herald player of the year miami herald coach of the year 2013

Danielle Minott ’14

2013

Ochiel Swaby (28-2)

2014

Danielle Minott ’14

2014

Ochiel Swaby (26-3)

1st team all-state 2012 – 2013

Danielle Minott ’14

2013 – 2014

Danielle Minott ’14

fhsaa state championship mvp 2013

Danielle Minott ’14

2014

Channis Lewis ’17

former coaches 1988 – 1990

Sandra Kenna (9-20) JV/Varsity Schedule

1990 – 1991

Leah Mobley (5-10)

1991 – 1992

Embry Burrus (10-7)

1992 – 1993

Wendell “Kimo” Nibs (4-13)

1993 – 1994

Gene Chew (4-16)

1994 – 2000

Sandra Kenna (69-55), District Runner Up (2), District Champion (2)

2000 – 2002

John Fencik (22-23)

2002 – 2004

Roger Jaffe (18-24)

2004 – 2005

Ochiel Swaby (15-11)

2005 – 2006

Ochiel Swaby (15-11)

2006 – 2007

Ochiel Swaby (18-10)

2007 – 2008

Ochiel Swaby (21-7) District Champion

2008 – 2009

Ochiel Swaby (22-7) District Runner Up

2009 – 2010

Ochiel Swaby (9-13)

2010 – 2011

Ochiel Swaby (25-4) District Champion

2011 – 2012

Ochiel Swaby (25-4) District Champion

2012 – 2013 Ochiel Swaby (28-2) District Champion, Regional Champion, State Runner Up 2013 – 2014 Ochiel Swaby (26-3) District Champion, Regional Champion, State Champion 2014 – 2015

Ochiel Swaby (–)

alumni players Christine Chancy ’08

Mount Holyoke ’12

Onika Swaby ’13

St. Thomas University ’17

Danielle Minott ’14

Syracuse University ’18

“

Playing basketball at MCDS was more than just an extracurricular activity for me.

It was—and still is my passion. christine chancy ’08

”

“

”

It was a dream come true. I couldn’t believe it.

Channise Lewis ’17

team records Points

Danielle Minott ’14

2013 – 14

544

Rebounds

Onika Swaby ’13

2011 – 12

338

FG% (Min 20 shot att.)

Ogechi Anyagaligbo ’15

2013 – 14

57.9%

3PT% (Min 10 shot att.)

Maria Alvarez ’19

2013 – 14

41.8%

FT% (Min 20 FT att.)

Channise Lewis ’17

2013 – 14

73.7%

FG MADE

Danielle Minott ’14

2013 – 14

215

FG ATT

Danielle Minott ’14

2013 – 14

431

3PT MADE

Maria Alvarez ’19

2013 – 14

61

2014 state champions 3PT ATT

Maria Alvarez ’19

2013 – 14

146

FT MADE

Onika Swaby ’13

2011 – 12

120

FT ATT

Onika Swaby ’13

2011 – 12

215

Assists

Channise Lewis ’17

2013 – 14

187

Offensive Rebounds

Onika Swaby ’13

2011 – 12

153

Defensive Rebounds

Onika Swaby ’13

2011 – 12

185

Blocks

Ogechi Anyagaligbo ’15

2013 – 14

43

Steals

Stephanie Mackenzie ’15

2011 – 12

163

601 Northeast 107th Street Miami, Florida 33161