By Nathaniel Charendoff ’17, Sports Editor

Jocelyn Willoughby is undoubtedly one of the greatest basketball players to ever come through Newark Academy.

If you didn’t have a chance to watch her dominate the court over the last four years, the wide array of awards and accomplishments Jocelyn has received speak for themselves. One of the most prestigious of these was being named the 2015-16 Gatorade New Jersey Girls Basketball Player of the Year, the first Newark Academy attendee to ever win the award, putting her in some elite company (previous winners of the award include now star professional basketball players Candace Parker, Diana Taurasi, and Maya Moore). She is now continuing her dominance at the University of Virginia this fall.

But where does that leave NA Girl’s Basketball?

For the first time in four years, NA will be preparing for the winter season without Jocelyn. However, while it might seem daunting, the team certainly has players that can work together to fill Jocelyn’s (big) shoes. As captain Isabelle Catabran 17’ states, “This year without Jocelyn will definitely be a big adjustment. She was a huge presence on the court, averaging roughly 25 points a game. As a team, we will have to fill the deficit. As we are moving up a division, it is difficult to judge how we will do, but I am confident that NAGB will rise to the occasion and adapt to these changes.”

Girl’s Basketball’s wide fan base is also looking forward to seeing how the team will “rebound” from this loss. As avid basketball fan and Newark Academy sports supporter Bradley Simon ’17 reflected, “Watching the Girl’s Basketball games in the winter has always been a highlight for me. It was remarkable seeing Jocelyn command the court, and her positive influence on the other players was certainly apparent in the games. I’m really looking forward to this upcoming season. I’m sure the girls’ courage and determination will shine through this winter.”

But besides her clear basketball prowess, her presence off the court will be sorely missed as well.

As Catabran ’17 continued, “Jocelyn was an inspiration to the whole team on and off the court. Her work ethic and dedication to the sport served as a goal for everyone on the team to strive for. I really think these values also transferred to her off the court demeanor. If you ask anyone who knows her, they will tell you she is the most kind, humble, and passionate person. She was and always will be a teammate and person I know I can personally rely on.”

It is obvious how much of an asset Jocelyn was to the Newark Academy Girls Basketball team. She led the Lady Minutemen to a 20-6 record and a deep tournament run. But now it is up to the current Lady Minutemen to replicate that success— and they sure have the talent to do so. And under the careful guidance of Coach Bona, that success is definitely within reach.

There is no doubt that the team will be up to the challenge this winter. Expect them to pull out some big wins this year, and I encourage you all to be standing courtside to witness them.