Jackson Liberty girls’ basketball program improving

Alexandria Quanvie felt that she will leave the Jackson Liberty High School girls’ basketball program in fine shape.

Moments after the senior forward played her final scholastic game, Quanvie reflected on how the program has grown during her career.

“We worked so hard all season,” she said after Jackson Liberty fell to Ewing High School, 86-25, on Feb. 26.

The defeat came in the opening round of the NJSIAA Central Jersey, Group 3 sectional tournament at Ewing.

“For us to make it to states is a big deal for us. It’s actually really awesome because the last two years we made it to states,” Quanvie said. “My freshman and sophomore year, we didn’t win a game. So to actually make it this far is just awesome for the program, and we need to keep improving.”

This winter, the Lions ended the season with a 6-19 record. Jackson Liberty finished last season with an identical record and was eliminated in the opening round of the Central Jersey, Group 3 tournament in a 68-35 loss to Allentown High School.

Quanvie finished the game against Ewing with three points and one rebound. Freshman Maura Carney connected on nine points, while sophomore Kayla Nelson dropped in six points for Jackson Liberty against a Ewing team that was bidding to repeat as the Central Jersey, Group 3 champion.

For her career, Quanvie totaled 158 points, 182 rebounds and 18 steals.

Quanvie is confident that Jackson Liberty will be in good shape over the coming years. She believed young, talented players like Carney and Nelson will have a big impact in the future.

“We’re definitely going to get better,” Quanvie said. “Every year, we won more games. Even though I’m leaving, I know there’s some girls ready to come up and keep the team improving. We’re going to get more buckets and win more games.”