High Point captains leading girls' basketball team

WANTAGE — To state that Maddy Smolen, Morgan Smolen and Tyra Wingle are athletes doesn’t fully encapsulate everything that they, as captains, mean to the High Point High School girls' basketball program and their great accomplishments in the classroom as well.
The seniors have helped lead the Wildcats a great deal thus far this season, something which head coach Brad Dragone both notices and appreciates.
“All three are incredibly hard workers," Dragone said. “They give everything they have during every practice. They are a great example for the younger players on what needs to be done if they plan on playing at the varsity level."
Each captain is putting up impressive statistics this winter.
“Maddy is averaging almost six points and leads the team with three assists per game," Dragone said. “Morgan is averaging nine points, four rebounds, three steals, and 2.5 assists per game. Tyra is averaging 10 points, five rebounds, and three steals per game. She also is one of the leading 3-point shooters in the area with 24 thus far on the season."
“It has been a transition for them, in that last year they were supporting players when Margo Peterson, Trisha Peterson and Emily Mulvoy were here," Dragone said. “They now have to be leaders not only on defense where they have always excelled but also on offense. They have gotten more aggressive and willing to carry the load as the season has gone on."
There are many areas in which the thro of leaders help their teammates improve.
“My three captains are three of the best defenders I have seen or coached at any level," Dragone said. “They work just as hard in practice as they do in games. Whomever is playing against them in practice has to raise their level to hang with them. This has been highly beneficial for our younger players."
The most remarkable statistics for the three captains are those that they earn in the classroom
“Maddy Smolen is Vice-President of the "Pass it Along" Club (Focuses on Leadership, Volunteerism and Self-Discovery), Member of S.A.V.E (Club focusing on the environment), Peer Counseling and is on the "Fill the Bus" Committee (Creates food and supply drives for the needy)," Dragone said. “She is choosing between FAU, UCF, University of Miami and Florida State. Morgan Smolen is a member of "Pass it Along" Club, Peer Counseling, she is also on the "Fill the Bus" Committee and a member of S.A.V.E. She is choosing between UNLV, University of Miami, Florida State University, UCF and FAU.
“Tyra’s accomplishments include 4.52, GPS, Pass It Along Scholar Athlete, Rising Star Complete Athlete — for academic and athletic excellence, Complete Athlete Finalist — for academic, athletics and leadership, National Honor Society Member, Science National Honor Society Member, Mu Alpha Theta Math Honor Society Member, Art National Honor Society Member and Foreign Language National Honor Society Member. She is choosing between Scranton, Desales, Misericordia, and Stockton."
Through Jan. 18, the Wildcats had an overall record of 7-6. On Feb. 5 they are scheduled to host Wallkill Valley. High Point showcases a balanced attack this season.
“Brittany Hill (junior) is the leading scorer and rebounder, 12.3 points per game, and six rebounds per game,’’ Dragone said “Julianne Mangano (senior) has 3.5 points per game and 5.8 rebounds a game."
NOTES: The statistics listed above were from games played through Jan. 15.