This past season has been nothing short of monumental for our girls basketball team. With a final record of 26-9, and a conference record of 7-5, these girls were a tough team to play against.
The RedHawks were led by head coach Renee Chimino, class of 2008, in her 4th year as Marist head coach, her 16th year coaching overall.
Last season, the girls had the same record, 26-9 with a conference record of 7-5, and lost in the Super-Sectional round to Kenwood Academy (35-3), who would go on to win the 4A state championship.
“Ever since we did so well last year, losing in the super-sectional, they made it way further than they thought they were going to make it.” said Chimino. “It was a pleasant surprise to everybody.”
The girls were optimistic from the beginning.
“At the start of the season I was really looking forward to playing with my teammates again,” said senior starter Lucy Cosme. “We all have a really strong bond and we are able to joke and have fun with each other everyday regardless of a bad practice or game.”
The RedHawks had a tough schedule this year, especially in their own conference, the East Suburban Catholic Conference (ESCC).
“The toughest opponent we faced this year was Nazareth Academy (35-3) or Benet Academy (25-8),” said senior starter Olivia Cosme. “Naz gave us a hard time because they’re such a good team, and ended up winning state.”
“We play in a super tough conference, the ESCC was filled with sectional final teams, and it’s never easy,” said Chimino. “I think the toughest opponent to prepare for was Nazareth.”
Despite the challenging schedule, the team stuck together through thick and thin.
“They’re all best friends,” said Chimino. “They spent so much time together and to see how that would play out on the basketball court was a gift to really everybody that was watching.”
This year, the two cousins, Lucy and Olivia Cosme, set program records. Olivia had made 146 career 3–pointers, while Lucy had 105, cementing them into the top 6 for 3-pointers in Marist girls basketball history.
“Seeing this was a bit of a shock to me but being able to leave something behind forever is something I will never take for granted,” said Olivia.
“I love that both me and Livi are able to be in the record book together because it makes the accomplishment feel even more special knowing we worked hard alongside each other all season and were able to leave our mark on Marist girls basketball together,” said Lucy.
“They’re really irreplaceable,” said Chimino. “They were there when we were kind of rebuilding this program, putting our name back on the map. So I can’t really put into words what they meant to us because they’ve met so much.”
Unfortunately, both of the record-setting cousins will be graduating in the spring. The big question is: Where will they be taking their talents?
“I will be attending North Central College and playing basketball there,” said Olivia. “I would say the one year that made me resilient and confident was my sophomore year playing down. It was something I think no one would want to do but I knew what I had to do for myself and I took that personally. That was the start of me becoming the player I am now.”
“I am not playing college basketball,” said Lucy. “I am currently deciding between Miami University and University of Illinois.”
“She decided not to, but she had plenty of schools interested,” said Chimino. “She just chose to kind of go and enjoy a bigger school and enjoy the college life.”
With the two Cosmes leaving, some wonder about the future of the team.
“We have 10 juniors on the team this year,” said Chimino. “We have three returning starters next year. I expect to not miss the beat going forward.”
The JV girls basketball team ended their season 27-0, the most wins for JV in the whole history of the program.
“They were awesome,” said Chimino. “I think anywhere else they could have been playing on a varsity team, but I chose to have them play together, build that chemistry, and that’s what they did.”
The majority of the players on JV plan on continuing with basketball next year, keeping the strength of the program intact.
“I think we’ll be able to take a couple of them next year to help us fill some holes that we need. It’s just a matter of who steps up to the challenge,” said Chimino. “That’s a good thing about being back on the map, right? It’s like you kind of can just reload instead of just rebuild.”
“I think next year’s team has a lot of potential and I am excited to see what they accomplish,” said Lucy. “I know they will continue to work hard and build on what we started this season, and I am confident they will represent Marist girls basketball well.”
“I am so excited to come and watch as many games as I can next year,” said Olivia. “Although I’m gonna miss playing with those girls I will still be one of the loudest people cheering them on!”
Although the season did not end with a banner hanging from the rafter for the girls, they were able to make great memories, break records, and play the sport that they loved, knowing that they’ll be back and better than ever for next season.
“Whoever’s up for the challenge, we’re ready for them,” said Chimino. “We’ll be ready to make a mark next year.”
