The girls’ basketball team along with Coach Vic Quirolo and Assistant Coach Michaela Donohue. Photo by David Fenner.

By J. Murrer and S.Q. Dejoy

Jan. 15, 2025: The Bronxville girls’ basketball team opened its season in December and have shown that they are more than ready for the challenge. 

Facing Valhalla in the first round of the annual Bill Green Tournament, the Broncos secured a 52-42 victory. They then claimed the Championship Title with a 48-33 win over Putnam Valley.  Claire Kennedy, who scored 18 points in the final, was named tournament MVP, and Ellie Fahy and Kalliroi Ladas were named to the All-Tournament team.

With a record of 7-2, the Broncos have already demonstrated toughness and resilience-principles they have been building upon over the past three years.

Last year, the team finished with a 10-10 record in what was a rebuilding year. With only three returning players, all juniors at the time, Bronxville revamped its offense and defense despite early struggles. Those efforts have paid off this year.

“We needed last year to have the outcome we have now,” said Ladas, a senior co-captain. “This year, we’ve grown so much as a team, and it’s rewarding to see the progress.”

The current roster features nine returning players from last season and is a mix of talent and experience with three seniors, one junior, five sophomores, and three freshmen.

Co-captains (l to r): Fiona Keveney, Kalliroi Ladas, and Elle Ruhanen. Photo by David Fenner.

The Broncos are led by three captains: Kalliroi Ladas, Elle Ruhanen, and Fiona Keveney, all of whom have served as captains for two consecutive years. Their leadership has been crucial to the team’s success.

“The real strength of the team comes from our three senior captains,” said Coach Vic Quirolo. “They lead by example and are role models for our younger players, helping to build the culture of teamwork and dedication.”

Beyond the captains, the underclassmen have stepped up in critical ways. Freshmen Claire Melchionni and Lulu Heathwood provide a spark off the bench, while sophomores Ellie Fahy and Claire Kennedy have become scoring threats, particularly with Fahy’s ability to attack the basket, and Kennedy’s accuracy from beyond the arc.

Mary Donohue, Grace van Tienhoven, Annie Marshall, Greta Warren, and Ryan Sipple all provide valuable depth and are ready to step in when needed.
After opening the season with a tough 38-23 loss to Croton-Harmon, Bronxville went on an impressive six-game winning streak before facing a formidable opponent in Albertus Magnus, the top-ranked teams in Section 1 and one of the best teams in the state. Despite the loss, the game was a valuable learning experience.

Recent victories include dominant performances against Leffell School (58-24) and Haldane (35-6), as well as a narrow 39-38 win over Briarcliff. There is a month left in the regular season, and Bronxville remains focused and optimistic.

“We have long practices, and it’s nice to see the positive outcomes,” said Ladas. “With eight games left, we’re ready for what’s ahead.”

Point guard Kalliroi Ladas in Monday’s game against Haldane. Photo by David Fenner.

Under the guidance of Coach Quirolo, the Broncos are working hard to excel on both ends of the court.

“Our goal this season is to excel defensively,” said Coach Quirolo. “We understand that defense is all about attitude, effort, and synergy—everyone on the court working as one unit. Offensively, we want to share the basketball, playing to each player's strengths while maintaining that same cohesive approach.”

Ladas and her co-captains have been a big part of the team’s growth over the past three years.

“We put in so much hard work, and it’s good to have success in our senior year,” said Ladas.  “Our coach prepares us well and brings an intensity to basketball that we had not seen before. He is a great coach. He built toughness in us, and that is why we have been so successful this season.”

With their depth, leadership, and commitment, the Bronxville girls’ basketball team is poised for an exciting finish to their season. They will play Dobbs Ferry at home today at 5PM.

Go Broncos.