'She deserved this': Ketcham's Camryn Greene earns moment in spotlight after adversity
It was almost expected, and certainly understandable, why Camryn Greene received the loudest ovation as the players were introduced before their home crowd.
Greene's charisma and humor have endeared her to peers at Roy C. Ketcham High School, and the knowledge of what she has faced with such aplomb has earned their admiration.
"She is the epitome of a kid overcoming adversity," girls basketball coach Pat Mealy said of the senior, who was born deaf.
More recently, though, it was an injury-related hurdle that challenged her. Greene suffered a torn anterior cruciate ligament as a sophomore, which derailed what those within the program believe would've been a breakout season.
She was cleared for a return to athletics last winter, earlier than expected, and rejoined the team on its run to a section championship.
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"But I never felt right," said Greene, who reads lips and picks up sound through an implanted cochlear device. "My movement, my ball-handling, my quickness wasn't the same, and it got in my head."
Greene has played in spurts this season, but it wasn't until a few weeks ago that she began to "feel like myself again."
She looked like herself on senior night Tuesday, offering a glimpse at least, of the smooth jump shot and court vision that made her at one time a budding star.
The guard scored 10 points, including three swished 3-pointers, and had four assists in Ketcham's 62-39 win over Arlington. On an evening when Ketcham again showed its collective might, their audience never was more excited than when Greene twice crashed to the floor while drawing charges.
“She’s a leader and an inspiration, and she’s brought it all to this program,” the coach said. “You love to see someone like that have a memorable game.”
Greene sprang to her feet and smiled after drawing a charge under the basket 28 seconds into the game. She opened the second quarter with a corner three, giving Ketcham a 19-14 lead, sparking a run during which they took control.
"It felt amazing," she said of the hot shooting, on a night when she was celebrated alongside senior Tianna Adams. "I don't usually score in too many games, but I felt confident and I'm glad some of those shots fell."
And she wasn't alone. Ketcham made 14 threes, five during the third quarter when they pulled away.
Caitlin Robertson had 15 points, six rebounds, two steals and a block to lead Ketcham (18-1). Jaylyn Chorba added 10 points, four assists and three steals.
Jenny Nardelli scored 10 points, including three 3-pointers, Nia Rencher had five points, 14 rebounds and two blocks. Ally Kaminski had seven points and two steals.
“Our second group challenges the starters all the time in practice,” Mealy said of their depth. “Last year, we played our starters almost exclusively, but this year we feel very comfortable looking to our bench and putting people in.”
Adams also drew enthusiastic applause as she scored six points in the fourth quarter.
"Tianna doesn't always get minutes, but she's bringing it every time in practice," Mealy said. "That kind of work ethic and intensity are great elements for any team, and the girls love her."
Maya Watts had 18 points, 11 rebounds and two blocks for the Admirals. Callie DiLonardo added six points.
"Defense is our biggest priority," Chorba said. "It doesn't matter what the score is or who it's against. We want those stops and turnovers. That doesn't change."
It is especially encouraging for Ketcham, of course, that they've performed this well with a roster that still is relatively young. After winning their first Section 1 Class AA championship last season, they graduated superstar Cali Chiocchi, but have shown little effects of her absence and have thrived against a challenging schedule.
"I'm not surprised," said Greene, who is close friends with Chiocchi. "Cali was a great player, but we were a great team overall. I think everyone got better and we've been able to step up."
The third quarter Tuesday began with another of Greene’s high-arching shots from the perimeter, that one putting Ketcham up 30-18, sparking a period in which the lead grew to 22.
If Greene has regained her form and rhythm, this version of her could be playoff windfall for Ketcham, a team whose goals include a state tournament run. The passing, dribbling and floor spacing she brought Tuesday was a reminder of what was and, perhaps, a preview of what could be.
"I'm so happy for her," Chorba said. "She's dealt with a lot, and she puts in so much effort into the team. She deserved to have a night like this."
Stephen Haynes: shaynes@poughkeepsiejournal.com; 845-437-4826; Twitter: @StephenHaynes4
This article originally appeared on Poughkeepsie Journal: Girls basketball: Greene, Adams help Ketcham top rival Arlington
