NY STATE GIRLS BASKETBALL: NEWARK VALLEY’S ‘FAB 5’ RAKES IN HONORS (2022-06-13)

Tioga County Sports Report
NEWARK VALLEY — The most successful season in Newark Valley girls basketball history was capped with a plethora of recognition from the New York State Sportswriters Association.

The Cardinals’ “Fab 5” of sisters Cha and Grace Gardner, and Hayley Beebe, Taylor Benjamin and Hannah Ferguson received all-state honors.

“It's certainly an honor for the team and program to have five players recognized and it's a testament to the year of work and preparation these girls put into becoming outstanding basketball players,” coach Greg Schweiger said.

NV would dominate IAC opponents and most of its postseason foes, and put together a 24-2 overall record as it finished as the Class C state runner-up. The 24 victories matched state champ Millbrook and Duanesburg for most wins in the class.

Cha Gardner - Second Team
“Cha established herself this year as a consistent double-double producer, as well as being a constant threat to block shots,” Schweiger said. “As well as she played this year, I believe she will be even more productive next season.”

She was also named an All-Tioga County and IAC South Large School first-team all-star.

Hannah Ferguson - Sixth Team
“Hannah Ferguson ends her 4-year varsity career with 799 points and 112 made 3-pointers,” Schweiger said.

“Hannah is a very versatile player, able to score inside and outside and able to defend on the perimeter and in the post. She brought a quiet leadership and tremendous work ethic to the team that will be missed.”

Ferguson, also chosen as an All-Tioga County and IAC South Large School first-team all-star, has signed to continue her career at St. John Fisher.

Hayley Beebe - Eighth Team
“Like Cha, Hayley improved quite a bit this season from last season, and she did a great job of facilitating what we were trying to do on both the offensive and defensive ends of the court,” Schweiger said.

“She is tenacious and unrelenting on defense, and her ball handling and passing on the offensive end helped us score easy baskets. I also think she is primed for an even better senior season.”

Beebe was selected the Sports Reports'All-Region “Defensive Player of the Year,” the All-Tioga County “Player of the Year” and the IAC South Large School MVP.

Taylor Benjamin - 11th Team
“Taylor had a tremendous scoring season, dropping in 433 points,” Schweiger said. “She is the best finisher at the basket I have ever coached, and she also improved her three-point shooting this season.

“Tay started her varsity career as more of a lock down defender, but by the end of her career she added to that the ability to be a big-time scorer.

Benjamin, the Sports Reports' “Offensive Player of the Year,” the All-Tioga County “Offensive Player of the Year” and an IAC South Large School first-team pick, will be displaying her hoop skills at Alfred State College.

Grace Gardner - Honorable Mention
“Grace Gardner ends her 4-year varsity career with over 400 rebounds and 90 blocked shots,” Schweiger said.

“Beyond all the stats she put up in four seasons, her greatest impact was her court presence and the leadership that she provided this team.”

She is also an All-Tioga County and IAC South Large School second-team choice, and has signed to play at Division II Queens College.

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IN PHOTO 1: Cha Gardner. ... IN PHOTO 2: Hannah Ferguson ... IN PHOTO 3: Hayley Beebe. ... IN PHOTO 4: Taylor Benjamin. ... IN PHOTO 5: Grace Gardner. ... TCSR STOCK PHOTO.