Ball in the family: Weaver gets results in Connecticut girls basketball

Among the biggest changes Wendell Williams made when he took over the Weaver (Hartford, Conn.) girls basketball team 10 seasons ago weren't schemes and skills. They were about working hard and building a family.

Those traits have paid off particularly well for the Beavers as of late. They were a state title contender the previous three seasons, including winning the 2012 CIAC Class M title, the program's first state championship.

Weaver has continued to be a state power this season, and is among the top-ranked teams in Class L.

"When I first came to Weaver, they didn't do anything in the off season," Williams said. "I made sure they participated in team camps at UMass-Lowell, the University of Vermont, Boston College. I think you have to keep the team together and intact year-round.

"We're family oriented. We've got girls participating in soup kitchens, giving back to the community. We've done a lot of things team-wise, like going to movies. I think that's helped out."

The Beavers (16-2) had two key players return from last season's Class M semifinalists — twins Alyssa and Amanda Stewart. The seniors are both 6-foot-0 forwards. Alyssa has averaged 17.7 points, 9.2 rebounds and 3.9 blocks. Amanda has averaged 11.3 points, 8.4 rebounds and 2.2 blocks.

"We had a girl (Sashana Bucknor, now an Eastern Michigan junior), and Alyssa played behind her for two years," Williams said. "When Sashana graduated (in 2011), I told (Alyssa) it was her time. Since then, she's made all-state, and she'll make it again. Last year, she led the state in blocks and was one of the top rebounders.

"Amanda, that one really surprised me. She's really elevated her numbers. She's just been amazing. We just had a big win over (then) unbeaten South Windsor (63-51 on Feb. 12). She had 15 points and 13 rebounds. She was just all over the place. She's really improved her game."

Weaver has also benefited from some additions to its family. Rayven Smith, who played at Norwich Free Academy (Conn.) last year, moved back to Hartford and enrolled at Weaver this season. The guard-forward has started for the Beavers.

"She showed up at tryouts and dazzled everyone," Williams said. "She's steady and been one of the team leaders in steals (54)."

Weaver's other two starters are junior DeJane James and Shaquana Edwards. Both played at defending Class S champion Capital Prep (Hartford) last season, but they grew up with their current teammates.

James ranks fifth nationally in assists (9.8) and has averaged 18.8 points and 3.8 steals. Hartford, Hofstra, Sacred Heart and Northeastern have shown interest in her.

"(James) is probably the best point guard I've ever had a chance to coach, and I've had some good guards," Williams said. "What separates her is her heart. A lot of girls don't have that killer instinct, the refuse-to-lose attitude. We lost at the buzzer to South Windsor (56-55, Jan. 7), and she caught me after the game and said, ‘it's my fault. I missed my assignment.'  She had played the whole game. I'd say, ‘do you want to come out', and she'd say, ‘no, I'm not coming out.' "

Edwards has done a lot of everything, averaging 18.3 points, 7.4 rebounds, 4.3 assists and 3.9 steals.

"This girl flirts with a triple-double every game," Williams said. "The only thing I'm trying to work with her on is to not be so hard on her self. She had only six points (in the South Windsor win) and she was mad at herself. The thing is that she's a heck of a dribbler. That's what she did with South Windsor, and they couldn't get the ball from her...(James and Edwards) are both straight-A students, too.

"(All) the girls have clicked. These girls go to each other's houses to hang out. I think that once again goes to keeping that family atmosphere."

Ned Griffen has covered high school, college and professional sports in the Northeast since 1992. A 2003 New England Associated Press News Executives award winner, he may be reached at nedgriffen@gmail.com or follow him @MetalNED.