By Steve Svetovich
Every good basketball team needs a force in the middle.
And sophomore Victoria Toomey has been that as the starting center for the Dunmore Lady Bucks.
Undefeated with a 13-0 record at press time under veteran coach Ben O’Brien, the Lady Bucks are relying on Victoria to be an integral part of the team’s inside game.
Daughter of Pat and Carrie Toomey, Dunmore, she is in the top 10 in Lackawanna League Division III in scoring at 10.5 points per game and in rebounding at close to eight boards per contest.
This is Victoria’s second season on the Dunmore basketball team.
She is also a member of the Spanish Club, Earth Club and Health Careers Club at Dunmore High School. Victoria has an impressive 96.4 academic average. Her favorite subject is history.
Victoria was interviewed by The Dunmorean following her team’s 61-46 win over Lakeland. Victoria scored 11 points as Dunmore extended its record to 13-0.
She also helped her team win the Lynett Tournament.
“I have to attribute our success thus far to team chemistry,” she said. “We pass the ball and look for the open shot. We play together as a team.”
The scholar-athlete said she learned a lot from coach O’Brien. “He tells us to find the open player, make the extra pass and be unselfish on the court. “
Victoria said her parents have been a big help. “I have really learned a lot from my parents. My mom coached me from the time I was a little kid. My parents always tell me to not be afraid to make a mistake. They tell me to go for it.”
The sophomore stalwart talked about what it takes to be a good center.
“You need to play smart and take your time with the ball before making a move. You need to know where the defense is.”
Victoria, who enjoys listening to Beyoncé, said her hobbies include reading and painting.
Her favorite basketball players are Brianna Stewart and Katie Samuelson of the University of Connecticut. Her favorite college team is Syracuse.
Victoria said she hopes to study architecture and play college basketball.
In the meantime, she loves Dunmore.
“Dunmore is a great community. It is a tight knit community. It’s a fun place to play basketball. Everybody comes out to watch us play.
“I love being here. It’s a great place to play and go to school.”