By Steve Svetovich
She was the Lackawanna League girls’ Player of the Year last season and Lynett Tournament MVP for a second consecutive season.
That’s Dunmore Lady Bucks center-forward Victoria Toomey who is savoring her senior season to the fullest.
Daughter of Pat and Carrie Toomey, her mom, the former Carrie Bowen, was a basketball standout at Dunmore High School and Franklin and Marshall College. Victoria’s mom is a member of the Northeast PA Sports Hall of Fame.
“My parents taught me to work hard,” Victoria said. “They teach me that if you work hard, anything can happen.”
The senior center-forward is fifth in Lackawanna League Division III in scoring with an average of 13.9 points per game and fifth in free throw percentage (.727). She averages over eight rebounds per game.
She earned her second consecutive Lynett Tournament MVP after the Lady Bucks easily defeated Holy Cross for another title.
Her reaction to being named MVP of the tournament?
“I was so happy. I just have to hand it to all of my teammates who gave me the opportunity. It was a great team effort and it could not have happened without all of them.”
She averaged close to 17 points a game and over eight rebounds last season when she was named Player of the Year.
Victoria already has a scholarship in place for next fall when she will play basketball and begin studies at Rider University in New Jersey. She will study sports management with a concentration in business.
Humble, but spirited in nature, Victoria credits her coach Ben O’Brien for much of her success. “I have learned a lot from him. Just so much.
“He teaches us to work hard and take nothing for granted. He teaches us to always play together as teammates and to communicate.”
The scholar-athlete has a 95 academic average. Her best academic subject is history. She is a member of SADD, TACT, the Earth Club, Spanish Club and Art Club.
With her team undefeated with a 15-0 record (7-0 in the division), she talked about the team’s outlook for the rest of the season.
“We are very happy with our season so far, but not content. We want to keep pushing and go for a state title. That’s the ultimate goal.”
Victoria talked about the great success of the Lady Bucks.
“It’s all about chemistry and knowing each other. It helps that we are all close friends. We have been playing together for so long. Most of us have been playing together since the fourth grade.
“I’m very lucky to be playing basketball at Dunmore. We are very thankful for all of the people who come to our games.”
Victoria said she is looking forward to playing basketball at Rider University and studying sports management. She would like to become a professional sports agent.
Victoria is a four-year member and three-year starter at Dunmore. She was an all-star selection as a sophomore and junior and All Regional in her junior year.
She has 1,040 career points at press time. Victoria scored her milestone 1,000th career point in a recent win last month against Mid Valley.
“Dunmore High School has been such a great experience for me. It is crazy to think four years have gone by and I am a senior. It has been so awesome here. Every game is so special. I am enjoying every moment.”
