St. Mary’s High School basketball coach Jeff Newhall told the guests at the team’s awards banquet that “This player did a little bit of everything for us†this season.
The little things added up in a big way for Nicolette D’Itria as the 5-foot-6-inch junior backcourt star from Revere received the team’s Unsung Hero Award at the banquet. The Spartans celebrated their 2020 state championship season and D’Itria’s game-by-game consistency and across-the-stat-sheet contributions were crucial during the team’s record-breaking 25-2 campaign, according to Newhall.
D’Itria shot a phenomenal 54 per cent from three-point land, 45 percent overall from the floor, and 79 percent from the free throw line.
“Nicolette led the team in assists, steals, and did a lot of the stuff you’re not going to read about in the newspapers,†lauded Newhall. “She handled the basketball in extremely intense, pressure situations and I think when you talk about unsung people willing to do stuff that maybe isn’t in their job description – this player as a point guard was the No. 2 rebounder on the team which speaks to her dedication and willingness to go get the basketball.â€
Newhall said D’Itria’s commitment to the program was second to none. “Summer, winter, spring, and fall, no one spends more time in the gym,†said Newhall.
After accepting her award and a replica of the state championship trophy, D’Itria credited the seniors on the team for their leadership.
“I thank the seniors for leading a great team to a great season and keeping the team together and always pushing us to do our best, the same with the coaches – I just want to thank them all, especially Coach Newhall, and Coach [Tim] Spinney,†said D’Itria.
As for her Unsung Hero Award, she said, “It just shows that hard work and dedication pays off in the end. All the extra time in the gym, it shows that it’s all worth it.â€
