Ali is an honor student who excels on the basketball court as well. Known for her defensive play, Ali has a reliable shot when needed.

2009 will be Ashley’s 4th season playing with the Buffalo Defenders. Among her greatest strengths lies tenacity at defending the point and her flexibility on the court. Ashley has played organized basketball since the age of 6. Having come through several Catholic grammar school leagues, she led her team to a win for the title of Suburban North Division Champions of the Monsignor Gallagher League. Ashley has most recently put her talent to use as a freshmen playing JV basketball for Lancaster High School.

Caitlin is a three sport star in basketball, soccer, and track at Starpoint. She missed her high school basketball season last year, because of a knee injury, but since than has fully recovered. She lead her Starpoint basketball team in scoring the two previous seasons. Caitlin is an honor student and represents the student body at Starpoint Middle School in the Student Safety Association.

Candis Kapuscinski is a Freshman at Holland Central. Playing point guard, as a varsity starter, she is the top 3 point shooter and the leading scorer on her team. She is an excellent ball handler, very quick, and sees the floor well. She received the All Tournament Team Award at the 2008 Holland Holiday Tournament and also received the ECIC All-Star Second Team award for the 2008-2009 season. She finished the high school season with 290 points, 26 3-point shots, and 67 steals. This is her 5th year playing AAU basketball and her 3rd year with the Buffalo Defenders. Candis also plays soccer for Holland and led her soccer team with 26 goals this past season. She also plays Varsity Softball for Holland and is a member of Student Council, Key Club, and Varsity Club and maintains a 98% average.

Coach Keith Junik, 716-683-4824,142 Laverack Ave., Lancaster, NY 14086.

Varsity starter as a Freshman– smart player who sees the floor well and is a good passer that truly enjoys playing basketball. Nice moves around the basket and possesses an outstanding jump shot

Has been playing varsity basketball since 7th grade. Jenna is a very unselfish player who sees the floor well and is exceptional at driving to the hoop. She is very strong with the ball.

Dana is a three sport athlete at Williamsville East High School, playing varsity field hockey, JV basketball and JV lacrosse. Dana is an honor student, student council representative and member of Student Leadership Forum. Entering into her third year with AAU, Dana is also involved outside of school with the Amherst Youth Consortium.

Great athlete who is a very aggressive, quick player, tough on defense, good shooter. Dani made the varsity softball team at Williamville East as a 9th grader.

This is Demi's third year as a Buffalo Defender, who has been on many winning and championship teams. As a 12U player, her team went to the DII AAU National Tournament in Minnesota. She was a memebr of the 2008 Buffalo Diocesan Championship, also. Demi is looking forward to her 2009 Defender's season. Beside basketball, Demi is an outstanding volleyball player.

Coach Jake Herlihy, 716-881-6262,135 Cleveland Ave., Buffalo, NY 14222

Has been a varsity starter since 9th grade. Vica is a very unselfish player who handles the ball well and is excellent at driving to the basket. She is very strong with the ball and is a smart player who can knock down the three.

Coach Sister Marie Pares, 716-834-2101, 3860 Main Street, Eggertsville, NY, 14226

Played JV Soccer and Varsity Basketball for Sacred Heart Academy as a sophomore. 3rd AAU season – strong defensive player who rebounds well and has a nice touch around the basket. Runs the floor well.

Coach Ed Lewis, 716-926-1720, 4432 Bayview rd., Hamburg, NY 14075