Eighteen individuals –- including 15 players, two coaches, and one contributor that have all had a tremendous impact on Berkshire County girls basketball — highlight the diverse group of inductees that will be honored over the Martin Luther King weekend. The inaugural induction festivities are proudly included as part of the Berkshire County Coaches vs. Cancer Girls Basketball Showcase.

 

A non-profit organization with the mission of recognizing accomplishments and services within the history of Berkshire County High School Girls Basketball, the Hall of Fame was established earlier this year based on the vision of long-time local coach, Bob O'Neil. The names and honors of the inductees will be displayed permanently in the Taconic High School gymnasium.

 

The upcoming Hall of Fame weekend will feature an inaugural induction banquet on Friday, Jan. 18 th at the ITAM Lodge in Pittsfield. Open to the public, tickets are only $15 per person and include a buffet-style Italian meal, cash bar and programming related to local girls basketball and the Hall of Fame inductees. Attendees will include the past, present and future of local girls basketball. Former high school players, coaches, and officials — as was as current high school teams — from throughout Berkshire County are expected to attend. A limited number of advanced tickets are available by calling 413-499-4656.

 

On Saturday, Jan. 19, every Berkshire County high school girls basketball team will be featured in the 2013 Coaches vs. Cancer Showcase held at Taconic High School. Twelve teams, six games, and 200-plus student-athletes will come together to display their talents. Games begin at 10:30 a.m. and continue until about 10 p.m. Last year;s Coaches vs. Cancer Girls Basketball Showcase raised close to $10,000 for breast cancer awareness and research development. A brief on-court Hall of Fame inductee recognition ceremony will take place at 5:30 p.m.

 

The inaugural Berkshire County High School Girls Basketball Hall of Fame induction Class of 2013 features:

 

Players:

 

Samantha Herrick - Lenox - 1990's, All-Time Berkshire County leading scorer

Paula Hayden - Hoosac Valley - 1970's, 1,000 point scorer, played at Louisiana State Univ.

Lisa Boenitz - Lenox - 1980's, 1,800 point scorer, 3-Time Berkshire County MVP

Mary Gaudreau - Drury - 1970's, 1978 State Champ, All-Time leading scorer at Siena

Anna Kinne - Monument Mt. - 1990's, All Western Mass, 3-time league champ at Holy Cross

Erin Ladley - Pittsfield High - 1990's, Capt. at Univ. of Pennsylvania, European Pro League

Kelly McMammon - Lee - 2000's, Western Mass. Champ, played at St. John's

Megan Ladley - Pittsfield High - 1990's, Western Mass MVP, AIC, European Pro League

Hollie Steinman - Taconic - 1990's, American Univ. (D.C.), USA Today All-American

Ann Whalen - Monument Mt - 2000's, Mass. Player Of The Year, 2000 State Champion

Nina Kazura - Pittsfield High - 1940's, Berkshire Belles, Semi-Pro National Tournaments

Meghan Vaughn - Wahconah - 2000's, 1,000 pt. scorer, Boston College, Univ. Alaska coach

Mary Langendorf - Wahconah - 1980's, 1,000 pt. scorer, Captain at Army

Mickie Turner - Taconic - 1990's, 4-time W. Mass Finals, 1,000 pt. scorer, Westfield St.

Stephanie Ladley - Pittsfield High- 1990's, Western Mass. Champion, 1,000 pt. scorer

 

Coaches:

 

Bob O'Neil - Taconic\Pittsfield High - 3 time W. Mass Champion, 2-time W. Mass D1 Coach of Year

Robert "Boog" Powell - Wahconah - 20+ years as Coach & Athletic Dir., Girls Basketball & Soccer

 

Contributors:

 

Wray Gunn Sr. - Stockbridge - Referee, 1950's-1980's, 2 x. N.E. H.S. Champ. Official-Boston Garden