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Rams good, but no longer No. 1

After winning four straight conference and district titles, Ridgewood is rebuilding, but still competitive.

By BOB PUTNAM
Published January 28, 2005

With the deepest, most talented senior class in school history, Ridgewood coach Greg Bollinger knew he had to enjoy last season as much as he could.

The Rams set county standards for dominance, winning 116 games, as well as four straight conference and district titles.

But after bidding adieu to eight seniors, who lived up to their billing as the most talented class in county history, conventional wisdom suggested Ridgewood was in store for a rebuilding season, a campaign in which unseasoned players could gain experience under the cover of lowered expectations.

But wearing the Ridgewood uniform does not have afford the current Rams that luxury.

Regarded as the queens of the hardcourt for some time, the Rams went 75-1 against county opponents the past four years, and were the only county team to advance to the state semifinals three times during that span.

The only team that came close to matching those type of numbers?

Ridgewood's junior varsity squad, which was 47-2 the past two seasons.

"Last year's team was pretty special," Bollinger said. "The problem is that other teams know what we've done and put the target on us. We have to play our best, night in and night out."

The Rams do not like to use the word rebuilding, but how do you get away from it? Sure, Ridgewood has always been able to replace talent with talent, often using its stellar junior varsity squad to develop the pieces to fit its championship puzzle.

But wasn't it a bit much to ask a bunch of neophytes to move into major roles at once?

On paper, this year's team has a nice blend of veterans and newcomers (five seniors, three juniors, four sophomores). But with only one returning starter, Nina Bonaparte, the deconstructed champs were back to square one.

To make sure his younger players were not glued to the bench, Bollinger gave them pivotal roles, ensuring the Rams would go through a series of highs and lows while learning by trial and error.

At times, they have erred.

Ridgewood has lost four games in the final minute. Two came on last-second 3-pointers. Another came on a failed free-throw attempt that sent the game into overtime. Another came with a late defensive collapse that allowed a comfortable lead to disappear.

The frustration was illustrated two weeks ago when Bollinger was ejected for the first time in his three years at Ridgewood. He sat out two games, including a last-minute loss to Mitchell.

"I don't think it was a huge shock what we've done this year," Bollinger said. "I knew this was going to be a different team. I'm happy with how the team is working toward getting better."

The close losses have hurt. Instead of being 16-5, the Rams are 12-9 and struggling to earn a bye in Class 4A, District 10. Ridgewood's conference title streak has already been snapped thanks to Gulf's breakthrough performance this season. The Rams' string of district titles could also end considering the Buccaneers are in 4A-10.

All that's left is maintaining a six-year playoff streak, which Ridgewood can do if it advances to the district final.

Despite the setbacks, Bollinger said making the postseason is attainable.

After all, the Rams have overcome adversity before.

Ridgewood held together last season when Crystal Ayers, the three-time SAC player of the year, went down with a knee injury. Playing without their best player, the Rams won seven straight down the stretch and advanced to the state semifinals.

"This season has been a learning experience," Bollinger said. "We just need to get on a roll and build some confidence before the district tournament."

[Last modified January 28, 2005, 00:21:17]