Officiating Fordham's intrasquad scrimmage: Ray Floriani's Photo Essay

BRONX, NY -- We see the finished product, the game and its result. We analyze, as should be the case. But do we realize what goes on behind the scenes?

The preparation and work involved which often can separate a contender from pretender, the hours in practice where individuals and the team develop to their best potential. This is a vital  part of the game often overlooked by the casual fan.

On a quiet Sunday morning, the Fordham women’s basketball team was at work. A two-hour practice highlighted by an intrasquad scrimmage at Fordham Prep, a long jump shot from Rose Hill Gymnasium, was in order.

The Fordham women have a number of new additions to their roster and coaching staff as well. Among the returnees were several starters out with injuries, which prompted coach Stephanie Gaitley to remark, “it feels like we have all freshmen out there.”

Stretching gave way to conditioning and shooting drills. Free throws and some half court work were added before the scrimmage. Fordham went up against a scout team of former high school boys’ players. This is a practice widely used in women’s programs today.

Four ten-minute quarters, a normal college game, was the order. Yours truly also served as an official, giving a unique perspective. Coach Gaitley would occasionally call timeout to make a teaching point. Other than that, she watched with her assistants while taking time to address certain plays from a fundamental standpoint. Even with the likes of Lauren Holden, G’mrice Davis and Mary Goulding out, the teaching continued in earnest. Gaitley used the opportunity to further indoctrinate her younger players on how things are done at Rose Hill.  

Fordham won the intrasquad over the scout team by about 20 points. The scoreboard told us as much. Beyond that was the instruction and chance for the new arrivals to effectively work into the system under game conditions, another example of how those victories on cold winter nights actually begin and take root in the work put in during the fall.

Early arrivals to Fordham's Sunday morning practice:

Inside the gymnasium at Fordham Prep:

A plaque outside Fordham Prep's court, paying tribute to alumnus Donnie Walsh, best known as the former general manager of the Indiana Pacers and New York Knicks:

Head coach Stephanie Gaitley putting the Rams through their paces:

Fordham in a pre-scrimmage huddle:

With practice complete, Gaitley addresses the team:

Official Joe Cruz, who shared the whistle with Ray for the intrasquad scrimmage: