"In those moments, it's all about players staying composed and not trying to do more than what they need to do," Coleman said.
That's all the Chimeras did. The result was a 56-51 win, one of the team's biggest regular-season statements in recent memory.
The Chimeras have won 12 straight. They have the talent, depth, and now the signature win to be in the conversation with the state's best teams.
When asked why all that talent is clicking so well right now, Coleman continued to point to each player's ability to execute her job description.
There's Taylor Lewis, an athletic senior guard who relishes her duties as a defensive specialist. She was glued to TCA's dynamic point guard, Isis Young, and helped hold the Iron Mikes to eight fourth-quarter points.
Sophomore Vanessa Francis came off the bench when center Gabby Bennet was in foul trouble to grab nine rebounds and block four shots against TCA.
Nola Henry was again the team's floor general in the game, content to dish the ball and stay out of the spotlight - even as she'd like nothing more than to shine against Trenton Catholic, the team she played for as a sophomore and junior.
Instead, Henry left the scoring to the team's scorers. Forward Micahya Owens netted 23 points, and guard Kara Cezar added 11. The two combined to hit four straight free throws late in the fourth quarter to seal the win.
"Before the game, I talked to them, once again, about that role-playing," Coleman said. "And they went out there and executed.
"The win was huge for us. For us to come out and beat TCA in the middle of the season, that boosted our morale. It really gives these girls the confidence that they need for the rest of the season."
Though Willingboro remains the No. 2 team in The Inquirer's South Jersey rankings, the Chimeras have looked unbeatable in recent weeks. Willingboro (13-2) is outscoring opponents by almost 18 points in its 12 wins since losing to No. 1 Rancocas Valley on Dec. 20.
