Essex Honors Robinson, Defeats Colchester 48-30

Coaching legend Jean Robinson is presented with a plaque by Essex players Ali Wells and Isey Esposito.

The most successful basketball coach in Vermont history was honored in Essex Thursday night with the unveiling of her name on the court, and a win by the Essex girls basketball team.

Kari Lavalette’s 18 points powered Essex to a 48-30 season-opening victory over Colchester Thursday night. In a pregame ceremony, Jean Robinson Court was officially unveiled to celebrate the former coaching legend.

Former coaches and players were among those who spoke in front of Robinson and a large crowd. Robinson coached girls basketball at Burlington and Essex from 1963 until her retirement in 2002. Along the way, she won 623 games—the most ever for a Vermont basketball coach. She won eight state titles and appeared in 15 championship games.

“We knew a lot of people were coming to help honor her and to watch us play,” said Lavalette. “We tried not to get caught up in the emotion and stay focused. Having her there watching us play meant we had to play to a high standard.”

Essex's Kara Sheftic boxes out against Colchester's Mikalya McMahon

Lavalette hit three three-pointers and sank nine of twelve free throws for Essex (1-0). Sophomore Kara Sheftic had eight points and a team-high 11 rebounds for the Hornets.

A strong defensive showing allowed Essex to pull out to a 26-17 halftime lead. The Hornets allowed only four Colchester field goals in the second half. Essex reached the free throw line 36 times, converting 50 percent.

“We weren’t totally focused in the first quarter,” said Lavalette. “We knew we had to stay strong on the defensive end.

Colchester (0-1) led by a point after the first quarter but battled foul trouble much of the game. Junior Jackie Sortor led the Lakers with 13 points. Kari Belval added nine points for Colchester.

Essex is at South Burlington on Monday. Colchester faces St. Johnsbury in the opening game of the Spaulding Tournament on Tuesday.