Watervliet senior forward Nae White elevates for a shot during Monday's practice at the high school. (Photos by Tom Killips - The Record).

The Watervliet girls basketball team keeps track of a special statistic, one head coach Gordie Johnson calls a "deflection." It's not quite as obvious as a steal or a block, just a tip of a pass or a shot that can lead to a turnover and fast break points for the Lady Cannoneers.

Senior foward Nae White leads the team in scoring and she also averages about nine deflections a game, meaning she picks up a lot of Arsenal City double-doubles.

Watervliet will certainly need their "designated defender" Tuesday night against Holy Names, as the Cannoneers (8-1, 8-1, No. 10 Class B) trail Holy Names (9-0, 9-0, No. 4 Class A) by a game in the Colonial Council standings. Tipoff at Holy Names is set for 7:30 p.m.

For more on White's story, check out Wednesday's edition of The Record.

Watervliet senior guard Tierney McGlynn is one of the team's leaders in the backcourt and she's also a big force in the huddle.

Holy Names has been a dominant force in the Colonial for the past two seasons. They were undefeated (18-0) a season ago and have won 27 consecutive games in the council.

Watervliet last toppled the Albany school on Dec. 1, 2006.

Holy Names has plenty of experience and plenty of talent, but so does this Watervliet team. Either way, whichever team wins makes a big statement as they start the second half of the Colonial Council regular season.

"Everyone is excited for the game," White said. "When we play Holy Names, it’s usually a good game. They’re a good team, we’re a good team and it’s going to be a good game."