by Jamie Amell ’20
The girls varsity basketball team is off to a tough start with a record of 0-11. Although the Wyverns have not won a game they are optimistic about their teamwork.
The girls still remain positive. “We have been working really hard as a team to improve each day and use difficult games to get better,” senior Co-captain forward Jane Dunbar said.
The team uses every game as an opportunity. “We look forward to every game equally because every game is chance to either improve or to measure how much we already have improved,” Head Coach Quinn O’Brien said.
The Wyverns are trying to focus on the process this year. “That process includes coming together as a team, getting better individually, staying positive, and playing with energy, effort and enthusiasm,” Coach O’Brien said. “From that perspective, I am very proud of how we have done so far and where we are headed both for the rest of this year and the future.”
The Wyverns had a tough 40-72 loss to Wilbraham & Monson Academy (WMA) on Wednesday, Jan. 9. Senior point guard Desiree Davis had a strong performance, scoring 19 points and had five steals. Senior center Madi Henry and senior wing Charlotte Cyr contributed five and four points respectively. The Wyverns had strong defense efforts by freshman wing Megan Murphy, freshman point guard Natalia Correa, and Dunbar. The defense forced WMA to turnover the ball throughout the game.
Throughout the season, the team has been able to build and maintain good chemistry on the court. “We stick together really well and have not had issues with the team turning on each other and fighting even when we have tough games,” Dunbar said. She said that the team is really supportive of one another which makes practices, games and bus rides really enjoyable.
This year, the team only has five returning players. “All of the new players have had to step up and play large roles on the team in positions they might not be used to and all of them have been doing a great job,” Dunbar said.
On Wednesday, Jan. 23, the team played the Hotchkiss School at home. Although they lost 24-42, they still had a good fight. Going into the second half of the game, KO had to come back from a four point deficit, but in the end they were not able to fill the gap. Cyr and junior center Audrey Decker had standout performances and contributed eight and seven points, respectively. Henry had a strong performance in the post position and scored four points.
Dunbar is excited for the coming weeks. “I am looking forward to all the games, especially Senior Day because hopefully we will be able to win that game,” she said.
Coach O’Brien said he is hoping for success in the future. “We are looking for a sustained and well-executed effort for a full 32 minutes and every game presents an opportunity to make that happen,” he said.
On Friday, Jan. 25, the girls basketball team hosted Westminster School where they fell short, losing 37-34. This was a hard fought game that came down to the wire, but KO couldn’t pull it off.
On Monday, Jan. 28, the girls basketball team traveled to Miss Porters School, losing 26-58.
