The girls varsity basketball team continues their strong season by facing up against tough opponents and pushing themselves to succeed. With a current record of 6-4, the team celebrates their successes and emphasizes the aspects of their game on which they need to improve.
Recently, the girls played against Miss Porters on Wednesday, Jan. 18, where they won 72-66. Prior to that game, the girls came off a large victory against Westminster on Friday, Jan. 13, winning 56-37. At this game, the athletic department supplied free shirts to students who attended the game. The support in the student section and the effort each player put into the game helped to secure the victory.
Junior Co-captain guard Aashni Patel played a strong game with 18 points and freshman guard Samaria Gonzalez racked up 14 points. Overall, the team played well both offensively and defensively.
Against Miss Porters, the girls played excellent defense. At halftime, the score was 42-27, in the Wyverns favor. The Porters girl came out aggressive during the start of the third quarter, but the Wyverns were able to clinch the win. Junior Co-Captain guard Olivia Stevens had an excellent game, with 22 points.
The girls recently played against St. Marks on Saturday, Jan. 28. Losing by 13 points going into the third quarter, the girls came out fierce. They played aggressive defense and were able to move the ball well. The team ultimately lost 43-40, however, this was still a stellar game.
Head Coach Quinn O’Brien and Assistant Coach Judy Bailey dedicate their time in practice to working on individual and team skills. They push the girls to succeed while emphasizing a strong team bond. “The success our team has experienced thus far in the season is due to the hard work all 10 players put in every day to practice and the way the girls play together as a team in the games,” Coach Bailey said.
As a young and small team, everyone has an opportunity to succeed and improve as players. Patel has been especially proud of the younger members of the team, whose continued positivity has been integral to their success. “So far, we are off to a strong start with the season,” she said. “For most of the girls, this is their first year playing varsity basketball, and they have done it with confidence and a positive mentality.”
Stevens also believed that the team has been performing well. “I am so proud of the team and how hard we’ve been working day in and day out,” she said. “We are able to keep a positive mindset throughout all our games and I believe if we keep it up, we’ll make the playoffs.”
The team has suffered some defeats against tough opponents such as Choate, Wilbraham and Monson Academy, and Taft. Regardless of the score, the team puts in their all and every player must bring their A-game. “Every player has to contribute in order for us to be successful,” Coach Bailey said. “We are not reliant on one or two players to win. As a team, the girls have played strong defense, and every game we have seen multiple players contributing on the offensive end.”
This season the team has a goal of making the playoffs. To reach this goal, they must continue to play with an effort and have a strong, positive attitude. For now, however, the team is focusing its attention on its upcoming games. The team will face off against Greenwich Country Day School and Pomfret School in the coming days, and we wish them luck in these matchups!
