A tough ferocious crew, the girls varsity basketball team fought hard in the KITs, beating Hyde but ultimately losing to Holderness and Kimball Union ending with a record of 1-2.
The Wyverns played Hyde on Friday, Dec. 15. Their mindset before the game was simple; execute the plays and play with energy and intensity. The team did just that, dominating the whole game and winning 72-30. Sophomore guard Olivia Pilecki put on a show draining threes and leading the team in scoring with 15 points, four rebounds, and two steals. The energy from the crowd was bursting through the roof, and everybody on the team got to play in the game. The team saw great performances from their Middle School players such as guard Eden Gonzalez, forward Maddie Brillant, and combo guard Camilla Jordan.
Having the underclassman on the team has had nothing but a positive impact. “It’s great having them,” Pilecki said. “They bring intensity to every single practice. The energy is there. They always come with a smile on their face.”
The second day, Dec. 16, was challenging for the girls team, playing against a hardnose Holderness team. Player #12 on Holderness was lights out from three and couldn’t be stopped along with a tall center nobody could contain on the glass. The Wyverns started off the game aggressively, trapping everything on defense. Sophomore guard Samaria Gonzalez played tough and aggressive with eight points, three rebounds, three deflections, and one steal. The girls fought hard but unfortunately lost 66-39. However they didn’t let that stop them from making memories and playing hard for each other the next day.
On the final day of the KITs, Dec. 17, the crew had one last game in the tournament against a skilled, trash-talking Kimball Union. The squad stayed focused, and Head Coach Quinn O’Brien was proud of how his players handled the negativity. “He was proud that we kept our cool and didn’t go down to their level,” Gonzalez said, “making sure we were representing KO in a positive way.” Senior guard Co-captain Aashni Patel and Gonzalez dominated this game. Patel had 16 points, six rebounds, four assists, one deflection, and four steals. Gonzalez added 13 points, six rebounds, four assists, one deflection, and four steals. Unfortunately, Kimball Union had a shifty guard, #12, who couldn’t be stopped. KO was down the whole game fighting to try to make a comeback, but the Wildcats didn’t take their foot off the gas and won the game 58-46.
This is only the beginning for the young team since their chemistry is already through the roof. They didn’t lose a single player from last year, which is an advantage the team has that many other prep schools don’t.
“We all bonded since the beginning of tryouts, and everyone was comfortable with each other,” Gonzalez said. “We felt we could keep each other accountable and call on each other when needed, and the thing is we don’t get mad at each other.We don’t take it personally. We just fix our mistakes, and that’s what makes us a well-bonded and strong team.”
Overall, the girls varsity basketball team persevered through tough competition in this year’s KIT tournament, and we wish them the best of luck with the remainder of their season!
