By Coach Shaun Piper
We’re pleased to welcome 26 girls to our JV and V basketball teams this season! We’re off to a nice start. After just two practices, we had our first game against Waldorf in late November. The girls were nervous but excited for the season opener, and put up solid effort. Unfortunately, the JV and V teams lost, but when asked if they enjoyed playing, they piped up with a resounding “Yes!”. This week we played our first away game against Catherine Cook. With a few more practice sessions and scrimmages under their belts, both teams looked ready to play hard. JV stormed to a 33-4 victory, while the V team lost 29-11 after some strong defensive play.
Well done, ladies!
By Coach James Brook
Right before the Thanksgiving holiday, the High School boys basketball team travelled to a local school for its first game of the season. We took an early lead and moved the ball well, but our competition fought hard on the offensive rebounds and commanded the paint area. Our opponent’s star player was proving too much for the Bulldogs, hitting several three-pointers in succession, stretching their lead. We forged on and with an impressive half-court trap defense, managed to take back the lead at the start of the third period. Our opponent needed a quick timeout to stop the draught of baskets and soon found their rhythm, taking a 12-point lead going into the fourth period. The Bulldogs found themselves down by 10 points with 2.47 remaining and intensified their full-court defense to force the other team to turn over the ball. We had one last shot to win to game, with 4.2 seconds left. We organized a play to get a quick three-pointer to tie the game. The play worked, freeing up Marshall B. for an open three-pointer, but the shot failed to connect. Despite the loss, we showed true class and determination and will no doubt bounce back.
This week, the JV boys basketball team looked to continue its winning ways as it took on a well-drilled and organized Catherine Cook team. From the jump we struggled to get into an offensive rhythm as Catherine Cook pressed the Bulldogs guards. We found ourselves down early on and took a timeout to readdress our game plan. Following the break, the boys came out more focused and settled, and began to force the competition to make unforced errors. The second half saw the Bulldogs extend their lead and push the ball in transition, unsettling Catherine Cook’s defense. We held onto the lead and took a well-earned win 27-19. Well done to Mikey H. for being the top scorer with 14 points.
On Tuesday, the V team was out for their first win of the season but fell to a better lot 32-62. The full-court press by Catherine Cook was unsettling and forced back-court turnovers and quick baskets for the opposition. Still, the boys never gave up and showed a quick burst of fight to reduce Catherine Cook’s lead to seven points. Catherine Cook’s quick guards and midrange shooting stretched the Bulldog defense, and Catherine Cook soon took a 20-point lead. The second half saw a quick exchange of baskets, with the Bulldogs showing fight on rebounds. We worked to our full potential and wore our hearts on our sleeves but couldn't get past a highly experienced Catherine Cook team. Well played, everyone! C.J. H. scored the most points at 12.
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