The varsity girls’ basketball team’s season so far has been a rollercoaster of challenges and triumphs.
“I think as a team we’re growing and learning how to play together,” said freshman guard Afia Hunt.
As of December 16, the Tigers had a record of 2-3. To start the season, the team suffered back-to-back losses to out-of-conference private powers Bishop O’Connell, 60-41, and Georgetown Visitation, 56-30. However, since opening conference play, JR has secured wins over Ballou and School Without Walls, while losing to Eastern.
Although facing some adversity to start the winter, the team is attempting to find its footing.
“The girls have bought into what we’ve talked about: development, play and work hard, making sure that we’re disciplined, and giving 110 percent in everything that we do,” said head coach Stephon Seraile. “I’m very pleased with the corrections that the girls have made in practice and in games. I just want them to continue their winning habits, but overall, I’m very proud of them.”
“I think we’re just trying to build our momentum as a team and figure out our strengths and weaknesses,” said junior guard Lucia Nawar. “It’s been up and down as of recently, but we’re trying to get right for the rest of the season.”
In practice, the Tigers have worked on communicating better with each other on the court. Players said they hope that will feed into later success.
“We’ve been able to correct our mishaps by going harder in practice. We’re instilling a positive mentality and being 100 percent locked in going into each game,” added Nawar. “Communication has also been a huge thing for us, just talking out our issues and knowing where everyone is mentally, so we can all be on the same page.”
Along with Nawar, the team is built around their junior class core of Ava Piotrowski, Aminyah Muhammad, and The Beacon’s very own Noa Gordon. Blended in are newcomers senior center Arisemma Okrah, junior forward Jordan McClusky, and Hunt.
The team understands it will take time to reach their full potential after losing key graduates. However, with a blend of new and old players, the Tigers are looking to gel so they can contend for the DCIAA championship and make a run in states. That starts with their games during the holiday break.
On December 20, the Tigers will play against Friendship Collegiate High School at home. Following that, JR will compete at Frederick Community College for the IAABO Holiday tournament with opponents to be announced. The team is looking to piece together quality wins, hoping to continue to build when DCIAA conference play resumes in the new year.
