The first varsity girls and boys basketball games for the 2011-2012 season are November 29. Already, the seniors on both teams are looking forward to play their last season.
“This year we want to win every tournament, regular season and post season,” said senior forward DJ Christian.
“The whole point is to just keep winning,” said senior forward Jordan Francis.
Like the boys, the girls have high hopes even though only two seniors are returning. Five seniors are expected to return this season for boys varsity basketball.
The boy’s team enjoyed a successful season last year, earning an 11-10 record in the regular season, placing second in the Liberty District tournament, and going on to regionals before losing to Herndon.
Last year’s seniors, Jo Daye and Darius Smith, led the team. Despite losing these key players, seniors are confident that talented players will step up.
“People should be stepping up big,” said Francis. “We should have players as good as Jo Daye and Darius Smith.”
“We’re more defensive, as well as faster and more athletic this year,” said Christian.
Last season, the girls varsity basketball team went 9-14. Their year ended in a loss to Mclean 48-50 in the first round of districts. There were five freshmen on the team last year which meant many new faces for the players.
“I think were a lot closer this year then we were last year,” said senior Sanica Bendre. “I like having younger players on the team because they are like your little sisters and they look up to you.”
“We have a lot of returning players who have had at least a year under the belt and we’re ready to do better than last year,” said senior guard Emily Lopynski. “With only two seniors, we have a disadvantage when it comes to experience, but we’ve got what it takes to make up for that.”
Training for the season started early this season. Every Tuesday and Thursday, trainer Bhawoh Jue leads the boys team through rigorous athletic drills.
Many of the players have set high goals for themselves this season.
“This year I want to be on the all-team defense for districts,” said senior guard Ahmed Gibreel.
“This year I want to get more minutes,” said senior guard Lucian Fox. “I want to make a solid contribution to the team.”
This season, three games are marked on the calendar for these players, especially one game.
“December 20 versus Herndon,” said Christian.
“I’m looking forward to the Herndon game this year obviously,” said Gibreel. “They crushed us last year, and we’ve got to get them back this year.”
“I’m looking forward to playing McLean and Langley this year,” said senior guard JD Wallace. “McLean has become a rival since I’ve been on varsity, and Langley won districts last year.”
The girls see Herndon as one of their big games.
“I’m really looking forward to the Herndon games,” said Bendre. “The whole school gets hyped for the game. Normally not too many people show up to the girls’ games, but everyone comes out to the Herndon game.”
