The women’s varsity basketball team defeated the Connelly School of the Holy Child on Tuesday, Jan. 21, in a close game, securing their first win this season.
The win improved GDS’ record to 1–10, marking the team’s first win in the ISL AA Division since they were promoted after finishing first in the lower A division last season. Holy Child fell to 3–10 after the loss.
The GDS team started off hot, forcing an early turnover which led to a layup by freshman Jozi McDuffie. This was only the start of GDS’ scoring, as their offense looked strong early. Physical defense led to fouls, and Holy Child put together a comeback, but GDS maintained an early 10–9 lead. The rest of the quarter was back and forth but finished 19–17 in GDS’ favor after a buzzer-beating shot by McDuffie.
The second quarter opened with a Holy Child deep mid-range basket, tying the game at 19–19. Consistent scoring from both teams kept the game close, but consecutive free throws by the Hoppers gave them a 24–21 lead with five minutes to go in the first half. Holy Child started to fight back, putting together a few baskets to make the score 24–24. A deep three and tough defense put Holy Child up by three and prevented GDS from scoring. The drought was broken with three minutes to go in the first half by a GDS basket and, after more GDS scoring, the lead briefly changed hands. The game was tied for much of the rest of the quarter, but free throws put Holy Child ahead 32–31 as the first half ended.
The second half began with lock-down defense leading to a shot clock violation on Holy Child. Holy Child scored the first basket of the half to extend their lead to three. GDS tied the game at 34 with less than five minutes left in the quarter. Two minutes later, they retook the lead, 36–35, on a deep two-pointer. Both teams entered foul trouble late in the third, which led to many free throws. The quarter finished with a free throw for Holy Child as GDS headed into the fourth quarter up 41–36.
The final quarter started with a Holy Child basket and tough guarding from both sides, but the Tigers’ defense fell apart, allowing GDS to sink a three early in the quarter. Fouls and free throws allowed Holy Child to cut down GDS’ lead, making the score 46–41. GDS responded with a scoring run, resulting in a 50–41 lead with four minutes to go in the game. The Hoppers played physical defense, minimizing Holy Child’s scoring and slowly extending their lead to double digits. Holy Child attempted to muster a comeback in the final minutes but couldn’t overcome the deficit before the final buzzer. The game finished with a final score of 56–48, giving GDS the win.
After the game, freshman Lindsay Fuzesi told the Bit about the role of upperclassmen on the team. “They’ve been giving tips and they’ve created a really positive environment,” she said. They’ve been “very welcoming to all the new people,” she added. (Junior Teresa Dean, who is on the women’s varsity basketball team, is a Managing Editor of the Bit. She did not edit or read this article before publication).
McDuffie commented on the team’s progression throughout the season, saying that the players have “continued to grow by getting to know each other and our different play styles.”
GDS’ next game will be on the road against Maret at 5:45 p.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 28.