The women’s varsity basketball team faced off against the Potomac School on Thursday for the second time this season. The Hoppers lost 62-33 in this matchup.
Entering the game, GDS sat at a record of 1–12, while Potomac had a record of 12–8. This season marks GDS’ return to the upper division of both the Independent School League (ISL) and the District of Columbia State Athletic Association (DCSAA) after winning the lower division of both in 2024. Additionally, GDS lost five players from last year’s team after one graduated and four transferred.
Senior and captain Evelyn Chen told the Bit that, ahead of the game, “coach Pam [Stanfield] just told us to go out there and give it everything we had.”
The game opened with a quick start for Potomac, who scored a number of three-pointers and layups, allowing them to get out to an early lead of 19–4 halfway through the first quarter. However, freshman Raech McKnight was a bright spot for GDS, who looked sluggish offensively early on due to multiple turnovers and missed shots. McKnight converted two free-throws and a contested three-pointer early in the game, but at the end of the first quarter Potomac was ahead, 26–7.
Early in the second quarter, turnover problems once again plagued the Hoppers offensively. Nonetheless, as a result of several Potomac fouls, GDS converted a number of shots from the free-throw line. Freshman Jozi McDuffie was a key contributor offensively for GDS, knocking down multiple free-throws and layups. Despite McDuffie’s efforts, Potomac took advantage of a number of GDS missed shots and rebounded well, which helped them increase their lead to 48–13 at the half.
To start the second half, freshman Liya Fairfax and McDuffie knocked down several layups and free-throws to provide GDS with some energy on offense. Towards the end of the third quarter, McDuffie forced a strong defensive turnover, leading to an easy left-handed layup. GDS continued their defensive momentum, forcing a number of Potomac turnovers. In spite of this, the third quarter ended with GDS trailing, 60–19.
The energy in the third quarter for GDS carried over into the fourth, when the Hoppers translated this energy into momentum. The quarter opened up with a fast-break three for Fairfax, followed by a successful trip to the free-throw line by McDuffie, which gave GDS two points. The two young players dominated for the remainder of the game, which, combined with strong defense, allowed GDS to control the entirety of the fourth quarter. Despite their efforts, GDS lost, 62–33.
Following the game, head coach Pam Stanfield said, “We have a very young team, and it’s their first experience with high school basketball, so we will get better.”
Senior Kesi McDuffie said in order to improve, the team needs to “work on boxing out and our defense.”
The women’s varsity basketball team will face off against Sidwell Friends School in a conference matchup on Tuesday, Feb. 4 at 5:45 p.m.