The girls basketball team started off the season with two dominant defensive performances and came away with wins over Kennedy Dec. 4, 63-56, and Watkins Mill Dec. 11, 50-40.
Since Nov. 14, the Bulldogs have been working hard to prepare for the season opener against Kennedy. CHS needed to go out and set the pace for the game with its defense.
“We have worked on conditioning to prepare for all four quarters,” junior Leeda Jawanyi said. “We will also try to be the best defensive team which will set up our offense.”
Junior Ashley Nelson led the team with 17 points along with a perfect percentage from the free throw line. Sophomore Sarafina Arthur-William also pitched in, shooting 100 percent from the floor and grabbing 14 rebounds.
“[Sophomore] Kim Deausen provided key defensive stops throughout second half, while freshman Erica Lindsay scored a key breakaway lay up to secure the game,” coach Katelyn McMahon said.
In the second game of the season, the Bulldogs faced Watkins Mill at home. Once again Nelson led the bulldogs with 15 points, while Lindsay finished with 11.
“The guards did a much better job controlling the ball and offense in the fourth quarter, which helped us pull out the victory,” McMahon said.
The Bulldogs showed a big difference in play during the second half, especially their play inside and getting rebounds. According to McMahon, they will still be working on post defense in practice along with controlling the tempo of the game.
“We did not play very well, but the other team was not as strong as us,” junior Giulia Giannangeli said. “They had one good playmaker and our defense shut her down.”
Over winter break CHS will host the First Annual Bobby Miller Bulldog Classic. The Bulldogs have invited Yorktown and Robinson, two high school teams from Virginia, and Seneca Valley to play in this tournament Dec. 29 and 30.
“Before the next game, we need to improve on our half court offense and working the ball inside,” McMahon said. “We will also be working on pressure defense and polishing our full court press.”
