Fall is officially behind us, at least in high school sports terms. Cleats and running shoes have been stashed away in favor of the suddenly more appropriate (and far more comfortable) tennies and high-tops. The relative peace of wide open spaces has given way to the echoing cacophony of small, indoor arenas. While autumn may have been a bit heavier on disappointment than we would have liked (at least in regards to wins, losses and the timing of both), the winter outlook is brimming with promise and optimism. If you listen intently enough, you can already hear the squeak of sneakers on varnish like so many enormous mice.
Enormous may be a minor overstatement but it's quite obvious that this year's boys' basketball team does fall quite squarely on the large side, relatively speaking of course. With only 3 Bruins measuring south of 6 feet tall, it's one of the biggest groups in recent memory. And then there's the experience factor. Four players are in at least their second year on varsity (seniors Kyle Long and Jon Hettleman are playing in their 3rd and 4th, respectively) and the roster features 11 seniors. That's 11 seniors on a squad of 13! As it often does, much will depend upon the unit's discipline, heart and cohesion. Captains have yet to be selected so it's still unknown who besides Coach Wolf will lead the solidarity effort, but with so many mature athletes to choose from, the task of keeping this group motivated and on the same page should prove to be an easy one.
MBB: No games yet.
On paper, girls' basketball looks set to challenge (and destroy) all comers on their way to another successful playoff run. What remains to be seen is whether or not these Bruins can win the big one. A pesky dark cloud has anchored itself onto Coach Coll's team, and to the girls' program in general. In the last 2 years, the girls have sailed into the championship game as favorites only to be outdone by eager underdogs each time. And there are only slightly less recent examples that further reinforce the trend. Perhaps it's another instance of a group of Bruins missing that "thing" I'd mentioned in earlier posts. Perhaps it's simply a string of bad luck. Whatever the cause, the 09-10 girls seem confident in their ability to smash the paradigm. And for good reason. The team will carry only 10 players, among them 4 seniors. Six of the 10 are returning finalists (including All-Conference pick Rose Coll), 2 have stepped up from the JV, and the ultimate duo are much ballyhooed freshmen Akira Townes and Zoe Mayers. Still waiting to hear the captains' names here as well, but this is a group that has played, and won, together in the past. The future holds only 1 remaining obstacle. The road toward that goal starts with a scrimmage against Dulaney High's Lions this Friday (11/20) here in the PAC. Come and see the girls early and get in on the ground floor of what could be a memorable season.
WBB: 11/20 v. Dulaney
This winter's squash roster boasts approximately 26 athletes, 11 of whom will play for the varsity. Senior captains Drew Kaup and Alex Katz lead a group that lost only 1 member from last year's still developing lineup. The team also welcomes back All-Conference winner Andrew DuBerg and newcomer Ashley Suan who touts strong credentials and hopes to make a significant dent in the league. Overpowered by far more experienced players last year, the 09-10 Bruins return poised, better prepared and genuinely more skilled. They begin play Tuesday (11/17) at their home in Meadow Mill against none other than the Lakers of Boys' Latin. Look for additional news as it becomes available including the outcome of our debut or, better yet, grab the directions from the website and head down to a match!
SQ: 11/17 v. BL
Many thanks to Coach Rob Piper for the preseason rundown on indoor soccer who, after finishing last year's regular season with the second best record among B-Conference schools, bowed out in the semifinals with an overtime shootout loss. That heartbreak came at the hands of the Key School Obezags (I'll never get over that "mascot" name), the very same opponent the girls find at the head of their schedule this winter. More than the adversary feels familiar, though, in this particular case of deja vu. For the Bruins, the cast of characters remains nearly the same as well, with no fewer than 9 players from that semifinal game returning to the team this year. Add to that a handful of outdoor players, some unexpectedly seasoned freshmen, and a couple of skilled athletes revisiting their favorite sport after a brief departure and you've got a squad with experience on its side. Remarkably, the 17 that made the team (the girls suffered through numbers-mandated tryouts and cuts for the first time in recent memory) count only 2 seniors among their number! Captained by 1 of those, Mariama Eversley, along with juniors Aiden Piper and Lauren Sibel, this team looks to be one to watch for years to come. The fun begins with an early GAME OF THE WEEK as the girls take on the aforementioned Obezags Wednesday (11/18) at Freestate Sports Arena. Check the website for directions.
ISC: 11/18 v. Key
GO BRUINS!
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