Maddy Friedman ‘25
Last year, the Varsity Girls Basketball team ended fourth in the ISL upper division last year after a great season all around. With hopes standing high and bleachers looking full, they look forward to this year being even better.
Even though league games have yet to start, the St. Andrew’s girls team has already started to dominate its competition during out-of-conference games. Riding on a 55-48 win against GDS, they continue to beat almost any other school in their way as they prepare to start their league games this January. These games are filled with intense and exciting action that keeps the audience on their feet. Their teamwork and group chemistry are clear as they effortlessly pass the ball and continue to encourage their teammates during the game. Captivating moments and shots from senior Lamaria Estridge, sophomore Sophia Brooks, and junior Olivia Strause become the highlights of the game. Captains Lamaria Estridge and Olivia Strause are working harder than ever to play their best and lead the team to a successful season.
“I think this is the best group of players we have had since I have been here ,” said Strause, “We are a tight-knit group.”
A team consisting of seniors, juniors, sophomores, and freshmen has provided an inclusive environment for everyone on the court, allowing every player to become the best athlete they can be.
Junior Riley Knakmuhs said, “We also have a lot of depth on the team in the way that different players have their opportunities to do well on the court.” From encouragement on the sidelines all the way to the bleachers, these players have created and surrounded themselves with a positive and uplifting St. Andrew’s environment that allows them to achieve their goals as a team.
The players are not the only ones working extremely hard to create the best success possible for the team.
Strause said the coaches are “changing up how they play the players and who plays where.” The coaching staff, composed of Alexis Friedlander, Adrian Foreman, and Sid Smith, plan to continue to strive for greatness as the season progresses.
With ISL league games starting this January for our girls varsity team, they have to work just as hard to show up in the conference games. Their current impressive record of 7-1 has been earned after their win against GDS with a 56-40 win against Stone Ridge School of the Sacred Heart, a 34-50 loss against Victoria from Australia, a 53-43 win against Excel Prep, a 67-56 win versus St. Mary’s Ryken, a 59-36 win versus Mercersburg Academy, a 63-58 win versus Oakland Mills and a 77-46 win against St. John’s Catholic Prep.
Come out and support the Girls Varsity Basketball team as they compete to win it all in the ISL during the upcoming season!
Photograph by Miles Hansen