Country School Girls' Basketball Home Opener

The Country School Girls Basketball Team was excited to host Hamden Hall for our first home game of the season on Thursday. We missed having our supportive fans with us but were happy that the TCS athletic department’s livestream was up and running. The girls all had lots of playing time against a team whose roster more than doubled ours, and, while we did not secure a victory, we saw great growth and thoughtful take-aways from our young team!

Early on, Emma made an impressive basket for the Owls to get us on the scoreboard, then Hamden Hall took the lead with our girls working hard both offensively and defensively. In the second quarter Emily put two more points on the board with a strong layup. Unfortunately, the lid seemed to be on our basket in the first half, though Mia S and Evelyn made great shot choices and had opportunities from the foul line, with Evelyn drawing on her basketball experience to convert both her free throws.

It was a fast-paced game throughout with both teams working hard to get the ball up down the court. Country School players showed good progress, adjusting to playing a player-to-player defense, setting picks, boxing out and running plays we have been working on in practice. The intensity and speed of the game was a learning experience for all, and managing the real-time stress was important work too. 

Early in the second half, Emily dug deep, using her skills, instincts and leadership and found Chloe, who beautifully secured another basket. The Owls then found their groove, moving the ball better and finding Emily under the basket for two more buckets as well as a free throw as a result of a foul.   

The fourth quarter saw the Owls soaring and passing well, with teammates adjusting, spreading the floor and making smarter passing decisions. Emily and Evelyn stayed aggressive and had key steals and more shot opportunities, which resulted in a very strong second half in which we scored 16 points and quadrupled our first half offensive production. If only we had another quarter! 

The coaches are so proud of the growing skills and incredible efforts we are seeing from all the players. Elizabeth, Mia N, Lara, Mia S and Anna G played such strong defense that over and over again they got the ball back for TCS! Rosie kept the team upbeat and continued a positive stream of encouragement telling the girls “We can do this!” 

With more practice and game experience these strong skills and instincts will come together - there is great promise for the Lady Owls!