By Leo Corman ’15

The Warriors defeated Walter Johnson, 71-48, on December 17, bringing their record to 2-2. After pulling out a closely contested victory over rival and perennial basketball powerhouse Magruder, 56-54, to open the season, the Warriors dropped two in a row, including a tough overtime loss to Einstein, 67-60, before beating Walter Johnson in their last game.

“The season so far has been up and down,” said senior forward Tanner Jacob, “but our team chemistry is growing and we keep improving physically and mentally every day. I’m looking forward to the rest of the season because we could be something special if we keep working hard.”

photo by Jack Armstrong ’15

The team has been led by seniors Xavier McCants (guard) and Hunter Moore (center), who bring important experience playing quality minutes on varsity last season. McCants scored 21 points against Walter Johnson, including knocking down two three-pointers, and Moore added 13. The two players also combined for 30 of the team’s 56 points against Magruder. Moore’s size and strength in the paint and McCants’ ability to score from anywhere on the floor give the Warriors two very viable threats on offense. Junior guard and starter Tyrese Williams has emerged as a significant third scoring option in his first year on the varsity squad, putting up a team-high 20 points against Einstein.

The Warriors will play next on December 19 against Paint Branch (3-2), whom they lost to twice last season but defeated in the playoffs.