by Reagan Yates ‘19

The Warriors girls varsity basketball team is showing strength this season with a current record of 9-0 and a lot of hope for the rest of the season. After a losing record in their 2017-18 campaign, the team had some work to do entering the 2018-19 season in order to prove themselves, but the addition of four freshmen and a 14-player roster, which is a larger team than last year, might have been just the kind of depth that the team needed.

The Warriors have a young starting lineup this season that includes just two upperclassmen and three freshman: senior Caroline Bidwick, junior Hannah St. Laurent, freshman Chase Bell, freshman Angela Nnabue, and freshman Maddie Tringone. Significant contributions also come from seniors Avery Cohen and Haley Allen, and freshman Sophia Jasnow.

“The impact on the team of having four freshmen who can contribute day in and day out is huge for the program,” said Coach Tim Hobbs, who is excited about the depth of players being added “to both the JV and varsity rosters.”

Hobbs further credits his team’s notable success so far this season to the leadership of the returning players and outstanding team chemistry. “[Our older players] have gone out of their way to welcome the younger girls to the team and because of this we have really come together as a group much quicker than I expected.”

Players agree that the strong team connection has been a huge factor in this year’s success. “This year the team has a close bond on and off the court,” said senior Avery Cohen.  Senior Caroline Bidwick added that everyone works hard and is engaged regardless of their role on the team.

The Warriors have not just been playing and winning, but doing so by comfortable margins. They defeated Wootton 69-44, Northwood 61-39, Kennedy 51-26, and Springbrook 60-46 — these are just a few examples of their dominance on the hardwood. The Warriors are also able to show up when the pressure is on, winning 53-51 in overtime at Clarksburg on December 11 in a testament to the grittiness of this year’s team.

On Friday January 11, the Warriors faced off against Paint Branch, a skilled team known as a powerhouse throughout the county. Sherwood’s starting line-up was able to shut down Paint Branch’s offense in the first half and Paint Branch players had few chances for an open shot. Sherwood fought hard and won 59-48, after being up by almost 20 points for most of the game. Freshman Angela Nnabue was the game’s dominating player with 31 points.

The Warriors next home game is on Friday January 25 at 7:15 against Northwood. They also play a tough Paint Branch team for the second time this season on January 30 at 7:15. Their last home game for the regular season is on Friday February 15 at 7:15 against Walter Johnson. And, the last game of their entire regular season is at Blake on February 22 at 7:15.