Winter sports are in full swing, bringing excitement back to the gym as the girls’ basketball team prepares for another competitive season. After a memorable season last year, the Warriors have entered this season with high expectations and a determined mindset to continue their success.

The team started the season with an early challenge in a tough home-opening loss to Clarksburg, falling 69-38. However, they quickly responded with an impressive 67-29 win against Rockville. The bounce-back victory showed the team’s ability to learn from setbacks and adjust quickly, something that will be crucial as the season continues. The Warriors also beat Damascus for the first time in three years, marking a crucial win against a rival team. Standout players from the game were junior Aubree Thompson with 14 points, including 4 three-pointers, and sophomore Samantha Harkleroad with 8 points, 8 rebounds, and 4 steals.

“The first game was good. We were only down by six at half, but Clarksburg was a really strong team that we didn’t have the team to actually stop yet,” said Thompson. “This is a new Sherwood team with girls who aren’t used to playing with each other just yet, but as the season goes on, our chemistry will get better. It was just one game, and we have many more to go.”

Last season was a standout year for the Warriors, as the team finished with an 18-6 record, including a nine-game winning streak, and placed first in the region. “We are hoping to maintain our level of success by sticking to our formula, which is getting our athletes into positions where they can be successful,” Coach Tammara Ross said. “Last year we pressed a lot and tried to get out into transition because our speed and athleticism from top to bottom of our roster was, and still is, among the best in the county.”

The Warriors lost six key seniors last year due to graduation, leaving a hole in their starting lineup. Ross believes losing that experience has opened new opportunities. “It has shaped the team in that a lot of people are finally getting opportunities to show what they can do,” she said. “The seniors played a lot of minutes last year, and there were underclassmen on the bench waiting to get playing time and showing us every day at practice what they could do. With the graduations, there’s now no one in front of them, and they get an opportunity to shine. So, it’s very much a ‘look world, we’re here!’ mindset.”

This season, the Warriors are led by senior captains Annelyn Webb and Shelby Doerrman, who have taken on important leadership roles both on and off the court. With only three seniors on the roster this year, leadership and communication have become especially important as younger players step into bigger roles. “Being a part of the Sherwood girls basketball team has impacted my high school experience in a positive way,” she said. “It allowed me to be a part of something bigger and contribute to the community. I also created many friendships that I would not have otherwise.”

Webb also highlighted what makes this year’s team unique. “The team this year has a lot of athleticism,” said Webb. “This allows the games to be really intense and high-paced.” Looking ahead, she shared the team’s goals. “Our team’s goal this year is to win our division and have a 20-5 record.”