The girls and boys basketball teams have had a decent start to their season, the girls team is 3-3 and boys are 3-2. They look to go into winter break with a win against rival Potomac Falls tonight with the girls tipping 6:15 and the boys game at 8.
Having lost to Potomac Falls last year the two teams are hoping to secure a win with loud spirit from our student body. The Potomac Falls girls team is ranked #11 in the NOVA Nineteen by NOVAHOOPS leaving the girls with a tough game tonight (NOVA Nineteen).
After the girls team lost quite a few seniors last year they began the season with their annual Falls Church tournament winning every game. The boys also had a pre-season tournament at Justice High School.
Going into the rivalry there is a lot of excitement coming from the girls team, hoping for a turn around this season going up against the Panthers. Girls Head Coach Mike Saunders said, “Of course, when you play your rivals, there is nothing like beating them. They have gotten the best of us in the past, but with this talented team we have, I hope to change it.”
Not only do they want to win from this but they also want to keep the emotions high, maintaining a good composure and carrying that through the rest of the season. Sophomore Sienna Eng said, “I am going to keep a good attitude and motivate my team on and off the court. Even if we get down and start to play badly, I will support my teammates.”
With returning captain Aniston Kimble she is coming back this year to be a leader. Kimble stood out on the court last year receiving second team All-District her sophomore season. Since the boys will be playing right after the girls she said, “I hope the students come out for the girls game not just the boys. I wish to have a loud and engaged student section.”
As both teams have put in time during the offseason to get better this year, this game has always been the most exciting for the Titans. Boys head coach Ryan Willaims touches on how important this game is for our community. Willaims said, “This is always an exciting game. This game means a lot to our players, students and community members and I’m glad we get to do it and play Potomac Falls twice this year. I would say it’s probably one of the best rivalries and game environments in the county. It’s a game you don’t want to miss!”
Captain Quinn Daignault is going into the game with high spirits hoping to break their losing streak against Potmac Falls. Daignault said, “Remind everyone that the stage is set for the best game of our lives: packed bleachers at home against a rival right before a long break from school. There’s nothing to be nervous about, yet there are so many reasons to be excited.”
Some know senior Dj Dyson for being able to dunk every game, as he stands out on the court he also is the hype man to his teammates. Dyson said, “I am going to show how hard we play in practice, lots of energy needs to be shown and that’s my leadership role. I’m the guy who fires up the team and makes things competitive like it should be in the games we play this season.”
Buy your tickets for the game on Friday at this link. Make sure to support the girls and boys team.
