High School Basketball Season in High Gear

By Sports Boosters

The high school basketball season is in high gear, and you won’t want to miss the excitement. The teams’ motto is “We are a T.E.A.M.: Together Everyone Achieves More.” The coaches and players encourage the AIS community to be part of the T.E.A.M. by filling up the stands to cement our home court advantage. Home games are scheduled almost every Tuesday, Friday, and Saturday night in January, including SENIOR NIGHT on Friday, January 18.

The Boys Varsity team heads into the new year in first place in its division. The game against Galloway was a highlight of the season. AIS prevailed 78-64 in an exciting game, and the players look forward to a rematch on Senior Night. Coach Cabral Huff is enthusiastic about the remainder of the season. “The whole team deserves recognition for their hard work and determination. Each player has contributed to our early season success. We will continue to work hard and give 110%.” Varsity players are Victor Alexander, Hugo Bensimon, Manuel Gruenenfelder, Max Hunt, Matan Katz, Simon Kolbert, Richie Lopez, Ethan Lyle, Christian Mustroph, Arnaud Pages, Mohamed Tarawally, Jordan Taylor, and Nigel Washington.

The Varsity girls are 4-3 overall and undefeated in their region. Madison Scott’s effort and outstanding performance has earned her a spot as the team’s leading scorer and rebounder, averaging 12.5 points and 12.5 rebounds per game. Others who have been essential to the team’s success are Ana De Olano, Claire Giblin, Mikaela Gordon, Torryn Jennings-Hill, Chika John, Yvette Naniuzeyi, Amy O’Halloran, Lucy Pettitt-Schieber, Ericha Richards, Kelsey Sanborn, and Lindsey Sanborn. Coach Inca Harvey observed, “Everyone has contributed to the success of the Lady Eagles. I'm extremely proud of these young ladies. The team will continue to grow as we work hard, leaving everything out on the court and believing in ourselves.”

The JV boys have faced tough competition and are playing hard and improving with each game. The team includes both experienced players and fresh faces to the sport, and Coach Harvey looks forward to more wins in January as the team hits its stride. She commended her team for its dedication and perseverance, including team members Akeil Cange, Joseph Dixson, Elliot Forman, Zachary Klempf, Charles Laurent, Michael Nkereuwem, Paul Sanders, Darius Scott, and Timur Selimovic.

The JV girls, under the coaching of Michelle Hibbert, lost a close game against Our Lady of Mercy before the winter break in an exciting matchup. Behind in the second quarter, the team came back with good shooting by Sarah McKenney to level the score and then pull ahead. Neck and neck, OLM eeked out a 25-21 victory in the final minutes. The team is small but working hard and improving its overall abilities and is currently 1-2. McKenney is joined by Allie Douvre, Ariana Fabian, Lucie Pages, Christina Rutte, and Kirsten Wenz.

Team schedules are at www.aischool.org/athletics/basketball. See you in the gym!