The Trojans, including Mairead Daly (#2), put up a strong defense against Narragansett. (Photos by Lisa Aciukewicz)
Kennedy Dylewicz (#3) goes airborne to make a shot
It’s a Friday night game, following a week of snow-related cancellations, and the girls varsity basketball players are energized. After fending off a rebound, Bromfield player Ella O’Neil grabs hold of the ball. She turns, a nearby Narragansett player wrenches it back, and they engage in one of the many scuffles in the game. The Trojans position themselves around the duo, accepting the ball once O’Neil regains possession. The ball then returns to point guard Kennedy Dylewicz who makes a fast break and executes a layup, drawing cheers from the home crowd and bench.
With this play and many more like it, the Bromfield girls varsity basketball team beat Narragansett Regional High School 44-25 Friday, Jan. 27. The win improved Bromfield’s record to 4-7, while Narragansett’s dropped to 0-11. Currently, Bromfield is fifth and Narragansett seventh in the Midland Wachusett D League.
Throughout the game, the Trojans showed improvement in many areas and a unique bond among the team members. “It was just the culmination of all the things we’ve been trying to do all season that we finally did here, and it worked,” said Bromfield Coach Anne McWaters. These goals included a more active defense, as well as a 3-pointer by Dylewicz.
The Trojans took a lead early in the game and held it the entire time, doing the most damage in the second and fourth quarters. They were especially effective in the second half, as an energized defense forced multiple turnovers, setting up a string of fast breaks by Dylewicz. Still, most points took time to execute, with plays set up within the three-point line.
“We get a lot of energy when we play good defense and somehow that ignites us, and it translates into offense,” said McWaters. “In the games we haven’t played good defense, we look lethargic and we just get beat. But when we play it, it amps us up on both the defensive end and the offensive end.”
Juniors Dylewicz and O’Neil, who typically average 9 and 4.7 points per game, were the top scorers, with 18 and 10 points respectively. Together, they supported the team on both offense and defense, helping the plays flow. McWaters praised them, saying the team “fed off both of their energies.”
After the game ended, the winning Trojans celebrated with their traditional Friday game-night dinner out. McWaters said what makes the team unique is their companionship, and while they may not go as hard on one another at practices, on the court, they always have one anothers’ backs. “Win or lose, the girls are smiling because they’re with their friends,” said McWaters. “That’s a success for this team.”
Olivia Muller-Juez is a Bromfield junior.
xxxxxxxxxx (Courtesy photo)
