The girls varsity basketball team is on fire this season, with a record that currently stands at eight wins and two losses. Coach Anne McWaters credits the team with having a “high basketball IQ” and depth of talent.
On Monday, Jan. 13, the Trojans faced North Middlesex on their home court and won 44-27. The team was down two of its regular players due to illness and called on junior varsity players to fill the gap. Freshman Audrey Burek led Bromfield to victory with her game high-scoring 13 points while six others racked up nearly equal points, demonstrating the depth of talent on the team.
Sophomore Hanna Huelin shoots over her opponent in a game against West Boylston, Jan. 3. (Photo by Lisa Aciukewicz)
McWaters said she used a conservative approach to secure the win: “We have another late night tomorrow so I was trying to spread minutes around as much as possible and not tire our already depleted team.” She added, “We have a tough game against Gardner coming up on Thursday.”
McWaters is impressed with the extent of talent on her roster. Of her 10 players, at least eight are scoring points in every game. “The contributions across the board have been one of the most impressive things to me this season,” McWaters said. “I can sub someone out and the person coming in for them is equally talented, aggressive on defense, and productive on offense.”
Earlier in the season, Bromfield went up against Tahanto on Friday, Dec. 20, in what McWaters described as their best game of the season so far. The match ended with Bromfield winning by 4 points, 46-42. “I’ve been really happy with our defensive pressure and aggressiveness that has translated into quick steals and buckets on offense,” said McWaters. According to their coach, sophomore Hannah Huelin and Burek have been leading the charge on offense while senior co-captains Ally Becker and Jo Camardo have stepped up on defense. “There is an energy out on the floor that is palpable,” she said.
One of the team’s two losses this season was to Gardner on Dec. 28. McWaters attributes the 46-62 defeat on the Wildcats’ home court to a run in the fourth quarter that the Trojans were unable to come back from. The athleticism and speed of the Gardner girls resulted in a loss for Bromfield, but McWaters said her team is “hungry for a rematch” which, at the time of publication, was scheduled to take place Thursday, Jan. 16, at Bromfield.
“Thursday will be a really interesting, tough game,” said McWaters. “We’re battling some illnesses right now but if everyone is healthy, it will be a great chance to see how we’ve grown.”
In preparing for games, McWaters says she watches films from her opponents’ previous matches and shows clips to her team in order to get them familiar with the competition. Practice sessions in the days before the game revolve around replicating the defensive strategies of the other team. Using the rivals’ known plays, the Trojans adjust their offense to overcome the defensive maneuvers. They will also note which players on the opposition need to be disrupted to maximize Bromfield’s defense.
“I’m looking forward to the rest of the season with this team,” said McWaters. “With each game we’re getting more experienced as a lineup, and the younger players are getting more comfortable with the speed and aggressiveness that comes with varsity basketball. Players are recognizing what they are capable of on the floor and are taking chances offensively that they weren’t earlier in the season.”
