The weather is getting colder, but the MFS basketball teams are just heating up.
The girls and boys alike are playing very good basketball and posting very strong records. The Boys’ Team have a record of 7-6, already just two behind their 9 wins from the entire last season and three more than their 4 wins from 2012-13. The girls have an even more impressive record of 7 wins and just 7 losses, with a 2-2 record in the Friends League. They are on pace to have a better season this year than their last two (12-11 and 10-13).
For the first time in the last few years, the boys are very exciting to watch. The biggest difference from past years is the energy on the defensive side. Their tenacious defense keeps opponents from running their offense properly, and often sparks fast breaks for the foxes. Senior and defensive specialist Shailen Doshi attacks opponents with the ball with relentless intensity, and will stop at nothing to prevent him from scoring. Another key reason for the Foxes’ success this season is that they are finishing around the basket. Big men on the team John Nutaitus and C.J Eni are both scoring with more efficiency. The majority of their offense is run to get players a close shot at the basket, thus increasing their chances of scoring. It also helps when you have a player like Jordan White, who assists many of Joe Beideman’s 17 points per game. Significant wins for the team include a 53-25 shellacking victory against George School, a 54-42 win at Friends Select, and a comeback victory against LEAP 57-52.
The girls’ basketball team this year may be the deepest team that fans have seen in a while. After star freshman Charlotte Stern went down with an high-ankle sprain, senior Olivia Sowa stepped up and filled Stern’s role exceptionally well. To put it simply, the main reason this time is so successful is that they can score. Each starter on the team has the ability to drop 15 points on any given night, and, each can do so in a different fashion than the other, thus making it even harder for teams to stop them. Alaina Shivers, with her tremendous shot from behind the arc, can sink 5 three-point shots in the blink of an eye. Sarah Henig can drive the ball and score from the free-throw line, or by making tough, contested layups. Alyssa Runyan can do a little of everything; her combination of outside shooting prowess and ability to drive the basket make her a nearly indefensible weapon. Camille Aguilar, when she isn’t facilitating shots, can score up top or down low.
Overall, both of the MFS Basketball Teams have made great strides towards success this season. With a great roster on both sides, and plenty of potential to go far this season, let’s hope success awaits them on the road ahead.
