GVB Finds the Rim: The Lady Knights are having one of their best seasons in recent memory

Last year, the BB&N Girls Varsity basketball team finished with a league record of 5-7 and an overall record of 7-11 for tenth place in the ISL. This year has been a different story: in just 13 games, the team has won 7 league games and 9 games overall and are currently sitting at 6th in the standings.

So what has changed this season? According to three-year starter Sam Bernstein ’21, defense has made the difference. This season, the GVB team has averaged 44.4 points per game (PPG) and allowed 42.8 PPG from their opponents. In the previous year, the team averaged nearly the same number of points at 39.7 PPG while allowing their opponents to score 49.7 PPG. This seven point decrease has come from impressive defensive performances throughout the season. For instance, in their game against Milton Academy, they scored 42 points while holding their opponent to a measly 22. In another game against St. Mark’s School, the team put 37 points on the scoreboard while again preventing their opponent from scoring more than 22 points. With games like these, they have earned their reputation as one of the best defensive teams in the ISL.

Sam also credited her team’s performance to an increase in team morale and confidence: “Last year was the first year without our best player, so we had to relearn our roles and change our style of play. With that being said, I see a lot of improvement in the overall confidence of the team.” She spoke about losing Kayla Kaloostian ’18, who played an integral part in the team’s success. During her four-year tenure at BB&N, she scored over 1,000 points and garnered multiple All-ISL honors. After she graduated, the team struggled to compensate for her scoring contributions (in her last season, the team averaged 53.3 PPG).

However, after one season to experiment with their style of play and adjust to new roles, they have adopted a new identity as a defensive juggernaut, and several players have stepped up on the offensive end. Sharon Pongon ’20, for instance, has led the team in points and rebounds this season after her All-ISL campaign in the 2018-2019 season. With her performance this season, there is no doubt that she will be named All-ISL again. In addition, forward Jordan Hunter-Coleman ’21 (who was injured last year), has provided a reliable source of three-point shooting. Her ability to space the floor has allowed slashers such as Sam Bernstein ’21 and Ava Venuti ’23 to drive to the rim. Point guard Ja’Niya Ellock Crayton ‘23 has also contributed to the team with her excellent ball-handling and passing skills. The combination of good ball movement and stellar defense has made the Knights a formidable opponent in the ISL this season.

For next season, the GVB team will seek to further improve upon their great run this season. They will be losing a talented group of seniors, including Sharon Pongnon, Charlotte Shapiro, and Emily Plump. However, with a strong group of juniors and several outstanding freshman and sophomores, the future for the BB&N’s girls basketball program looks bright.