The girls basketball team kicked off its 2010-2011 season on a very average note with a seven-point win over Kennedy Dec. 7 followed by a 10-point loss to Watkins Mill Dec. 13. 
“Our coaches have been working us really hard to make sure we are in shape and ready for when our games start,” junior forward Sarafina Arthur-Williams said. “We’ve been running a lot and doing a bunch of drills to work on our skills.”

The Bulldogs came out hard against Kennedy, as they led the Cavaliers throughout the entire game. They were led by Arthur-Williams, who had 14 points and 15 rebounds, and senior captains Giulia Giannangeli and Leeda Jewayni, who put up 15 points and 12 points, respectively. Junior point guard Kim Deausen added four points, and sophomore guard Katie Jenkins added two points on foul shots.

The Bulldogs fought a fierce battle against Watkins Mill, with the lead bouncing back and forth between the two teams. Junior shooting guard Jill Beauregard added nine points from three three-pointers and Arthur-Williams put up 14 points to push the game into overtime. Beauregard, Arthur-Williams, and Deausen all fouled out as the team fell to Watkins Mill 62-52.

“We are really strong on offense because we’re good at knocking down open looks,” Arthur-Williams said. “But we’ve really been trying to become a more defensive team.”
Following the loss of just three seniors, the team finds itself starting off in a good place, with a nice balance of both young talent as well as seasoned veterans. Although the Bulldogs were slightly jolted by the sudden transfer of senior Ashley Nelson, last year’s top scoring guard, they remain confident and expect Jewayni, Giannangeli and Arthur-Williams to carry the team.
“We are really looking for Leeda and Giulia to have good leadership this year since they have both been on varsity since their freshman year,” Arthur-Williams said.

In addition to Jewayni, Giannangeli and Arthur-Wiliams, the Bulldogs have a great deal of depth, with a host of younger talent to fill their open spots on the court. Sharpshooting Beauregard returns after an excellent sophomore year debut and sophomores Shira Racoosin and Erica Lindsay return after strong freshman year campaigns.

“We have a lot of young talent, and our new players are fitting in extremely well with the team,” coach Katelyn McMahon said.

The Lady Bulldogs faced Magruder Dec. 15 and Springbrook Dec. 17.