On Wednesday, both the Girls and Boys Varsity Basketball teams began their seasons. After successful seasons last year for both teams, they are coming into this year with high expectations and large goals. These expectations are fitting for two teams that have been built up and bolstered over the past couple of seasons, with both being favored to place high in the Friends League by multiple local publications.
The Girls Basketball team kicked off the action on Wednesday at 4:00 pm, squaring off against Hun School of Princeton. They took control of this game, ultimately winning 59-35. Priyanka Ponnam ‘25 led the way for GS, with 20 points and 11 rebounds, but also sound contributors included Sophia Martinez ‘24 (14 points, 5 assists) and Carissa Frederick ‘25 (9 points, 7 rebounds). The statistic that stands out the most, though, is the 11 steals as a team, as their defensive pressure was one of the greatest benefactors to their victory.
They got off to a hot start, hitting early three-pointers and earning opportunities at the free throw line. Their full court press was incredibly effective, as they forced Hun to commit multiple turnovers, only creating more scoring chances. By the end of the first quarter, the 17-4 lead George School held clearly showed who had the advantage early on. While they allowed some more points before halftime, they still maintained their lead after scoring quality buckets towards the end of the 2nd quarter. At halftime, GS led 28-16.
The second half was more of the same for GS, as they controlled the speed of the game. They started the third quarter on a 12-2 run, capturing a 40-18 lead. While it was more competitive later in the quarter, a late three by Sophia Martinez kept the momentum for GS, as they took a 46-29 lead heading into the 4th. And with a hot start to the fourth quarter, the girls’ cemented their win, as the rest of the quarter mostly consisted of fouls and free throws. Overall, it was a very swift victory for the Girls Varsity Basketball team, and a great opener to the rigorous season they have ahead.
After the girls’ game was over, it was time for the Boys Basketball team to make their long-awaited debut in front of the George School crowd, as at 5:30 pm, they took on Pennington. After a hard fought battle, GS won 61-52. For the boys, Luke Bevilacqua ‘25 and Dante Weise ‘23 were the leading scorers, chipping in 19 and 16 points respectively. Christian Bliss ‘24 also had 13 points.
The first quarter reflected how difficult it was going to be for any team to get separation. The defense was stellar for both teams, and it seemed like every bucket from one team was matched by the other during the next possession. Although GS had a slight 14-13 lead at the end of the 1st quarter, the momentum for each team was dead even. However, the second quarter saw George School get off to an early start and begin to create separation. Luke Bevilacqua was dominant in the paint, making his presence known in the 2nd quarter and putting up 10 of his 19 in the first half. Heading into half, GS established a seven point lead, 28-21.
In the 3rd, GS made sure to take Pennington to task, as they opened up on a 9-0 run out of the half. Dante Weise, after taking a scary fall in the 2nd quarter and eventually returning, was in control of the 3rd, slashing past Pennington defenders and setting either his teammates or himself up for high-percentage shots. He had 9 of his 16 in the third, as GS extended their lead to 46-35. They continued their success in the 4th, as a physical Pennington team committed more fouls, and as the George School fans were humored by their abrasiveness. While the quarter as a whole was back and forth, the deficit never changed, as GS held on to their nine point lead for the rest of their game and won 61-52.
By the end of Wednesday night, it was clear that both the Girls’ and Boys’ Basketball teams are going to be exciting to watch this season. With both of them winning their first home games, George School fans should be excited for what the winter season has in store.
