The Warriors played a complete game with contributions from a handful of freshmen to defeat Rocky Hill in their season opener Monday night.
By Marlon Pitter
It would be hard for the Warriors to start their season any better if they tried to.
With five freshmen playing in their first career game, the Hall girls basketball team shut down Rocky Hill (0-1) defensively, taking control of its season opener early in a 67-31 win over the Terriers Monday night in West Hartford.
After a pair of Rocky Hill free throws cut Hall’s lead to 6-3 early in the first quarter, the Warriors tallied 17 unanswered points, holding the Terriers scoreless for nine minutes until the 5:05 mark in the second quarter.
Hall (1-0) showed no signs of slowing down throughout the game. The Warriors led 39-11 at halftime and swelled the lead to 40 midway through the fourth quarter, leading 58-18.
Senior co-captains Olivia Bonee and Olivia Deslauriers led the Warriors with 17 points each. Jordan Farrell and McKenzie Mandyck chipped in nine apiece.
“I think they were playing very well on defense – communicating on defense and getting stops – which led to feeling confident on offense, which is great,” said Hall head coach Brittany Huggins.
Among the freshmen, Chloe Polk started the game, while Abigail Magendantz, Lydia Poulin, and Meghan Murray combined for the team’s 15 bench points.
“I think just us working hard in practice and working hard altogether and supporting each other – even on the bench getting hyped for each other – I think it’s really important for our game,” said Magendantz.
Bonee said the newcomers have worked hard in the offseason to prepare for the opportunity to play significant minutes this season.
“A lot of these freshmen have been playing with us through fall league, so we’ve seen them grow from being those timid little freshmen on the court to Chloe Polk starting and Abby Magendantz coming off the bench and it’s been so big,” said Bonee. “All the freshmen have had big shoes to fill, and they’re stepping in them so well right now.”
Huggins said, meanwhile, it will take more than her two senior co-captains to provide leadership throughout the season.
“Both of our captains … they’re doing a very good job,” said Huggins. “We are super, super young, and there’s a lot of learning happening in practice – a lot of teaching happening in practice – but they are being patient, they are being supportive, they are encouraging their teammates, and I think that’s what’s going to help us be successful.
“Jordan Farrell, Genevieve (Nelson), McKenzie (Mandyck), how they help these freshmen will be critical to our success.”
Continuing their season at Plainville (0-1) Friday night, Magendatz and company won’t have to wait long for their next chance to make an impact for the Warriors.
“I was glad I got the opportunity, and I’m excited to keep playing,” said Magendantz.
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