Feb. 29, before the Pomfret School girls’ basketball game against Westminster, four senior players were honored: Sel Gonzalez, Teagan O’Hara, Molly Vincent, and McKinley and two senior managers were: Eva Steinitz and Colin Kroll. Pomfret won 58-31.
Senior Game jitters got the best of us early as open shot attempts did not fall while Westminster’s did. Layups from Brooke, Tay, and McKinley were followed by a corner three from Teagan. A nicely executed play allowed Tay to find Alba in the corner and she sank a three close to the buzzer. At the end of the first, Pomfret led 16-10. In the second the defense stepped up and held Westminster to zero points during the first 7 minutes of the quarter. Griffins Brooke, Molly, McKinley, Alba, Michaela, and Tay all picked up steals that lead to transition baskets or efficient offensive possessions. McKinley showcased both her outside shot and driving ability during the quarter, while Teagan knocked down two nice mid-range jumpers. At the half, Pomfret led 27-15.
In the third, Molly knocked down a layup and a three, closely followed by three threes for Tay and a driving layup from Brooke. In the fourth the Griffins continued to move the ball well and take good shots. Mckinley had 6 in the quarter, while Tay added another 3.
Feb. 26 the Pomfret School girls’ basketball team went up against St. George’s and came away with a 59-47 loss.
St. George’s boasted the Rhode Island State player of the year at forward. The Griffins, due to illness and injury, were only able to suit up seven players and while all seven worked incredibly hard, the limited numbers (and a few injuries during the game) had its impact.
St. George’s got out to an early five-point lead and was able to hold onto for a large majority of the first half. Pomfret cut their lead to 1 halfway through the third quarter, but their shooting then went a bit cold while St. George’s knocked down some key outside shots. The three-pointer was a big difference as St. George’s hit 6 and Pomfret hit 2.
On her 18th birthday, Tay Guirantes lead Pomfret all over the court. She scored in numerous ways, rebounded the ball effectively, and played point forward throughout. Some of her assists were top notch.
On her 17th birthday, Michaela Nsubuga gave played strong minutes during the third quarter. Her communication was outstanding and she picked up three big defensive rebounds during an important stretch of the game.
On her 16th birthday, Brooke Zahansky played one of her strongest games of the season. She played outstanding help-side defense and crashed the defensive boards very well. Brooke also had a number of assists in both transition and the half-court.
McKinley White was great on the offensive glass and got to the foul line 7 times (it should have been more).
Teagan O’Hara knocked down a great three and went coast to coast on two occasions and was strong defensively. Her ability to disrupt St. George’s point was important.
Alba Samu continues to show an ability to guard multiple positions and make things happen on the offensive end. She got to the rim when she wanted, and although a few close shots rimmed out, she was a spark late in the game with two big steals and layups. Molly Vincent battled hard even though she was struggling with a hip injury throughout.
By Patrick Burke

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