Written by Abigail Smith

The girls’ basketball team had an electric season this year, filled with thrilling victories and remarkable growth. Their hard work and determination set the tone for a season of firsts, making this season one to remember. 

The team set the tone early by winning the Columbia Prep Tournament. “Over the past two years, we’ve been building and developing the team, so winning that tournament was a great way to start the season on the right foot,” said Captain Sydney Cohn ‘25. That early success propelled the team to its best record in recent years, as their current 11-8 record surpassed the last two seasons combined. Key victories include beating Hackley for the first time in the seniors’ careers, a strong performance against Sacred Heart NYC, and avenging an earlier loss to the Greenwich Academy Gators. 

Head Coach Russell Tombline entered the season with clear goals: “to improve every day, secure more wins than last year, and qualify for the NYSAIS tournament.” They accomplished all three and earned the #2 seed in the NYSAIS C bracket for the third year in a row, where they will likely face Hackley and Sacred Heart NYC in close games again. 

While the victories were exciting, the team’s greatest achievement was forging an identity rooted in hard work and selfless play, a goal that both Tombline and Cohn are proud to have achieved. Reflecting on the season, Tombline expressed his happiness with the team’s development, both individually and collectively. “I have truly enjoyed working with this team, especially the seniors. Watching them grow and mature over the last three years has been great. They have all left a valuable impact on their teammates and the program,” he said. Cohn echoed this, emphasizing the close-knit nature of the team. “Since we are small in numbers, we’ve all become very close teammates and greater friends, which I hope continues in future years.” 

Looking ahead, both the coaches and players are eager to build on this year’s successes. With a roster consisting of many 8th and 9th graders, Tombline highlights the importance of learning from experienced teammates so that younger players can step into greater roles and inspire others both on and off the court.

Though the winter season is coming to a close, the girls’ basketball team has plenty to celebrate. Their hard work, determination, and team-first mentality have not only led to winning the NYSAIS Class C Championship this year but have also set the stage for what’s next.