After a competitive season, the girls’ basketball program closed out the year with strong performances on both the JV and varsity levels, highlighted by the varsity team’s 14-5 record and regional title win.
Looking to build on the success of last year, the team aimed to capture their second regional championship in a row, while continuing to showcase the depth and development of the program at every single level. They succeeded at both goals.
Coming into the season, the varsity squad had high expectations after returning key contributors from the previous year’s regional championship-winning squad. This expectation of success would be validated after a dominant 58-19 opening night win on the road versus Poolesville to begin the season.
Throughout the season, the team continued to prove their dominance, racking up statement wins such as an overtime thriller victory against Bethesda Chevy-Chase, which included a massive comeback sparked by freshman Katie Chen. Later on in the season, they destroyed Northwood 72-6. On senior night, the girls put on a show with a 57-42 victory over Einstein. “The season was absolutely a success, and now we’re shooting for another regional championship,” junior guard Hailey Goldberg said, before the March 5 win.
Both Malia and Maya Bellamy contributed massively all year long as the two leading scorers, while also having a strong presence defensively. Malia Bellamy recorded an outstanding 6.6 Defensive Rating (The number of points allowed per 100 possessions by a team), leading the team. Other contributors such as seniors Megan Lottaman and Niya Jones also managed to chip in consistently on both sides.
Following a strong 14-5 season, the girls earned the #1 seed in the region. With this came a first-round bye, allowing them time to prepare for a semi-final matchup.
After a successful joint practice with Clarksburg, in which the team took the time to sharpen up their plays and sets, the team shifted their focus to studying game film and getting shots up before gameday.
These preparations resulted in resounding success, as the girls claimed their ticket to the regional finals with a stunning 64-23 victory against Rockville on March 2 in the semi-finals thanks to Malia Bellamy’s 16 points and freshman Katie Chen’s 10.
Headed into the regional finals, the team looked ready to compete and claim their second title in a row, with a trip to states on the line. “They can get it done, especially with the momentum and proven success they’ve had this year,” varsity boys’ basketball player Christian Stokes said, prior to the game.
With momentum and experience on their side, the team took on Damascus at home in the regional championship, and claimed a 69-33 victory in dominant fashion. Celebration ensued, as the girls claimed their second straight championship win, and were set up to face off against Edgewood in the state quarterfinals.
Unfortunately, their run would end here, as they were defeated 58-36, ending what was a successful season. Even after the loss, the squad looks to be coming back retoolled and ready for another big year next year, looking to make it out of the region once more.
As for the junior varsity level, the future is looking bright. After a disappointing 0-11 campaign during the 2024-2025 season, the squad came back reinvented and ready for success, finishing with a 3-9 record, an improvement over the previous year. “Our JV definitely had a much better season this year, and definitely has many promising talents,” varsity coach Maggie Dyer said.
