DDS BASKETBALL TEAM ENJOYS A NIGHT AT MARIST COLLEGE

Over forty DDS basketball players, parents, teachers, and friends took their annual team trip to see the Marist College women’s basketball team play the Fairfield University Stags on Saturday night. The Marist team is a consistent, well-coached one that has garnered national attention since going to the “Sweet Sixteen” last season.

While Marist dominated Fairfield the entire game and the score was quite lopsided, the purpose of the trip was not only to have fun but also see a team that is disciplined, unselfish, and team-oriented. We certainly saw that last night. Marist played tenacious, smothering defense and hustled at both ends of the court. Their offense was well organized, running some very simple pick and roll plays and some great give and go’s that produced many points. And they certainly weren’t afraid to launch the 3-pointer, even from NBA range, with a great deal of accuracy.

It was a great game for the kids to see because it clearly demonstrated that simple old-fashioned hustle and team play are alive and well. Being a part of a team is a very exciting experience for young people and they will remember it for the rest of their lives. Our kids witnessed a team with a great deal of cohesiveness and spirit and it was electrifying to watch. Hopefully, they will bring some of the lessons they learned at the Marist game back to the Bontecou Gym and incorporate them into their own practice routines.

The DDS group cheered loudly for the Marist Red Foxes and seemed to be having a great time with comments such as “I feel like I’m back in college” to “I can’t believe how close we are to the players”. Some of our kids said they’ve never seen “girls that tall”, or “Boy is she fast” and others said, “They’re just as good as the guys”. It seems like the DDS crowd really enjoyed the excitement of a college basketball game.

Thanks to everyone who attended the game and making our annual team trip such an enjoyable event.

Best wishes for a Happy New Year to the entire DDS community from the DDS basketball team.