Wednesday, February 6, 2008
Dutchess Day Squash Team on cruise control! Game v Millbrook School Thirds on Wednesday February 8th.
Today,the Dutchess Day School squash team completed a 12 - 0 win over a depleted Millbrook School Thirds team. To be fair to Millbrook, this was not a strong team that they put out. Even so, it is a sign of how far the Dutchess Day School players have come this year. In every game, our players were winning rallies by sticking to basic tactics...playing the ball down to the corners, behind their opponents and dominating the middle of the court. Drop shots and volleys were being played too with guile and accuracy.
Such was our dominance, that every match, save three, were straight 3-0 victories. Kayleigh and Lucy, both playing, to my mind, the strongest opponent, won their matches by 3-1. Both showed solid determination in beating off the Millbrook number
2's challenge. Congratulations to Hugo too for grinding out a 3-1 victory in a marathon time! Our next game, away to Westover, will be a far harder test, but with our confidence on a high, things are looking good!!
Such was our dominance, that every match, save three, were straight 3-0 victories. Kayleigh and Lucy, both playing, to my mind, the strongest opponent, won their matches by 3-1. Both showed solid determination in beating off the Millbrook number
2's challenge. Congratulations to Hugo too for grinding out a 3-1 victory in a marathon time! Our next game, away to Westover, will be a far harder test, but with our confidence on a high, things are looking good!!
VARSITY BBALL PLAYS A BARNBURNER WMS -46-DDS-44
Washington Montessori rolled into town on Monday and I was a bit surprised by what I saw. They only had seven players. As their coach told me, the dreaded flu had taken a toll on his normally large group of players. I did however notice that it didn’t include their two best shooters, whom we had meticulously prepared for in practice. Like all our meetings with WMS, this one was the usual seesawing of the lead, some great offensive and defensive plays by both teams and the bounces that went our way in the first game, mostly belonged to WMS in this meeting. The nail-biting final score was WMS-46 and DDS-44. What a game!
DDS started off the game a bit slowly, maybe a combination of feeling a bit over-confident since we had beaten WMS earlier in the season and being undefeated so far this season. A few lapses of concentration at both ends of the court caused our Tigers to be one or two baskets behind most of the first half, but we managed to keep the score close with some outstanding shots and defensive plays. When the first half buzzer sounded, I was happy to be only three points down. It seemed that every three-pointer WMS was throwing up was nothing but net.
Our halftime talk focused on better ball control and crisper execution of our plays. This team is always very aware of the areas they need to improve and is quick to even point them out to me before I get to them myself. (It’s great to have smart players) I asked them all to dig down deep, support each other, and play the type of game they are capable of playing and have played all year. They are always willing to work harder and this game was no exception. They came out in the second half ready to play and determined to win.
The second half saw some great play execution, some beautiful passing and a game in the “paint” that would make any “big-man” coach proud. Dani, Shriman, and Adam were moving the ball like the veteran players they are, while Griffin and Hudson rotated at the point, setting up and leading some great fast break opportunities. Griffin, playing with the flu, and Hudson playing with a very severely sprained finger, scored 16 and 15 points respectively. They were tenacious on defense and held WMS’s best guard to just two baskets. Dani, Adam, and Shriman added 6, 5, and 2 points respectively and were tough and consistent under the boards. So, what was the difference in this game you ask? I think we missed our share of easy layups, but that happens in every game. I also think we were out of position on a few rebounds, but that also happens in every game. Quite simply, the ball bounces a certain way for every team during the year and in this game it just wasn’t bouncing our way. We never gave up and we played tough right until the final buzzer. After the game this team proved to themselves and to this coach that if they had finished off a layup here or there, they would have been victorious. Not one of them blamed another teammate. Each of them wished they had played better to help their team, and all of them rededicated themselves to playing a better game next time out. Sometimes a loss teaches us more than a series of wins will ever teach and sometimes a small setback is good for a team. I have a sneaking suspicion that this incredible group of DDS athletes will come back to the hardwood strong, dedicated, and determined in their next contest.
The team invites you to their next game at home on Monday, February 11, at 3:30 PM at the Bontecou Gym. Your support is always appreciated and welcome.
DDS started off the game a bit slowly, maybe a combination of feeling a bit over-confident since we had beaten WMS earlier in the season and being undefeated so far this season. A few lapses of concentration at both ends of the court caused our Tigers to be one or two baskets behind most of the first half, but we managed to keep the score close with some outstanding shots and defensive plays. When the first half buzzer sounded, I was happy to be only three points down. It seemed that every three-pointer WMS was throwing up was nothing but net.
Our halftime talk focused on better ball control and crisper execution of our plays. This team is always very aware of the areas they need to improve and is quick to even point them out to me before I get to them myself. (It’s great to have smart players) I asked them all to dig down deep, support each other, and play the type of game they are capable of playing and have played all year. They are always willing to work harder and this game was no exception. They came out in the second half ready to play and determined to win.
The second half saw some great play execution, some beautiful passing and a game in the “paint” that would make any “big-man” coach proud. Dani, Shriman, and Adam were moving the ball like the veteran players they are, while Griffin and Hudson rotated at the point, setting up and leading some great fast break opportunities. Griffin, playing with the flu, and Hudson playing with a very severely sprained finger, scored 16 and 15 points respectively. They were tenacious on defense and held WMS’s best guard to just two baskets. Dani, Adam, and Shriman added 6, 5, and 2 points respectively and were tough and consistent under the boards. So, what was the difference in this game you ask? I think we missed our share of easy layups, but that happens in every game. I also think we were out of position on a few rebounds, but that also happens in every game. Quite simply, the ball bounces a certain way for every team during the year and in this game it just wasn’t bouncing our way. We never gave up and we played tough right until the final buzzer. After the game this team proved to themselves and to this coach that if they had finished off a layup here or there, they would have been victorious. Not one of them blamed another teammate. Each of them wished they had played better to help their team, and all of them rededicated themselves to playing a better game next time out. Sometimes a loss teaches us more than a series of wins will ever teach and sometimes a small setback is good for a team. I have a sneaking suspicion that this incredible group of DDS athletes will come back to the hardwood strong, dedicated, and determined in their next contest.
The team invites you to their next game at home on Monday, February 11, at 3:30 PM at the Bontecou Gym. Your support is always appreciated and welcome.
Monday, February 4, 2008
JV Volleyball cancellation
The JV Volleyball game away against Rumsey on Wednesday Feb 6th has been cancelled. A new date will be arranged!
Friday, February 1, 2008
Sports Schedule for week beginning Monay February 4th, 2008
Monday February 4th - Varsity Basketball @ DDS v Washington Montessori.
Dismiss 3:00 p.m. Start 3:30 p.m. Pick up 4:45 p.m.
Wednesday February 6th - Squash @ Millbrook School v Millbrook/IMS
Dismiss 2:30 p.m. Start 3:15 p.m.
Pick up at Millbrook 5:00 p.m.
Pick Up at DDS 5:15 p.m.
- JV Volleyball @ Rumsey
Dismiss 2:00 p.m. Start 3:30 p.m. Pick Up 5:45 p.m.
Thursday February 7th - JV Basketball @ DDS v Poughkeepsie Day
Dismiss 3:00 p.m. Start 3:30 p.m. Pick up 4:45 p.m.
- Varsity Volleyball @ Rumsey
Dismiss 2:00 p.m. Start 3:30 p.m. Pick up 5:45 p.m.
Friday February 8th - Ski/Skate
Dismiss 3:00 p.m. Start 3:30 p.m. Pick up 4:45 p.m.
Wednesday February 6th - Squash @ Millbrook School v Millbrook/IMS
Dismiss 2:30 p.m. Start 3:15 p.m.
Pick up at Millbrook 5:00 p.m.
Pick Up at DDS 5:15 p.m.
- JV Volleyball @ Rumsey
Dismiss 2:00 p.m. Start 3:30 p.m. Pick Up 5:45 p.m.
Thursday February 7th - JV Basketball @ DDS v Poughkeepsie Day
Dismiss 3:00 p.m. Start 3:30 p.m. Pick up 4:45 p.m.
- Varsity Volleyball @ Rumsey
Dismiss 2:00 p.m. Start 3:30 p.m. Pick up 5:45 p.m.
Friday February 8th - Ski/Skate
Thursday, January 31, 2008
VARSITY BASKETBALL WINS AT HOME-DDS-28-MIZZENTOP-23
The varsity basketball team put its perfect record on the line and came away with an exciting victory against the visiting Mizzentop hoopsters on Wednesday afternoon. The fast paced game was exciting and the entire team had a hand in the outcome. The scoring was evenly distributed amongst the players, with three boys making their first baskets as varsity players.
Matthew Stapylton played a great game at both ends of the court, grabbing several rebounds with terrific positioning under the boards and scoring a basket for the cause. I was very proud of Matt’s performance in this game. He has shown consistent improvement in practice and a real desire to become a better player. Matt has also taken total responsibility for himself, accepts constructive input well and has really grown as a player and a teammate. It is great to see him contributing to the team’s success. Great job Matt, keep up the good work.
Joining Matt with their first varsity baskets of the year were Roan Gideon and Shriman Bala. Congratulations guys. I foresee many more points from both of you in future games. Roan and Christian showed their usual hustle on defense, causing many jump balls and fast break opportunities for the team. This DDS basketball team is not afraid to get a few floor burns hustling for a loose ball.
Tri–captains Griffin Wilson, Hudson Kuras, and Adam Baker added 6, 8, and 8 points respectively and were an integral part of an effective fast break. The entire team is really improving when it comes to filling the lanes and finishing off their layups. They are beginning to understand the effectiveness of a well run and aggressive fast break opportunity. Guards Austin Christensen, Cooper Davis, and Ben Pohulchuk saw some serious playing time and showed greater confidence and poise under the pressure defense that Mizzentop was showing throughout the game. Austin made some strong moves to the iron and is so close to becoming a consistent scorer. It is great to see him gaining confidence in himself. Cooper seems to be all over the court, causing problems for any player he is guarding. Ben got a chance to see the pressure that a point guard is under for most of the game and is showing steady improvement as the year progresses.
The team will defend its 5 and 0 record on Monday, February 4, against Washington Montessori School. I hope you will be able to come out and see these young athletes in action.
Matthew Stapylton played a great game at both ends of the court, grabbing several rebounds with terrific positioning under the boards and scoring a basket for the cause. I was very proud of Matt’s performance in this game. He has shown consistent improvement in practice and a real desire to become a better player. Matt has also taken total responsibility for himself, accepts constructive input well and has really grown as a player and a teammate. It is great to see him contributing to the team’s success. Great job Matt, keep up the good work.
Joining Matt with their first varsity baskets of the year were Roan Gideon and Shriman Bala. Congratulations guys. I foresee many more points from both of you in future games. Roan and Christian showed their usual hustle on defense, causing many jump balls and fast break opportunities for the team. This DDS basketball team is not afraid to get a few floor burns hustling for a loose ball.
Tri–captains Griffin Wilson, Hudson Kuras, and Adam Baker added 6, 8, and 8 points respectively and were an integral part of an effective fast break. The entire team is really improving when it comes to filling the lanes and finishing off their layups. They are beginning to understand the effectiveness of a well run and aggressive fast break opportunity. Guards Austin Christensen, Cooper Davis, and Ben Pohulchuk saw some serious playing time and showed greater confidence and poise under the pressure defense that Mizzentop was showing throughout the game. Austin made some strong moves to the iron and is so close to becoming a consistent scorer. It is great to see him gaining confidence in himself. Cooper seems to be all over the court, causing problems for any player he is guarding. Ben got a chance to see the pressure that a point guard is under for most of the game and is showing steady improvement as the year progresses.
The team will defend its 5 and 0 record on Monday, February 4, against Washington Montessori School. I hope you will be able to come out and see these young athletes in action.
JV Basketball game v Melrose on Wednesday January 30th, 2008
The final score of 33-15 to Melrose reflected the number of opportunities that each side carved out shooting chances. Although we worked hard in defense,and forced the Melrose players to move the ball around, we found it hard to gather rebound to the benefit of one very capable, tall Melrose forward. Nick A., Maggie, Nick S. and Sebastian worked very hard under the basket and did well to squeeze the Melrose forwards out at times. Going forward, we made some very good scores, and for a while, even up to half time, Melrose's lead was relatively small. However, we were often caught in possesion, with the Melrose defense putting fairly strong pressure on our ball carriers. Taylor, Sean and Alex moved fluidly around the court and set up some good shooting opportunities, although most were a result of a one pass situation. We really needed to look up and move the ball about more if we were to increase our scoring opportunities. TJ found some good positions in particular but could not always get his shot off. When Jon and Bernadette came off the bench, they worked hard to support both offense and defense. Overall, it was a great effort by our JV Tigers!
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