Heading to this weekend, the team holds a 13-11 record against Exeter’s 4-18 record.
Andover Girls Basketball will face Phillips Exeter Academy for the second time this season on Saturday after winning 55-32 in its first match-up during the Christmas Tournament in December.
Co-Captain Claire Brady ’20 said “I think we played really well against them then, but during my time at Andover, the [Andover/Exeter] games can always sway based on the momentum, so I think it will be really exciting that we have a home game this year. It’s also one of the later games, so hopefully it will be a good turnout and really good, positive energy, but I think the team feels pretty confident going in.”
According to Brady and Maya Shkolnik ’21, the energy of this game should be much better than that of the last match-up.
“The last time we played Exeter was the Christmas Tournament, it’s a tough one because it’s right before winter break, everyone is exhausted, it tends to be pretty low-energy compared to A/E, so I think it will be really fun and really exciting,” said Brady.
“I think a lot about A/E is just having the energy and kind of just having a really good game playing-wise but also as a team and being there for each other. So, we’ve worked a lot to start warming up for our games with a lot of intensity and energy and I think that will really help us this game,” said Shkolnik.
Brady noted that one of the team’s main goals is to “play up” to its opponents and stay strong throughout.
“Earlier in the season, we would kind of play to be [to] level of our opponent, and I think we have gotten a lot better at distinguishing what our game is and being able to control a game depending upon who we are playing. I would say just play our game and make sure that we are dominating so that they play to our level instead of us playing to theirs.”
The team is also looking to maintain its composure and make smart decisions, according to Shkolnik.
“It’s our seniors’ last game. I think it’s just really important that we are just playing together and getting good shots instead of taking [the] first open shot we have and like just having really good ball movement,” said Shkolnik.
The team will carry its momentum to the A/E game on Saturday, and hopes to continue playing to its strengths to secure the win.
