Basketball season has only just begun, but the Andover Girls Varsity Basketball team is already looking forward to improvement. Although its record is less than consistent so far, the upcoming games will provide an exciting challenge. New coach Lani Boardman leads the team this year. A former University of Vermont basketball standout, she arrives at Andover as a Teaching Fellow in mathematics. Captain Jackie Price ’06 leads the team from her guard position. A versatile player, she can bring the ball up the court and lead the offense as well as score on jump shots or by driving to the basket. Captain Price has already shown a knack for heroics, draining four free throws in the final minute to beat Loomis Chaffee. To begin the season, the team faced Governor Dummer Academy. Despite only having played together for a few short practices, the team displayed great effort. Kristen Macdonald ’07 led the team with 11 points, including a 6-for-6 effort from the foul line. The game ended in a 45-23 loss, but the team displayed tremendous effort and promise. Next, the Andover team traveled to Brewster Academy, where it gave Brewster a hard fight. Captain Price was the leading scorer, with great rebounding from Sarah Beattie ’07 and Claire Fox ’06. Forcing several turnovers, Hailee Minor ’08 and Kara Hollis ’07 played great defense. Though Brewster was leading at halftime 21-8, Andover entered the second half with energy and determination. The team improved its play in the second half and almost came back to win but lost in a nail-biter 40-36. Showing much improvement, the tenacious Andover team earned its first win against Loomis. Helping Andover keep the lead, Kelly Fox ’08 led the team with 11 points. Andover controlled almost every rebound and scored many of its points off of second chances. The team fought hard to gain its first victory 36-34. In its final game before winter vacation, Andover traveled to perennial powerhouse New Hampton Academy. The talent discrepancy between the two teams was evident from the beginning and Andover fell 63-23. In its first game since returning from Winter break, Andover faces Choate at home on Saturday.
