As a Tilton School player reached for an easy layup, Colby Gendron ’18 leaped into the air, pinning the ball to the glass and defending the point for Andover. Despite such efforts, Andover Boys Basketball suffered three losses this past week against Loomis Chaffee, Noble and Greenough, and Tilton with respective scores of 54-74, 43-46, and 69-110. The team’s record currently stands at 2-15.
“Both Loomis and Nobles were good teams. Both were well coached and full of talent,” said Matteo Whelton ’20.
Derrick Herrick ’18 wrote in an email to The Phillipian, “The competition was very stiff as usual, but we embrace tough opponents.”
On Friday, Andover hosted Loomis Chaffee at home. Despite the loss, the team enjoyed the energy and enthusiasm that fans brought to the court, according to Whelton.
“The most exciting part of the games were definitely the fans on Friday night; they brought amazing energy, and we are all very thankful for that. We definitely have the best fans in the Nepsac,” Whelton said.
Andover hopes to improve its communication in the backline as well as new offensive tactics for future games.
“We need to continue to work on communication on defense. Our lack of energy and communication causes us to have defensive breakdowns and lapses. Against good teams, we cannot rely on just our shooting; we need to outwork them defensively,” said Co-Captain Dallion Johnson ’20.
Johnson continued, “In practice, we have mostly been working on our new motion offense. We’ve also been getting familiar with playing different types of zone defenses.”
Despite recent challenges, the team aims to turn around its performance in the coming weeks.
“For the second half of the season, our goal is to continue to get better. If we continue to improve our play, then it will surely translate to more wins,” said Whelton.
In spite of the hardships that have plagued their season, the athletes have continued to grow closer and more supportive of one another, according to Whelton.
“I think it’s great how much fun we have with each other and how close we are as a team,” said Whelton.
Herrick added, “My favorite part of the team is the fun environment between teammates, managers, and coaches.”
The team will face off against Thayer in a home game this Friday.
