The girls varsity basketball team is making a strong drive to the playoffs this winter. At press time, the team is undefeated in their league, with a 9-0 record and impressive, sometimes hard-fought, victories over Birch Wathen Lenox, Calhoun, Churchill, Lycée Francais, Rudolf Steiner, Garden, Elisabeth Irwin, York Prep, and UNIS. There are five more league games to play before the playoffs in mid-February, and fans can keep track of the team's progress online.

After coaching boys basketball for 10 years, Athletic Director David Gardella took over as coach of the team this year. He is thrilled with their success and proud of the players: Shira Wilkofsky, Aliya Shain, Savannah Lewis, Jenine Abbassi, Shelby Cummins, Drew Cummins, Barbara von Salis, Sascha Roker, Courtni Clarke, and Alexandra Emmanuel.

Senior guard Shira is leading the way with an average of 10.2 points per game, and the team continues to rely on a balanced offensive effort. Sophomore center Jenine is averaging 8.1 points per game, senior guard Aliya and senior forward Savannah average 6 points per game, and junior forward Shelby Cummins is posting an average 5.4 points per game. “Senior Sascha Roker and Juniors Barbara von Salis and Drew Cummins have done an outstanding job coming off the bench to do whatever is needed,” said Coach Gardella. “We continue to take it one game at a time with the ultimate goal of getting back into the GISAL (Girls Independent School Athletic League) Championship.”

The highlights from the BFS Girls Varsity Basketball game vs. York Prep on Monday January 23 will air on BCAT Sports Talk Show (Channel 56 in Brooklyn) on Saturday, January 28 at 11 am and 7 pm; on Monday, January 30 at 1:30 pm and 9:30 pm; and Wednesday February 1 at 2 pm and 10 pm. Blue Pride!

Photos, from top: Coach Gardella huddles with the team; the team gathers prior to their home game against Calhoun