The team faced its biggest obstacle of the season in early February. In a bitter-sweet 39-21 victory over Churchill that clinched a playoff berth for the Panthers, senior guard Molly A. went down with a season-ending knee injury. With the loss of Molly’s versatile point guard and post presence, the girls seemed to be at a slight disadvantage, picking up losses to Elizabeth Irwin and for the second time in the season, the eventual regular season ISAL Big Apple champs, York Prep. 

 

Despite the adversity they faced, the squad would again regroup with the addition of former JV standout, Julia G. Sophomore Sensation, Janna J. also rose to the occasion, accepting the challenge head coach David presented her with of transitioning from a guard to a post player for the remainder of the season. Under the guidance of honorary coach Molly, BFS won its last regular season matchup against Bay Ridge Prep.

 

A determined and conditioned unit of girls entered the first round of playoffs in front of a crowd of BFS loyalists cheering them on for the home contest. In a game that could be considered one of the most exciting girls varsity basketball playoff victories, the team pulled out a come from behind 36-32 overtime win against the Churchill School.  Despite finishing the year with an ISAL semifinal crossover loss to Loyola, the 2010-2011 season was from beginning to end an enormous success.

 

In a year filled with a multitude of accomplishments, several players mounted tremendous statistics. Senior guard Chineke N. completed her final season with 94 points, 76 steals and 21 assists. Senior forward Sarah D. totaled 128 points, 127 rebounds, 36 steals and 51 blocks. Senior guard/forward Molly A. compiled 89 points, 160 rebounds, 49 assists, 62 steals and 45 blocks, despite missing the last 5 games of the season. Sophomore Janna J. looks to leave her mark in the BFS record books as she tallied 263 points, 249 rebounds and 82 steals in her first varsity season. Along with the contributions of underclassmen, Herron H, Sofia P and Julia G, the future of the BFS Girls Varsity team looks very promising.

 

 

The team's backcourt consisted of solid senior leadership with Ben F., Maceo T-T. and Daniel W. Ben, the team captain along with Spencer, lead the team in assists with 3 per game. His playmaking ability gave teams issues all season long, including games against Garden School (12 points, 7 assists, 5 steals) and Lycee Francias (14 points, 5 assists, and 5 rebounds). Maceo's steady play gave the team a reliable defensive stopper who could also knock down shots. Weber took care of all the team's intangibles; rebounding, defending, ball-handling, passing, blocking and scoring off the dribble. A mid-season contributor, Conway B., gave the team toughness, rebounding, and a strong post defensive presence.

 

Kevin R., Erez M., and Jared L. gave this team plenty of versatile scorers and solid defense. Kevin was the team's second leading scorer with 8 points. The opposition feared his midrange shooting ability, as well as his off the dribble to the basket moves. Against Dwight he posted a double-double of 12 points and 11 rebounds, and added 4 steals. In improving his long range shooting and post game abilities, Erez M. became a force offensively as the season continued. His most notable moments came against St. Ann's where he recorded 14 points and 4 rebounds, while shooting 2-3 from three-point range. He also scored 10 points and grabbed 6 rebounds against Garden School.

 

In his first year playing at Brooklyn Friends, Jared L. proved that he is a force both offensively and defensively. Jared was the team leader in blocks and rebounds. Against Dwight, he frustrated their center notching 8 blocks while scoring 13 points and 14 rebounds. Against St. Ann's, Jared also played very well totaling 7 blocks, 11 points, and 12 rebounds. Even though this year's teams struggled, the future is promising.

 

BOYS JUNIOR VARSITY BASKETBALL
 
The Brooklyn Friends Junior Varsity Boys’ Basketball team finished their season with a mix of highs and lows. Entering the season with a first year head coach, and having lost two key players to the varsity, the group understood the challenges they faced. Closing the season with a 2 and 17 overall record, and a 1 and 15 league record, many players stepped up to lead this rebuilding team.

Despite inconsistencies in playing throughout the season, the coaching staff and team never ceased from pressuring themselves. Coaches, and BFS alums, Will Watkins and Tim Gagnay challenged the team to play a “4 out 1 in” offensive set, emphasize ball movement, identify match ups and most importantly trust each other. Defensively, the team played man to man, and were taught the concepts of help defense.

While rebounding seemed to be a crucial issue, the boys were committed to getting better and showed this by always coming to practice and not getting discouraged or quitting on themselves. They improved from game to game and continued to work hard. As a coach all I can ask for is hard work, dedication, and being committed to getting better.

Will M., a rising junior, lead the team in the last 2 months of the season averaging 10 points and 10 rebounds. The biggest surprise of the season was Sebastian J., who improved tremendously from day to day and became a starter by the end of the season. Another big surprise was Adam G., a freshman point guard, who understood the game and shot the ball exceptionally well. All the players mentioned, and also the rest on the roster will be key to a successful BFS Upper School basketball program next year.

The season was a learning experience for both the players and coaches, who look to continue to build on this year’s accomplishments in the future.

 

MIDDLE SCHOOL GIRLS BASKETBALL

Well done to Abby, Aoife, Hannah, Sierra, Sophie, Tricia, Lily, Grace, Ruby, Nicola, and Giovanna for completing a highly enjoyable season of basketball! The TRUE sign of success for our middle school girls basketball team was not measured in the wins and losses column, but in how much each girl improved from day one of practice through the eleven games, in how enjoyable the girls found the experience of representing the school, and the strong bond forged between the girls forming an admirable team spirit in the face of challenging opponents. Of the many highlights, our home game versus Steiner will live long in the memory for all those that played, watched and cheered on the school. The atmosphere and celebratory cheers in the lower gym when the final buzzer sounded will be cherished for many seasons to come. 

MIDDLE SCHOOL BOYS BASKETBALL

A lot could be said about the 2010-2011 Middle School Boys’ Basketball team and the season they had. But the most accurate statement would simply be; "a season of promise fulfilled". With a strong returning 8th grade class and very athletic 7th grade class, the coaches expected very much of the team and the players did not disappoint. Each and every member on the team showed great work ethic beginning in the early practices. Games were no different in regards to motivation and effort, as the boys performed exceptionally well, often battling injury, to finish with an 8-6 record, including going 4-1 in the ISAL basketball league.            

 

The team was led by 8th grade captain, Adrian E., who averaged 10.5 points, 9 rebounds, 3 assists and 2 steals per game. Another big contributor was 8th grade active big man Adam W, who averaged 8.9 points and 9 rebounds per game. In many occasions Adam dominated the court as he recorded team highs with 16 rebounds and 6 blocked shots in separate contests. A couple of other key players were 8th grade sharp shooter Bisa M-T. (8.8 PPG) and Aidan P. (4.5 PPG). Several 7th graders also gave outstanding performances this season as well. A couple of the bright stars from the underclass were Jackson Hill who earned the starting point guard spot by mid season, and Paolo F. who contributed big minutes in his first year of organized basketball.           

 

Overall, every team member contributed and assisted in helping the team in reaching the championship game. The same, if not greater, level of success and dedication is expected next season of all the returning athletes.

 

BOYS AND GIRLS VARSITY INDOOR TRACK

The BFS Indoor track team had a successful first season.  The team was small, consisting of only 11 athletes - but, those 11 athletes came to practice 5 days a week and trained as hard as they could.  Training outdoors this winter has posed some serious challenges, but the team stuck together and dealt with the bad weather with high spirits.  Everyone on the team has gotten faster as the season progressed, culminating in SEVEN people running their best times at our final meet, the NYSAIS Championships on February 16.  Elinor H, Dante P, Shani P, Misha H, Jose U, Alex D-L, and Christian H all ran their best times of season at the Championships.  Kieran N used the NYSAIS meet to qualify for the NY State Championships in the 1000 meter run.  Kieran ran a time of 2:35 in the 1000m and faced off against the state's best on March 5th in Ithaca, NY.