​The WHS girls basketball team fell to New Providence 47–36 on Dec. 14 in its first game of the season.

However, as the first quarter came to a close, NP gained momentum and tied the score.  NP pulled ahead by two points after shooting a basket as the buzzer rang to end the quarter. The girls entered the second quarter with NP up, 9–7.

“We were a little all over the place because we are not used to playing with each other yet,” said junior Carly Friedman.

When the teams returned to the court, it was clear that NP had carried its momentum over into the second quarter. NP continued to score until WHS strengthened its defensive game with Scott, sophomore Megan Mondon and Friedman causing NP turnovers.

However, the Lady Blue Devils were constantly boxed out,  giving NP the opportunity to score. The first half ended with WHS down 15–12.

Head Coach Joe Marino said, “Basically, they out-rebounded us, and that’s where our problems occurred.”

As the second half began, NP dominated the court for the first half of the third quarter and gained a 10-point lead over WHS.

The team eventually fell back into a groove as Scott, Mondon and sophomore Jacqueline Knapp all began scoring.  The girls ended the quarter down by only 3 points, 32–29.

“I think we are going to do well once we work out the kinks,” said Knapp.

There was hope for the Lady Blue Devils going into the fourth quarter, but with consecutive missed shots, the girls slowly began slipping farther behind NP.

In the end, WHS lost in a game decided by rebounds.

“We need more work, but I wouldn’t say we performed horribly.  We just need to mature as a team, and then the flow will start to come together,” said senior Co-Captain Colleen Gallagher.
 
“We are going to bounce back; that’s not a problem,” said Marino. “We are going to go back and work hard and we will be okay.”