Blair basketball teams win tournaments over winter break

On Dec. 29, Blair's boys' varsity basketball team (10-3) won the Jay Craven Bracket at the Boardwalk Classic in Wildwood, N.J. On Dec. 27, Blair's girls' varsity basketball team (11-2) won the Dave Griffith Memorial Shootout Tournament. 

For the boys, they defeated Shawnee High School and St. Joe's by the Sea High School en route to the tournament win, their first since 2014. Although it was exciting to win, the team remembered to stay humble, as much of the season remains. "I just told the team to stay humble... I will be happy when we win a state title," junior guard Alfred Worrell said.

The trip to New Jersey helped the boys' team grow a greater team chemistry, as they spent time not only on the court, but also off the court. "Spending time in our hotel rooms, the jacuzzi, and also being together on the court together helped us build a brotherhood deeper than basketball," junior guard Roman Cannuscio said.

Looking towards the rest of the season, the boys need to focus on the central theme of trust. "Trusting each other and playing fast, I feel like if we do that, no one can beat us," Worrell said. 

The girls' team echoed a similar feeling from their tournament, that it helped bring them together as a team, as well as a chance for everyone to get good playing time. "Winter tournaments are always important for our team because they bring us together more. It was also a chance for those who get less play time in the regular season to get on-court experience," Martin said.

Martin, junior guard Kate Hildebrandt and freshman Natalie Frost were awarded all-tournament-team honors. Martin was also awarded the tournament's most valuable player. "Really what I try to be is a leader on the court and do what my team needs me to do, often that's a lot of defense and rebounding," Martin said. 

In addition, the tournament acted as a great boost for the team. "To win the tournament was such a great confidence boost for the whole team, creating good momentum for future games," Hildebrandt said. 

Both teams look to carry over last season's playoff success. The girls have some tough games ahead against Sherwood and Churchill. The boys will also face some tough teams at the end of the season, with Sherwood, Churchill and Blake being the biggest challenges.

The girls' next home game is on Jan. 28 against the Sherwood Warriors at 7:15 p.m. The boys' next home game is on Jan. 24 against the Northwood Gladiators at 7:15 p.m.