Blazers kick off season in grand form

DEC. 7, NELSON H. KOBREN MEMORIAL GYMNASIUM—

Tonight, the Blair girls began a brand-new season with what proved to be an exciting and ultimately very successful first game. Although the Blazers allowed Einstein far too many chances to score and potentially pull ahead, the Titans' poor shot-making and ball-handling skills as well as excessive turnovers allowed the Blair girls to hold onto their lead throughout the game and finish with a very respectable 53-36 victory.

This season finds the basketball team on the cusp of new beginnings. After coach William Lindsey retired last year, history teacher James Mogge took his place. Along with new captains and an altered starting lineup, the team overall has certainly undergone a transformation. However, the girls have not let anything stand in their way, as starters and substitutes alike played well tonight, even show-boating a bit for their enthusiastic opening-day crowd.

The first quarter began extremely well for the Blazers, as the girls quickly put four points on the scoreboard after two nice lay-ups from senior captains Vicky Dean and Brittany Higgins. Both scored early in the third minute. The Blazers were able to subdue their offensively weak opponents for most of the quarter. The Titans never came within five points of Blair's lead, and were not able to mount any respectable offense until the final moments of the quarter. Higgins continued to lead the team through the quarter, scoring a lovely three-pointer late in the period off an assist from junior Rahesia McDonald.

The second quarter began a bit less comfortably, as the Blazers seemed somewhat fatigued on offense. Although Einstein had 10 turnovers during the quarter, Blair had five themselves. The girls waited until late in the quarter to mount their attack, when senior Jawana Henderson made three consecutive shots, all assisted, and Higgins amazed with a lay-up off the rebound of an unsuccessful shot that she herself had assisted, displaying excellent speed and reaction-time. Half-time found the girls up 28-20.

The third quarter began well, although the Blazers' eight-point lead was not quite dominant. The Titans, who played mediocre ball overall, managed to nail several free-throws this quarter, challenging Blair to remain humble. The Blazers persevered, and attempted several snazzy plays which won them success and a 16-point lead at the end of the quarter. Once again, Higgins dazzled in the eighth minute when she shot a beautiful lay-up which turned into a three-point play after the free-throw.

Einstein opened the fourth quarter with a three point shot, but Blair would not disappoint, shooting 5/14 from the field including a miracle shot just before the buzzer, and hanging on to their hard-won lead with much poise. The Einstein team fell easily, 53-36.

Dean stressed after the game that the team is reacting very well to such a new and different season. "I feel very confident about this season, everyone's stepping up to their leadership roles,” she said, adding, "For our first game we did really well.”

The Blazers' next game is Friday Dec. 10 at Bethesda- Chevy Chase at 7:00 p.m.