As the winter season progresses, the Cougars are advancing in their competition schedules, practicing their skills, and settling in on the mat and the court.
After their return from Winter Break, the girls varsity basketball team hit the court running. On Saturday, January 7, Storm King faced Northfield Mount Hermon where our players showed excellent teamwork and tenacity to the final buzzer. Unfortunately, it wasn’t enough to overcome the Hoggers, who edged out the Cougars, 49-56, in the 4th quarter.
Next, the girls traveled to Brooklyn’s Nazareth High School the weekend of January 13-14 for the 2023 Rose Classic Super Jam. Although St. Andrews edged out the Cougars 45-49, the team gained high-level exposure with top women’s college basketball programs and corporate sponsors from around the nation. Marisa C. ’23 was named MVP for the team, Arianna L. ’24 received the award for Sportsmanship, and Aleena S. ’23 received the award for Scholar Athlete.
The following Wednesday, January 18, a change in schedule put Storm King up against Connecticut’s Cheshire Academy. The day brought a comfortable win for the Cougars who cruised to a final score of 71-44 over the Cats. The Cougars’ winning momentum continued on Saturday, January 20, on the road at Winchendon, where excellent team play and consistent defense brought them another win, 62-55, over the Wapitis.
Unfortunately, the girls fell back the last week of January with losses on the road against Hoosac, 52-55, on Thursday, January 26, and MacDuffie School, 64-71, on Friday, January 27. With their spirits still high, the Cougars plan to rally for their next tip-off versus Greens Farms Academy on Wednesday, February 1.
The varsity boys basketball team entered Semester 2 strong, sporting the #4 ranking in the New England Prep School Athletic Conference (NEPSAC) Class C. Coming off a resounding win on the final day of December’s Storm King Tournament, the team played their next game on Saturday, January 7, hosting Connecticut’s Capital Prep Harbor. According to Coach Cook, the players showed excellent teamwork and determination throughout the game, ultimately falling to the Sharks 58-80. In their tip-off against Darrow the following Wednesday, January 11, home advantage was with the Cougars who beat the Ducks 61-50.
Next up, the boys hosted Hamden Hall on Saturday, January 14. This proved to be a tough game for the Cougars who fell to the Hornets 52-64 in the final minutes. The following Wednesday, January 18, the team traveled to Greens Farms Academy where they fought hard once again until the final buzzer, ultimately falling, 69-75, to the Dragons. The tides turned, however, when the Cougars faced Christian Heritage on the road Friday, January 20. Once again, their skill, tenacity, and teamwork brought the Cougars a much-anticipated win, 50-46, over the Kingsmen.
The final days of January brought mixed results for the Cougars, who suffered a loss, 57-98, against NYMA on Friday, January 27. Jayden C. ’23 scored 18 points with 8 rebounds, with Josh C. ’24 scoring 15 points with 4 assists, and Isiah H. ’24 scoring 9 points. “NYMA is a tough team with a lot of size, which got us down early. We responded with a run to close out the first half, but ultimately the lead was too large to overcome,” commented Coach Cook after the game.
The following day–Saturday, January 28–the Cougars hoped for redemption when they traveled to Marvelwood to face the Pterodactyls. Their efforts paid off bringing them a comfortable win, 58-44. “It was a good overall team win after the loss the night before,” continued Coach Cook. “After a 3 point lead going into half time, our response in the 2nd half was strong; building the lead by playing team defense and forcing turnovers that led to scoring opportunities.”
Boys Varsity Basketball will work to keep their winning momentum going when they travel to Darrow on Wednesday, February 1.
Storm King’s JV basketball team displayed excellent teamwork and skills at their first game of the season versus Darrow, bringing them a formidable win, 32-13, over the Ducks on Wednesday, January 11. Despite a loss in their second season game, the Cougars continued to gain valuable court time when they faced Redemption Christian Academy on Saturday, January 14.
Their improving skills were on display when the Cougars hosted Marvelwood the following Wednesday, January 18, helping them deliver a strong showing over the Pterodactyls, 28-6. With their court experience continuing to deepen, the Cougars went on the road to Harvey the following Friday, January 20, set on another victory. Despite a strong team effort and some great play, the Cougars ultimately fell to the Cavaliers, 40-20. To close out the month, Storm King rallied once again when they faced Marvelwood on Saturday, January 28, bringing them a comfortable win, 43-22, over the Pterodactyls.
The JV Cougars will play again on Wednesday, February 1, when they host the Darrow Ducks.
January brought the first competitions of the season for the SKS Wrestlers. The Cougars had their first meet on Wednesday, January 18, hosting Connecticut’s Forman School. Despite their home advantage and the valiant effort put in by every team member, the day ended with a final score of 15-30 in favor of the Lions. Three SKS wrestlers won their bouts including Zhixin L. ‘27 in the 106 weight class, Luke C. ’23 in the 126 weight class, and Thomas C. ’23 in the 175 weight class. With their minds set on redemption, the Cougars hosted Woodhall the following Sunday, January 21. Determination and another strong team effort resulted in a win over The Phoenix, 30 – 15. Now, the Cougars have their sights set on the HVAL quarterfinals which begin in early February.
The SKS fencing team had a great run when traveled to Maplewood, New Jersey, for the New Jersey Fencing Alliance’s Division III Mixed Epee competition on Tuesday, January 24. According to Coach Belcher, Storm King’s enthusiastic team, although small in numbers, succeeded in capturing 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place. Congratulations go to freshman fencer Dongwoo R. ’26 who earned his E rank.