Girls Varsity Basketball: Season Outlook

St. Luke’s girls varsity basketball team is thrilled to be back on the court competing again for the Fairchester Athletic Association (FAA) and New England Preparatory School Athletic Council (NEPSAC) championships.

After dominating the FAA in recent years, the Storm was disappointed not to be able to defend its crown last year due to the modified season and COVID-19 restrictions. The team has won five straight championships and hopes to make it six in 2021-22.

St. Luke’s also made it to the NEPSAC final in the 2019-20 season but was defeated by Brooks School.

In his sixth season as head coach, Matt Ward hopes his squad will return to the New England championship game and win its first NEPSAC title this year: “We definitely want to win the FAA again and our first New England title. However, I also want this team to come together as a unit, buying into the team-first mentality and becoming a great rebounding team, known for its defense as much as for its ability to score.”

Ward has some new additions to his roster and a number of returning players, who he believes can propel the team forward to win the elusive NEPSAC crown: “I think Caroline Lau ‘22 and Mackenzie Nelson ‘23 are the two best guards in the state. They are tremendously skilled and a pleasure to work with. We also have Ava Sollenne ‘23, who has really stood out and is probably a top-five shooting guard in the state. She plays with energy and passion that's infectious. Brielle Renwick ‘22 has transformed her game and will play a huge role for us. Camdyn Nelson ‘25 has burst onto the scene and earned a starting spot as a freshman, while Sarah Lau ‘24 has been very impressive in the preseason, too.”

With so much talent on his roster, Ward sought out a more challenging schedule, adding some of the top teams from New England for the 2021-22 season. He wants to challenge his players during the regular season, which he believes will benefit them during the postseason: “We play five AA teams this season, with two coming in the first two weeks. We also play Noble and Greenough School and Beaver Country Day School. Both teams won NEPSAC championships in their respective classes two years ago and will be really good again this year. Nobles has set the bar in New England, with multiple NEPSAC championships.”

Despite such a tough schedule, Ward believes his team’s style of play will allow them to compete with anyone: “I want the team to play fast and controlled and with passion and joy. And I always want them to play hard. I expect 100% effort, 100% of the time. That's what we preach and what we expect from ourselves and each other.”

St. Luke’s girls varsity basketball opened up its season on Wednesday, Dec. 8, on the road at Holy Child School. The Storm enjoyed a comfortable 77-46 victory over the Gryphons to record its first FAA win. The team is back on the court for its home opener on Saturday, Dec. 11, when it hosts Storm King School at 2pm.