The echo of sneakers squeaking and the sound of basketballs bouncing on the hardwood floor fills the air once again, and the Bridgewater-Raritan High School girls’ basketball team has returned for the 2024-2025 season.

The girls’ basketball team has their eyes looking ahead, with clear goals and priorities set for productivity in the practices and games of their remaining long season. Head Coach Xavier Brooks passionately reflects on what he wishes for his team to achieve throughout the season.

“The goal for this season is to be connected and follow the motto of Kaizen, which is the philosophy of continuously getting better to meet your goals and have positive changes in life. We want to take advantage of each day with the goal of winning games and having fun,” he said.

The team practices daily and regularly competes in games against schools across New Jersey as a part of the Skyland Conference. This athletic conference is composed of high schools from Somerset, Warren, Hunterdon, and Middlesex Counties, providing the team opportunities to showcase their talent in avid competition while benefiting each athlete through the improvement of their individual skills.

The team has played six games since December, highlighted by a 29-27 victory against North Hunterdon Regional High School. The team faced challenges in their five other games, suffering losses against Montgomery High School, Governor Livingston High School, Watchung Hills Regional High School and Belvidere High School. Despite this, each match played has provided growth for the team, fueling hope for success in the 16 remaining games of the season.

The  varsity and JV  roster feature 17 players, of which four are freshmen, three are sophomores, three are juniors, and seven are seniors. Being comprised of athletes of fresh talent as well as mature experience, this year’s roster promises a valuable season to fuel success in the years to come.

The team’s environment is one of determination and team spirit, with athletes supporting each other as they improve during the span of the season. Senior Angela Tremarco, holding the position of guard on the varsity team, reflects upon her excitement for what her last season will bring for her and her team.

“I’m most excited for spending time with the same people everyday and for working hard for games throughout the season,” she said.

Senior Emily Leppert, with the position of forward on the varsity team, speaks upon her hopes as an athlete for the season.

“As an athlete, I’m looking to achieve growth by getting better each day and helping my team do the same,” she said.

The Bridgewater-Raritan eagerly looks ahead to achieve their goals and showcase the hours of dedication and hard work put in at practice at their upcoming games against Immaculata  High School on January 9.