The Princeton Day School has a game plan on how to reverse its results for the remainder of this girls’ basketball season.
Victories will come from owning the rebounds, limiting turnovers and having good offensive possessions, according to PDS coach Elizabeth Loughlin.
“I think we have made a lot of progress and a lot of growth at this stage in the season. Throughout the season we have struggled with girls out with injuries, concussions or the flu,” Loughlin said. “This is the first time since the start of the season that we have had all 11 girls playing and in the rotation. Now is about trying to piece some things together and get into a flow.”
The team is 2-14 on the season, but it has been a learning process since there are just two seniors on the roster.
“I think we have a lot of younger girls who have been stepping up. I think we have been strong with our rebounding and our toughness,” Loughlin said. “The intangibles have been our strength this year. Hustle, heart and effort that has really been a good improvement for us.”
Princeton Day has three juniors, three sophomores, and three freshmen along with the two seniors on the squad.
“It has been tough in terms of building their experience as a young team. Chemistry has been a huge piece for us and always having a core unit of people who are always able to play,” Loughlin said. “For the young girls it is about gaining valuable playing time. I want them to be comfortable with the game and the pace. It has definitely been a learning experience for a lot of people this year.”
She explained that the team puts on the pressure with its defense.
“Defensively our style is about being 110%, every time. We want them to always give the effort and box out and rebound,” Loughlin said. “Defense for comes down to how tough can you be and make it really tough for other teams.”
She said offensively the team has to be patient and settled.
“We want play within ourselves and get good shots. We do not want to do things that our outside of our skills and not within our system,” Loughlin pointed out. “We definitely have to play to our strengths.”
Freshman forward Kirsten Ruf has been a source of consistent production.
“She looks to rebound and does a really great job of playing tough. She is definitely a significant player for us,” Loughlin said.
Senior forward Maggie Amaral, junior guard Anna Ellwood, sophomore guard Elle Anhut have aided the Panthers this season.
According to Loughlin, the whole team has stepped up their game.
“Certain areas of our game and skills we need to grow,” Loughlin said. “I think being more offensive and looking to knock down shots and taking advantage of the opportunities on offense when we have them. We need to be able to score in transition.”
Panthers will look to continue to grow, understand that each player needs to be their best self, and give each game their all, according to Loughlin.
Princeton Day sets off for a road contest against crosstown rival Princeton High School on Feb. 1. Tip-off is 11:30 a.m.