The Academy Eagles kicked off their winter basketball season with away wins. Both teams started their seasons strong, as the reigning division BI champions Lady Eagles achieved a massive 72-4 win against Frank Sinatra, and the Eagles’ win over Townsend Harris with a score of 68-50. As the season progressed, how did the coaches feel about the season and the teams’ performances?
Douglas Condon has coached the Lady Eagles Basketball team for 14 years and counting. In the past four years, the team accomplished the title of division champions. “We’re playing really well and I don’t really see anybody standing in our way in our division,” Condon said.
The Eagles are coached by William Carrey, who’s been with the team for 12 years. The Eagles have consistently placed third in their divisions. “We have a really good team chemistry this year…winning the first three games is great and I think it’s going to continue,” said Carey.
The players also expressed their hopes ahead of the season. One of the Lady Eagles captains, senior Caitlin Ormsby, shared what the team expected in the coming weeks. “We’re pretty optimistic about how we’re going to do in the season…we’re confident we’re making [the] playoffs,” said Caitlyn.
Similarly, the Eagles’ Captain, junior Georgios Gatsias, expressed his opinion on the team. “We first want to make the playoffs and be in a good seat to get a home-court advantage,” said Gatsias.
Confident in what they wanted to achieve in the 2023-24 season, there was rigorous and dedicated preparation from both teams in the preseason. “A harder preseason helped us a lot. It’s really the team being very committed to coming in and working hard every day,” said Condon. “They’re really communicating a lot, focusing on defense and rebounding, and putting themselves through it physically,” said Carey.
The players also gave insight into their preseason training. Senior Katerina Ballas is an experienced player, and as a guard, she shares their training routines. “We’re working hard every day of the week…we put up shots; we practice our defense, plays, and communication,” said Ballas.
Cillian Connolly is a junior on the team and acts as a center. Carey recently highlighted his performance across matches. “I’m working on my rebounds because that’s what we need to do as a team,” Connolly said.
Both teams played their last games of the season during playoff rounds against Benjamin Banneker Academy and Eleanor Roosevelt High School. Great effort by the teams and good luck for next year’s season!
Go Eagles!