Exciting Sports Recap: Girls Basketball Triumphs Twice, Boys and Girls Swim Secure Victories!

The Nantucket Whalers have had an exciting week in sports! The girls’ basketball team is coming off two strong victories, while the boys’ and girls’ swim teams shined during a meet against Barnstable, celebrating their senior swimmers.

Girls Basketball: Back-to-Back Wins

On Monday, the Whalers faced off against Cape Cod Academy and rallied from an early 12-5 deficit to secure a 41-33 win. This brought their season record to 4-3. In their next game against the Rising Tide Herons, the Whalers dominated, winning 46-16.

Coach Jillian Fraker emphasized the team’s focus on reducing turnovers from their previous game. The players responded well, demonstrating teamwork and support from the bench. Marin Mooney led the scoring on Monday with 13 points, followed closely by Quinn Canty and Grace Schroeder, each with 11 points. The team really excelled in the second and third quarters, outscoring Cape Cod Academy 30-15 during that time.

Coach Fraker noted the team’s mental game and how important it is to stay focused. She encouraged the players to push through frustrations and to keep shooting, even if they missed. Freshman guard Grace Schroeder bounced back from a tough game to score 17 points in the earlier victory. Fraker praised her composure and confidence on the court.

In Tuesday’s match against the Herons, senior captain Maddie Lombardi led the way with 15 points. Fraker pointed out the need for the team to start strong with high intensity, but she was thrilled with how every player contributed on the court. With a record of 5-3, the Whalers look forward to their next game on Friday, January 31st, at 5 p.m. against the Sturgis East Storm.

Swim Teams Shine Against Barnstable

The boys’ and girls’ swim teams both celebrated victories against Barnstable during senior night. The boys won 98-40, while the girls triumphed 92-70.

Coach Dylan Jones was pleased with the performance, highlighting several swimmers achieving personal bests. Notable performances included:

• Boys’ Highlights:
  • Pavlin Aleksiev, Markus Vitanov, Eli MacIver, and Jake Johnson won the 200-yard medley relay with a time of 1:54.95.
  • Robert Graves took first in both the 200-yard freestyle (2:17.16) and the 500-yard freestyle (6:22.02).
  • Eli MacIver also excelled, winning the 200-yard individual medley and the 100-yard breaststroke.
• Girls’ Highlights:
  • Sara Dussault, Evie Phelps, Harper LeBrecht, and Myah Johnson placed first in the 200-yard medley relay (2:02.94).
  • Evie Phelps won the 200-yard freestyle with a time of 2:09.68.
  • Myah Johnson was impressive in both the 50-yard freestyle (26.05) and the 100-yard freestyle (59.50).

The Whalers will compete again at Sandwich High School for the Cape & Island League Championship meet on Saturday.

Upcoming Schedule:

Wednesday, January 29th: Boys hockey vs. Dennis-Yarmouth Dolphins at 4 p.m.
Thursday, January 30th: Boys basketball vs. Bourne Canalmen at 3:30 p.m.