As the end of winter draws near, Briarcliff is currently wrapping up a very successful winter sports season. Many Briarcliff sports teams have made tremendous strides this year.
The 2013-2014 season has been one of transition for the boys’ varsity basketball team. After losing several senior leaders from the previous season, the varsity team has had a much younger squad. Despite their youth, the 2013-2014 season has been an incredibly successful one. The team has shown an impeccable ability to keep games close. Whether it be their heartbreaking 44-42 loss to Croton or their thrilling overtime win against Westlake, it is clear that this team is used to high pressure, late-game scenarios. This experience will prove vital as the team marches on towards the playoffs. The season came to a close with a loss to Irvington in the section quarter finals.
Another team who lost many of its senior leaders is the girls’ varsity basketball team. However, junior leaders such as Kelsey Simpson and Grace Orr have not let the team falter. The team has also seen ample contributions from many of its underclassmen, such as Carly Fanelli. This freshman has been incredibly impressive and has astounded with multiple 20 point performances this year. While this season has been a successful one, the team has not been immune from adversity, as junior guard Cassidy Carrafiello suffered a serious knee injury earlier in the season. But the team has been incredibly resilient, and as a result, the future looks quite bright for the girls’ varsity basketball team. The team’s season came to a close with a loss to Woodlands in the section semifinals game 58-67.
After a disappointing 2012-2013 season, it appears that there has been a Renaissance at the Westchester Skating Academy. The Ice Cats are boasted a 14-7-2 record, a tremendous improvement from their 3-16-1 record from the previous season. While the team is composed of players from Briarcliff, Pleasantville, Westlake, and Valhallam, many Briarcliff students have been instrumental in facilitating the team’s quick turnaround. One key addition to the Ice Cats has been Briarcliff sophomore Michael Greenberg. While other Briarcliff players such as Matt Klarnet, Giancarlo Romano, Dan Bramson, and Ryan Smedley have also been key contributors to the Ice Cats newfound success. The team recently beat Fox Lane by an astounding margin and they look to carry this momentum into the playoffs. The team lost to Pelham in the quarterfinals of sectionals.
Cheerleading- The varsity cheerleading team made tremendous progress this season. The team placed fourth in the Ketcham Indian Roll Competition for the first time in the team’s history. This improvement may be due to the dedication of the cheerleaders as well as the team’s chemistry.
Bowling- Seniors Suzannah Bergstein, Izzie Alley and Rachel Strauss led the girls’ varsity bowling team to the league championships. Seniors Mikey Golden and Dan Ventura provided strong leadership for the second year in a row as bowling captains.
Track- This season the varsity track team continued to improve as the girls captured the league championship under the stellar performances of seniors Sophie Feuer and Sharon Luan. Gerardo Munoz also provided leadership on the boys’ side. Feuer looks forward to competing in Nationals in the coming months.
Overall, the future of the many Briarcliff winter sports teams looks incredibly promising, and hopefully the Bears can have even more success in the upcoming Spring season.
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