The RHS Girls’ basketball team started the season with a run of six wins and two losses, ranking them fifth among the 18 teams playing in Section 1 Class A.
It began with three lopsided victories over John Jay Cross River, Byram Hills and Roosevelt High by an average margin of 32 points, followed by a hard fought, 51-42 comeback win on the road against a formidable Westlake team. The first setback of the season came on Dec. 18 against perennial Class A powerhouse Tappan Zee, which used an incredible display of three-point shooting to defeat Rye, 64-49.
The Garnets won handily in the opener of the annual Mahopac holiday tournament, beating Clarkstown North, 72-44. But the team fell short, 41-35, in a defensive struggle against Mahopac in the championship game. Notably, sophomore guard Paige Tepedino and senior forward Piper Tenney earned All Tournament recognition for exceptional play throughout the event.
After the holidays, the Garnets got back on track, traveling to Eastchester on Jan. 3 for a 54-31 victory in their first league game of the season.
Tepedino, junior Molly Kennedy, and sophomore Phoebe Greto have been the early leaders on offense, each averaging between 10 and 11 points a game. Eighth grader Stella Maresca and junior Kathleen Denvir have been valued offensive contributors as well.
Defensively, the Garnets have displayed relentless energy and full-court pressure, holding opponents to an average of 36.5 points a game, 10th best among the 69 teams of all size classes participating in Section 1. With the approach of the season’s midpoint, Coach Margo Hackett is pleased with the good start and players’ effort.
Upcoming home games for the girls’ team include Jan. 16 against Edgemont, Jan. 19 versus Eastchester, Jan. 24 against Nyack, and Jan. 26 versus longtime rival Harrison.