Loomis girls’ basketball gearing up for tournament

Loomis Chaffee’s Chloe Alexander lines up a shot at a recent practice. Photos by Kathryn Elliott.

Following up a strong 2010 season record of 15-5, the Loomis Chaffee girls’ basketball team is comprised of strong-willed scholar athletes, all of whom are determined to improve on last year’s quarterfinal placement at the New England Class A Tournament.

Under the direction of head coach Adrian Stewart, the girls’ roster is comprised of team members from five states, all bringing individual levels of talent. “They are a very resilient group,” Stewart said. “Our kids can play though all kinds of adversity and don’t rattle easily under pressure.”

Graduating four players at the conclusion of the 2010 season, three of whom were starters, the lady Pelicans began the new season at square one. “We work every day at improving our fundamentals,” Stewart said. “Nobody is ever perfect, but we strive to achieve perfection in playing fundamental basketball.”

Along with assistant coach Nancy Cleary, Stewart runs tightly-structured practices, focusing on improving each player’s shooting accuracy, while reinforcing individual contributions to the team.

The team has recently been jockeying for gym time, rescheduling both practices and games due to winter weather. Throughout the changes, the girls’ have remained focused on upcoming match-ups. As the end of the season approaches, the lady Pelicans will face Tabor Feb. 18, Berkshire Feb. 19, Hotchkiss Feb. 23 and Miss Porter’s Feb. 25.

With a current record of 7-4, the young women of Loomis Chaffee are building momentum for the upcoming NEPSAC tournament, beginning March 2. “We improve with each practice and game,” Stewart said. “This is a really solid group of players, and I’m hoping we place well in the tournament this year.”

Coach’s Corner -

Loomis Chaffee Girls’ Basketball Head Coach Adrian Stewart

Number of seasons with this team: 3

Assistant Coach: NancyCleary

Goals for the season: “We would like to compete for a New England title by making ourselves eligible for the New England tournament at the end of the season,” Stewart said.

Seniors: Claire Kokoska, Brittany Lo, A’Lece Mark and Stephanie Nisbet.            

Complete schedule on www.loomischaffee.org

Spotlight Players -

A’Lece Mark #3, Post Graduate – Guard: In love with the game of basketball since the age of 8, Mark is one of the key players on the Pelicans. According to Stewart, Mark’s brings superior athleticism, competitiveness and the ability to score. Additionally, she reached a career high of 28 points in a recent game against Pomfret. A graduate of Central High School in Springfield, Mass., Marks recently signed with Division 1 Northeastern University, where she intends to study business.

Chloe Alexander #24, Junior – Guard: A starting guard since freshman year, Alexander’s enthusiasm is contagious. “Chloe brings an incredible work ethic and high basketball I.Q. to the court every time out,” said Stewart. “She can impact a game in many different ways.” In addition to basketball, Alexander competes in both field hockey and track, and is currently researching four-year Division 1 colleges where she hopes to study biology in addition to playing basketball.