With the exception of our football team advancing to state finals this week, fall sports have come to an end. No need to worry though, as we’re kicking off our wrestling, swimming, indoor track, coed bocce and basketball season.

Boys’ Basketball

   Following a successful 18-2 season, expectations are high for the boys’ varsity basketball team this winter. The last time we saw them in action was us the Hive, where they suffered a tough three point loss against Oakdale in the State Quarterfinals. Our first game is at home next week when we’ll take on Albert Einstein high school on Dec. 6. In the 2021-22 season opener, we beat Einstein 76-39 and hope to replicate that performance this season. Last year’s team was primarily led by Joey Lutz and Peter Mangan, juniors at the time, and senior Mandela Tarke. Last year’s roster was predominantly made up of juniors, most of whom are back. Will they step up for their senior season and bring the Hornets to states? Stay tuned!

Girls’ Basketball

   Last year the varsity girls’ basketball team had a solid 9-9 regular season, followed by a 2-1 outing in the playoffs. Our last sighting of them was in Rockville, where they suffered a loss in the regional final. Our next sighting of them will be in Kensington against Albert Einstein high school. In the 2021-22 season opener, the girls lost 50-45, so they’ll be looking to avenge that loss on Dec. 6.  Last year’s team was young and full of potential, as the roster consisted of eight freshmen and sophomores. Perhaps we’ll see them begin to fulfill that potential and lead the team to an even better season this winter.

Coed Bocce

   Although the schedule for coed bocce has yet to be released, games will take place biweekly starting in the third week of December. It’s greatly appreciated by the coaches, staff, and most importantly the players when fans come to the games. The elegant game of strategy is fun to watch and the entry fee is only $5. If you’re feeling generous, make sure to donate to the bocce program, as donations contribute to the creation and purchases of jerseys, gear and new equipment for the team.

Indoor Track

   Information regarding the schedule for this year’s indoor track season is still unavailable. However, in their last meet on Feb. 16, 2022, the girls placed fourth as a team in the entire state. The four athletes below earned individual accomplishments.

Lauryn Clarke in the  55m (2nd), 300m (State Champion), 4×200 Relay (2nd) and 4×400 Relay (4th)

Mildred Degboe in the 4×200 Relay (2nd) and 4×400 Relay (4th)

Gracie Emerick in the Pole Vault (4th), 4×200 Relay (2nd) and 4×400 Relay (4th)

Malaika Habib in the 4×200 Relay (2nd) and 4×400 Relay (4th).”

The boys had a good outing as well, as both Josiah Lim and Jeremiah Recinos-Baltodano earned top ten finishes. Coaches New, Bosnic and Cason hope to see another strong season for all the athletes.

Boys’ Swimming

   Last season the boys went 2-3, with wins against Wheaton and Quince Orchard. We last saw the Hornets in the pool at the end of February, where the boys took third place among all teams in the state. This season’s schedule has yet to be released, but expect the meets to take place every Saturday starting on the second Saturday of December (December 10).

Girls’ Swimming

   The girls had an impressive 3-2 season last year that included blowouts against Wheaton and Quince Orchard, much like the boys’ team. In the state finals, however, the girls walked away as champions. In the process, swimmers Carly, Sophia I, Kaitlyn, and Sophia W set a school record in the medley relay, at 1:49:10. The girls will be swimming once again next month where they’ll set out to bring home another state championship.

Wrestling

   Last year’s varsity wrestling squad produced a solid 4-3 regular season record, including blowout wins against Poolesvile, Watkins Mill and Quince Orchard. At the county tournament last season, Damascus placed fifth overall with plenty of wrestlers placing in the top 10 in their class.

Fr. Jaxson Loethen (106) 6th

Fr. Gabe Hernandez (126) 5th

Fr. Tanner Harman (132) 6th

Sr. Avi Dashevsky (138) 5th

Sr. Joe Gruner (152) 5th

Jr. Sean Douglas (160) 5th

Sr. Cade Beall (170) 4th

So. Jacob Ehret (182) 2nd

   It’s also worth noting that the wrestling team’s very own Cade Beall, a senior at the time, was awarded the Athlete of The Month award among all male athletes in Damascus due to not only his athletic and academic performances, but his contributions to the community as well.

   Winter is upon us, and we have two and a half months of competition and excitement to look forward to. Be sure to support The Hornets whenever you have the time.