Baldwin School girls’ basketball team’s hard work paying off
Players storming the court following a regular season win is not a common occurrence.
However, after Baldwin School held off a furious charge from host Shipley in its 53-51 win Dec. 22, that is exactly what the Baldwin bench did in celebration of the program’s first win in school history over the two-time defending Pennsylvania Independent Schools Athletic Association champions.
“This win means so much,” said Baldwin head coach Danny Fraider. “It means the world. I tell the girls every game is a challenge and that you learn whether you win or lose. To get a win over a team like this feels great.”
Fraider added, “This win shows them that their effort and hard work pays off and it also shows the maturity of the seniors.”
Entering the Shipley game in search of its first win, the Bears came out hungry looking to reap the benefits of their hard work that had yet to yield a victory. Second-year coach Fraider has remained positive pounding home the message to keep fighting and never give up.
“Coach Fraider has continued to be supportive and remind us to keep our heads up,” said senior Danielle Hammond, a VCU recruit who finished with a team-high 16 points and eight rebounds against Shipley. “She lets us know we are a good team. Mistakes will happen but she reminds us we will push through.”
From the tip, Danielle Hammond controlling the paint while sophomore Evey Veguilla did her job of distributing the ball while controlling the tempo and not allowing the Gators to get out and run.
Each time the Gators appeared to be on the verge of completing its comeback it was Danielle making her presence felt inside or Kejohna Hammond hitting a key jumper or Veguilla knocking down foul shots to help keep the hosts at bay.
“Evey has been a big component for us this year,” said Danielle Hammond. “Today she was knocking down shots early before hitting big free throws toward the end of the game. If we don’t have her we probably lose this game.”
Fraider said, “Evey is a ball full of energy which has been great for our team. Her energy has been contagious and she gives us another leader on the court. It’s hard to believe she is new considering the way she slid right into the line-up.”
“Danielle has shown more consistency offensively and has been a leader by example and has shown improvement from last season to this season which has been important for the team,” Fraider added.
Faced with the challenging early season schedule, the main reason the Polar Bears have continued to show promise is due to the trust between the coaching staff and among the players led by a senior class – Alex Brittingham, Kejohna Hammond, Kayla Watkins, Imani Brown (sidelined with injury) and Danielle – who have been together for four years.
“We found trust in each other,” said Danielle Hammond. “The seniors all came in together and we know how each other plays.”
“Veguilla, who attended Baldwin from kindergarten through eighth grade before going to Lower Merion for one year and returning to Baldwin this past fall, said, “They (the seniors) have taught me so much and helped make me a better point guard. They push me and tell me to keep my head up which helps me keep my composure.”
With Inter-Ac play kicking into high gear following the winter break, Fraider hopes the win pays off and keeps Baldwin heading in the right direction.
