Caleb Gottry attends Chandler Preparatory Academy and is a member of the AIA’s Student SID program.

After graduating their five starting seniors last year, Chandler Prep girls’ basketball is rebuilding their team for the 2019-2020 season. On Tuesday, November 26, the Titans hosted their first game of the season against the Benjamin Franklin Chargers. The Titans fought hard for the win, presenting a strong defense and a determined offense. Senior guard Andrea Winiesdorffer said this about the team’s performance:

“I think we performed excellently. I think that we came out there and we kicked butt. A lot of people didn’t believe in us, but I think this season is going to be good. I think that we’re going to come out and surprise a lot of people.”

The Titans showcased a strong defense in Tuesday’s game, with more than ten steals and allowing only six points in the second quarter and just four in the third. Junior Dannaka Kallander led the team defensively with her five steals over the course of the game. The Titans ferocity on defense as well as going for loose balls forced eleven jump balls.

The Titans struggled a little in the first quarter with several turnovers and missed shot opportunities, leading to a 4-10 Titan deficit. The Titans pulled it together to win the next two quarters with a better offensive attack and consistent deflections on defense. Sophomore Tatum McDonald led the team in scoring with 14 points in the post. She also led the team in rebounds and used her height advantage to put the ball back up for several Titan buckets. Head Coach Lytle said this about the Titan comeback:

“We turned up our intensity and we also did the things that we practiced. Sometimes with a young, newer, and less experienced team, the emotions of a first game, the first home game, and a new environment for them, they kind of went out a little fast, but when we slowed down and did things the way we set them up to do, they went out and performed and executed the game plan.”

The Titans entered the fourth quarter with a 23-20 lead. The Chargers shot well with open jumpers and strong layup drives. The Titan responded with a couple open shots, along with several determined drives by junior guard Ava Callesen and senior guard Andrea Winiesdorffer, drawing fouls in the bonus. The Titans earned six of their 13 points for the quarter at the free-throw line. With a minute left in the quarter, Callesen tied the game with the first and only three-pointer of the game. After an empty possession by the Chargers, Winiesdorffer drew a foul with seven seconds remaining and went to the line. She made one of two, clinching the Titan victory by a point. Looking forward to the season ahead, Coach Lytle said this:

“It’s really unknown. We have a really good group of girls who work hard and if we can learn to adapt and learn from our things we don’t do as well, we can come out and surprise some people like we did tonight.”

The girls' basketball team from Chandler Prep looks to remain undefeated as they host Horizon Honors on December 3 at 6:00pm. Titan Up.