ALPHARETTA, Ga. — On a brisk December evening, the Alpharetta High School gymnasium buzzed with excitement as the boys’ and girls’ basketball teams faced off against Denmark in a much-anticipated doubleheader on December 5.
The evening brought a mixed bag of results for the home teams. While the Lady Raiders unfortunately fell to the Danes, the boys emerged victorious, marking a significant step in their season.
The girls’ team had a challenging night, struggling against a Denmark squad that had already warmed up from their recent match against West Forsyth. Both teams were eager for their first win of the season, with Denmark’s point guard, the impressive Jadyn Shepard, leading the charge. The sophomore netted 18 points, sinking three vital three-pointers. Denmark’s head coach, Erik Siuta, spoke highly of Shepard, praising her work ethic and leadership on a predominantly young team.
“We’re a really young team, so we struggled to start out, but we’re playing with great energy and effort,” he noted. “My two seniors have really stepped up, leading this young group the right way with enthusiasm while maintaining a positive atmosphere.”
The Danes ultimately secured their first victory of the season with a decisive 59-26 win against Alpharetta.
On the boys’ side, the Raiders continued to prove their mettle, boasting a record of 6-1 after defeating Denmark 56-47. This early success mirrors the team’s entire win total from last year, which saw them finish at 6-20.
Alpharetta’s boys faced their only loss in a closely contested game against Marietta High School, edging them out 48-42 on November 22. However, a series of impressive wins over Cambridge, Chattahoochee, and Blessed Trinity have signaled a promising turnaround for the program. Coaches and players alike attribute this improvement to the team’s growth and maturity over the past year.
Sophomore Miles Cromwell was a standout performer against Denmark, posting an impressive double-double with 17 points and 15 rebounds. His defensive prowess was on full display, as he thwarted a Denmark layup with an emphatic block that resonated within the arena.
“This year, we’re showing up even though we’re young, and we’re still getting wins,” Cromwell commented. “We’ve been playing really good defense at the end of games.”
Junior Colin Hennessy also made an impact, contributing two blocks, alongside six points and five rebounds. Although the starting backcourt of Christian Rivera and Adam Bahhur didn’t hit double figures in scoring, they displayed their playmaking abilities with a combined 13 assists, demonstrating their commitment to teamwork.
Head coach Clay Crump reflected on the team’s growth, emphasizing their strategic approach. “We did a good job attacking inside and pulling their big defenders out,” he explained. “Late in the game, that opened up opportunities for us at the rim. We emphasize being tougher together, and tonight we saw that defensive toughness and shared ball movement pay off with key three-pointers.”
Looking ahead, the Raiders will face several tough region games before heading into their first tournament at Sequoyah High School on December 29-30. The team’s momentum is undeniable, and the community is eager to see how this young squad continues to evolve.
