ALPHARETTA, Ga. — On December 5, the vibrant atmosphere of Alpharetta High School buzzed with anticipation as the boys’ and girls’ basketball teams faced off against Denmark in an exhilarating doubleheader.
In a bittersweet turn of events, the Lady Raiders succumbed to the Danes, while the boys’ team emerged victorious, showcasing a promising season ahead.
The girls began the evening with hopes of breaking their winless streak. Both teams had enjoyed a refreshing hiatus since Thanksgiving, but the Danes reentered the court just days prior, having faced West Forsyth. It was a matchup where both girls’ teams sought their inaugural victory of the season.
Denmark’s standout player, point guard Jadyn Shepard, lit up the scoreboard with 18 points, including three three-pointers. Her head coach, Erik Siuta, praised her as a “gym rat” and a guiding presence for her teammates.
“We’re a young team navigating our way through the season,” Siuta reflected. “It’s been a challenge, but the energy and effort have been remarkable. My two seniors have been instrumental in leading this young squad with positivity and drive.”
The Danes secured their long-awaited first win with a commanding 59-26 victory over Alpharetta.
On the boys’ side, the Raiders continued their strong start to the season, improving their record to 6-1 after clinching a 56-47 win against Denmark. Remarkably, they have already matched last year’s total wins just a month into the season, a significant turnaround from their 6-20 finish a year ago.
The Raiders’ only setback came in a close contest against Marietta High School, with a score of 48-42 on November 22. However, statement victories over formidable opponents like Cambridge, Chattahoochee, and Blessed Trinity have solidified their resurgence.
Sophomore Miles Cromwell shone brightly during the game against Denmark, achieving a double-double with 17 points and a breathtaking 15 rebounds, showcasing his defensive prowess with a highlight-worthy rejection of a Denmark layup.
“This season, despite our youth, we’re stepping up and finding ways to win,” Cromwell noted. “Our defense, especially down the stretch, has really improved.”
Junior Colin Hennessy also made his presence felt, contributing two blocks to the team’s efforts along with six points, five rebounds, and two steals. Although Alpharetta’s starting backcourt didn’t break into double digits, Christian Rivera and Adam Bahhur collaborated effectively, delivering 13 assists and securing six rebounds.
“Our growth from last year has been apparent,” Head Coach Clay Crump remarked. “We focused on attacking inside and creating openings. By the end of the game, that strategy really paid off, allowing us to capitalize on crucial scoring opportunities.”
As the Raiders look ahead, numerous challenging region games loom on the horizon, culminating in an eagerly anticipated tournament at Sequoyah High School on December 29-30.
With spirits high and teamwork flourishing, the upcoming matches promise to be pivotal in the evolution of both the boys’ and girls’ basketball programs at Alpharetta.
