This Week in Sports - Week #18

The community support was incredible last night. At Peabody, the bleachers were full of Tandem green - so many people Badgered up and came to cheer on their squads! Back in the Den, there was not an empty seat in the house, and the energy gave a big boost to the players as they gave it their all!
 
What a day for Tandem Athletics... and the Music Department! DID YOU SEE THE WINTER CONCERT!!?? Acoustics, vocal ensembles, rock, jazz... WOW! BRAVO! My mind was truly blown.
 
Congratulations to all Badgers on a tremendous start to the basketball season. Enjoy the holidays, stay active, and we'll see you in the Den in 2025. Badger Up!

Four Games on One Night - 12/20/24
Varsity Boys 
 
Seeing his teammate on the ground, Shaan sprinted to the scorers table.  He took a knee, and got himself mentally ready to enter the game.  Tandem led 45-43 with 2:40 to go in the 4th Quarter, and points had been hard to come by.  Tandem's offense featured lots of lengthy, intentional, half court possessions - shortening the game and waiting for a quality shot.  Sin swung the ball to Quis at the top of the key, who made a beautiful entry pass to Sean on the block.  He took a hard jab step towards the middle, and two defenders went with him. That left Shaan open in the corner, and Sean alertly kicked it out to him. 2:20 to go. 
 
During practice, Shaan is constantly working on his ball handling and shooting form.  He has been gaining confidence - and he had already drained a key three in the first period. 2:10 to go. Shaan caught the ball in his shooting pocket, bent his knees, and launched a high arching shot towards the rim. In the bleachers, the Tandem crowd rose to their feet as the ball swished through the net!  Tandem took a 5 point lead, the decibel level in the building reached a crescendo, and Sam called a quick timeout as he ran out onto the floor to hype up this epic squad!
 
That play might've ended it, but Wakefield put together a 5-0 run.  Despite excellent defense from Quis, Wakefield hit a tough three and then a mid range jumper. They got one more possession late in the game, attacked the basket, and the ball rimmed out.  Overtime!
Tandem scored first in the extra period - Sin got an offensive putback and gave the Badgers a two point lead. On the defensive end, the team was locked in - Amir was everywhere - and the Badgers were helping any time Wakefield got penetration and sliding their feet. The team moved just as quickly laterally as they do when they run sprints in practice. After a key defensive stop, Sean took a hard foul and had blood on his jersey.  While he got cleaned up, Tre'Sean was designated as the free throw shooter.
 
Long before practice begins, Tre'Sean can be found in the gymnasium working on his game.  His shot has become more and more consistent and his hard work paid off today.  Despite having no time to warm up, he went to the line, took a few dribbles to settle himself down, and calmly made them both.  Badgers by 4 - 1:30 to go.
 
Sean returned to the game for another key basket - he spun off his defender and was smacked across the arm - making the shot anyways. Wakefield responded with a quick 4-0 run of their own, and Tandem led by 2 with :55 seconds remaining. Sin dribbled through the entire defense, changing speeds and the level of the ball, and drew a foul (actually several, but only one that was called.) He knocked down the free throws.  Moments later, Sean put the game away - the team had a very patient possession - Derion might have sung "do you have to let it linger."  And the Badgers did, passing up some open threes - and making a beautiful entry pass to the big man instead.  As usual, #22 closed out the game!
 
Wakefield arrived in the Badger Den with an undefeated record of 6-0. They leave with their first loss of the season, while Tandem gets a big overtime win 60-52 and improves their GPAC record to 2-0.  The team was led by Sean with 24 points, who was nearly perfect from the foul line and dominant in the paint. Sin had 19 and Quis chipped in 8. Big shoutout also to Lili and Cullen for managing a stressful scorers table.
 
The Varsity Boys host Regents on Wednesday, 1/8 at 5:00. Hope to see you there!
 
Varsity Girls
 
Coming off a big win against Stuart Hall on Tuesday, the Badgers returned home to take on a tough Wakefield team.  Since the beginning of the season, Victoria has been working on her lay-up technique. Today, with perfect footwork, she scored her first basket of the season! Assisted by Catriona, Victoria's tally is a tribute to her hard work. Elisabeth also got going in the first period, drawing contact and scoring three points at the foul line!
 
Defensively, Maya was as aggressive as they come. She scored 22 on Tuesday - but today she focused on defense at the top of the zone, making entry passes challenging for the competition. Madeline locked down the middle of the zone, deflecting passes and snatching in rebounds. Tessa and Ginger both scored at the foul line in the second period.
 
Handling the ball, Juli found Lucy open for a key basket in the final period! The team has continued to improve, and they return to action after break on Tuesday, 1/7 at 4:00. Thank you to Ellia and Fletcher (and of course Jocelyn) for managing the table!
 
Middle School Boys
 
Like clockwork, Trenton hit a three from the wing to open the scoring for Tandem for their third straight game.  After extending the Peabody defense, he dumped the ball into Mason and Dalin - both of whom were dominant in the post.   The Badgers led 12-8 after the first period.
 
Peabody made a three to open the second quarter, but then Tandem got hot! Grayson kept firing, Mason scored in the middle, Trenton assisted Dalin for a three, and the Badgers took a six point edge as Peabody called timeout.  The rest of the half was all Tandem - Jayceon hit a three, Levi scored on a putback, Andrew was strong on defense and the Badgers used a 10-0 run to take a 29-13 lead into the break.
 
Eli was effective in the post in the third, while Aven provided energy at the top of the key.  Peter had a few patient moves on the block, while Quentin, Julian and Elias helped to put the game away late.  The Badgers won 43-21, their second consecutive victory. The boys return to action at home on Tuesday, 1/7 as part of a doubleheader vs Grymes at 5pm.
 
Middle School Girls
 
Tandem trailed by 8 at halftime, and attacked the basket with force in the second half.  Hadley and Annie got to the line right off the bat, each making their free throws, and cutting the lead to four.  The defense picked up - Sophie was everywhere, forcing the opponent to travel or knocking the ball away.
 
As the game went on, Zuri's presence in the paint became critical.  She and Sam both had double digit rebounds in the game, sometimes ripping the ball away from Peabody players.  That type of energy rubbed off on Annie, who went coast to coast as she attacked the rim - drawing a foul.
 
Between the effort of Malena and Raquel at the top of the key, the Badgers held Peabody to just one basket in the third.  In the final period, Hadley had a big steal and made a free throw in transition.  The team extended their defensive pressure on one end and took quality shots on the other - Malena continuing her solid shooting form and shot selection.
 
For the fourth game in a row, the Badgers gave it their absolute all - playing hard despite only having seven healthy players.  Zoe will be back soon! Special thanks to Dev and Chloe for keeping the book.
 
The community support was incredible tonight. At Peabody, the bleachers were full of Tandem green - so many people Badgered up and came to cheer on their squads!  Back in the Den, there was not an empty seat in the house, and the energy gave a big boost to the players as they gave it their all!
 
What a day for Tandem Athletics... and the Music Department! DID YOU SEE THE WINTER CONCERT!!?? Acoustics, vocal ensembles, rock, jazz... WOW! BRAVO! My mind was truly blown.
 
Congratulations to all Badgers on a tremendous start to the basketball season. Enjoy the holidays, stay active, and we'll see you in the Den in 2025. Badger Up!


Varsity Girls Win Big at Stuart Hall, JV Boys Take on Monticello on the Road - 12/18/24

Traveling on the road for their third straight game, the Varsity Girls Tandem Badgers entered the Stuart Hall gymnasium on a mission. With exceptional team defense, Tandem was everywhere! Stuart Hall struggled to get into the half court sets, as the Badgers played excellent defense and held their opponent to only 2 points in the first quarter and four in the half! Madeline was a true presence on the backline, blocking and altering shots!
 
Ginger had a key basket in the first quarter, while Maya scored 9 of her career high 20 in the opening period as well. Maya was on fire - getting to the basket, hitting mid-range jump shots and even getting to the foul line where she made all of her free throws. Maya also made two three-point shots - squaring her feet, holding her follow through and making it look easy!
 
In the second half, Catriona assisted Tessa who scored a key basket to get the ball rolling! Elisabeth got her offense going as well - she had four points in the second half! With Victoria patrolling the middle, she secured lots of rebounds, throwing outlet passes to Juli. On one occasion, Juli made a jump shot in the paint.  Another time she made a beautiful pass to Lucy, who earned a trip to the foul line, where she knocked in a free throw! The Girls Varsity Badgers improved their record to 2-2!

Coming off their third consecutive victory, the JV Badgers travelled to take on Monticello. The JV Boys won an incredible come from behind victory at KAA over the weekend, and kept their momentum going! Amari had a massive block in the paint to set the tone for the defense early in the game!

At the end of the first quarter, curled off a screen from Seamus and hit a mid-range jumper. The Badgers trailed by six, but have no fear, but then Derion got going. Do not let him get hot! He was dominant in the second half, scoring from downtown on three separate occasions! 
 
Otis and Shaan were solid defensively as usual, and Shaan also attacked the basket, scoring off a baseline cut in the fourth quarter. Asher was strong as a rebounder, snatching the ball away from much taller defenders.  Henry and Anthony each proved to be a force on the blocks as well - boxing out and throwing strong outlet passes to Tre'Sean who set up the offense.
 
The JV Boys saved their best for last - scoring 14 points in the final quarter. They return to action after break on January 10 at Stuart Hall at 4:30 for a long awaited rematch! Hope to see you there.


Tandem Brings Their Best Against CCS! - 12/17/24

In the rare event that the opposing guards are lucky enough to get past the top of the Boys Middle School Tandem defensive zone, they find themselves in a precarious position with limited options.
Option A: Should I attack the right side of the zone? CCS tried that, but was met with a thwack otherwise known as Dalin's outstretched and perfectly positioned arm.  
Option B: Should I attack the left side of the zone? CCS tried that too, and was met with Levi plucking the ball away or Grayson corralling one of his five steals on the night.   
Option C: Not so much. With Mason's presence under the basket, it was clear that the middle really is not an option at all.
 
Trenton hit a three pointer to get the scoring started, and then the offense focused on getting the ball into the post.  This was an excellent idea, seeing as how Mason had 13 points in the first quarter alone, showing off a variety of post moves.  As dominant as a tidal wave crashing on shore, he finished with 22, powering through contact and finishing with ease! His teammates were determined to get the ball to him.  Julian, Quinten, Elias and Peter all earned assists from the wing!
 
The Badgers led 16-6 after the first quarter, and kept the pedal to the medal. Jayceon got hot in the second stanza, knocking in the first of his two three pointers on the night, while Ryan provided critical rebounds.  Tandem scored twelve in the second, holding CCS to only four points in the period.
 
In the second half, Whit and Aven defended the top of the key, and Eli finished the game with an exciting transition lay up on a beautiful assist from Trenton.  Executing their game plan and outhustling their opponent, Tandem emerged victorious, 40-28, dominating their first game of the season in the Badger Den!
 
In the second half of the double header, our Middle School Girls took the floor with only six healthy players.  Many of them took on a new role or a different position and every single Badger stepped up - bringing their game to another level.  Hadley scored almost immediately, driving to the rim with ease. She scored eight points for the second game in a row - only this time - she handled the challenge of running the point.  
 
Not only did Hadley create scoring opportunities for herself, she also set up Sam for a beautiful jump shot in the middle of the paint.  Sam also ran point this afternoon, expanding her skill set and showing off her ability as a ball handler. Sophie returned to the line-up, providing a much needed spark.  Defensively, she was everywhere - shutting down her opponent.  Sophie set hard screens, rebounded the ball, and was tough at the high post! 
 
Zuri proved to be dominant in the post - she had multiple blocks and rebounds, threw great outlet passes, and boxed out her opponent, clearing space for her Raquel to come in and grab some boards as well.  Raquel played her best game of the season - she has studied the playbook and understands exactly where she needs to be - and she is cutting and driving with a purpose!
 
The Badgers saved their best for last, scoring five points in the final period.  Malena scored her second of two baskets in the fourth - working off of excellent execution of a baseline out of bounds play. Swish! Malena's game has improved dramatically, and she earned a season high four points on the night - and a trip to the foul line!
 
The fourth quarter was punctuated by Hadley's coast to coast lay up - she boxed out, got the rebound, dribbled through traffic and was fouled as she put up a beautiful floater on the other end! Hadley made the free throw to boot - a three point play the old fashion way! Congratulations to the Badgers - stepping up with a limited roster against a tough team!
 
The team returns to action on Thursday for their final game before break at Peabody.  The Boys play at 4pm, the girls follow at 5pm.  Looking forward to seeing you there!

Badgers Take on 3rd Ranked Stuart Hall, Prepare for GPAC Conference Play - 12/14/24

At the beginning of every season, Michigan State coach Tom Izzo challenges his team by scheduling the most difficult opponents.  The Spartans take on Kansas, North Carolina and Duke - often losing by large margins.  In the process, the players learn a lot about themselves as individuals - and as a team. They become better equipped to handle adversity, make decisions under pressure, how to work with and rely on one another, and they gain the type of confidence that comes through hard work and grit. By the time they get to league play in the Big 10, they play loose - with no fear - because they have already taken on some serious basketball challenges.
 
This week, Coach Sam and the Badgers took on two of the top teams in the state. In their game this evening, Tandem challenged Stuart Hall, the #3 school in the entire state of Virginia, and played their best basketball of this young season. Pressed into duty, Shaan got his first start of the season, and played excellent defense against elite talent. 
 
Moments after the tip off, Sin swung the ball to the corner.  Quis set his feet, held his follow through, and drilled a three pointer. Moments later, he curled off a screen at the elbow, and scored to take a 5-4 lead. Stuart Hall came out in a full court press - and stayed in it for four quarters. 
 
The Badgers were not rattled. Sin handled the ball with ease, splitting the double team and dribbling at his own pace up the floor. He set up Sean for the first of several low block post ups.  As Stuart Hall's coach said after the game, there's nothing you can do to stop #22. He scored, drew a foul, and made the free throw.  The Badgers trailed 20-8 after one, staying right in the game against their top ranked opponent.
 
In the second period, Quis and Sean worked together to break the press. When the ball found the middle, the team was able to break the press easily.  Sean scored off a beautiful and one at the rim, and Sin found Sean for another powerful and one in the paint! He had 8 of his 16 in the quarter. Tandem rode that momentum into the second half, more than doubling their point total. The Badgers scored 18 in the first half - and 19 in the third quarter! Derion gave the team a massive boost - he scored 8 in the third - including a beautiful three pointer from the perimeter. Derion then scored off a home run pass from Sean to beat the press, and had another bucket off a smooth pass in the paint from Sin. His offensive firepower changed the energy in the building!
 
Tandem continued to battle in the fourth quarter. Their half court execution continued to improve - Sin worked patiently, finding Quis at the elbow. Amir, running the baseline, got open for a three from the corner!  Quis isolated on the wing - gave his defender a jab-step - and then took the ball to the basket.  
 
Late in the fourth, the Badgers got some excellent minutes from Mason. Set up by Tre'Sean, Mason earned a trip to the foul line and had a putback. The Varsity Badgers had three players in double figures - Sean with 16, Sin 12 and Derrion 11.  The team continues to improve. This week features the start of our conference play - Saturday at King Abdullah at 1:30 and Thursday against Wakefield at 5:45 in the Badger Den. Without question, this team is ready.  Hope to see you there!
 
The JV Badgers really set the stage today versus Stuart Hall.  Every night at practice, the team is locked in - communicating, executing, improving their individual and defensive skills. It's no surprise that Seamus opened the game with a confident three - he squared up and launched - without any hesitation.  Anthony scored off a putback, Derion found Seamus in the middle, and Tandem scored the first 11 points of the game.  Dalin scored at the buzzer, and the Badgers took a 17-5 lead at the end of the first period.
 
When the team had the ball on the baseline, they ran "Tandem" and scored routinely off of their inbounds plays. Amare set a hard pick for Seamus who came to the block, got open, and scored easily.  The highlights continued as Shaan put the ball behind his back and drove to the basket, and Asher took it the length of the floor.  He ducked under his defender, stepped through, and scored! The Badgers got a beautiful three from Amare, lock down defense from Anthony and excellent ball handling from Tre'Sean, who constantly set up his teammates for success.
 
Tandem's JV Badgers led the entire game, scored 51 points, and beat Stuart Hall easily.  What a well deserved victory for our hardworking squad. They return to action this afternoon at 12 at KAA and then play Tuesday at Monticello at 4:30.
 
Great week of basketball, Badgers. See you in the Den!
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Tandem Friends School is a co-ed Quaker day school for grades 5-12 in Charlottesville, Virginia.
 
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