Woodbridge Academy Girls’ Basketball: 2024-2025 Highlights

The Woodbridge Academy Girls’ Basketball team has had an exciting season, showcasing their teamwork, talent, and skill. The team has celebrated several victories, overcome challenges, and demonstrated determination and commitment on the court. Under Head Coach Yourstone and Assistant Coach Creighton’s guidance, the varsity and junior varsity teams have shown remarkable growth and finesse this season. Team captains Dhanashri Balamurugan and Kiah Parekh have also played a crucial role in strengthening unity and morale within the team. With the leadership and guidance of the coaches and captains, the team displayed a myriad of impressive performances on the court, including some key highlights. 

Some of these remarkable moments include the wins against South Amboy and Somerset Tech. The intense varsity game against South Amboy on January 3rd was a memorable win due to the hard work and dedication put in by the team. When the score was tied neck and neck at 39-39, the game was forced into overtime… Onlookers sat at the edge of their seats, watching as Sanjana Anchula secured Woodbridge Academy’s win in the game by shooting a 3 pointer, securing the victory for Woodbridge Academy. 

Coach Yourstone praises the team’s resilience, exclaiming “[I’m] super proud of you girls for not giving up, and pulling out the win!” 

Additionally, on December 16th, the team won against Somerset Tech by a whopping 45 points, with a final score of 53-8! Captain Kiah Parekh was the MVP of this game, contributing 23 points towards the win. What made this win particularly impressive is that it was the first home game of the season. 

The team in action: Bringing home another win

The team secured a second win against South Amboy on January 24th, with a final score of 53-48. Our players put in their best effort and played key roles in the game. The main contributors of this victory was Captain Dhanashri Balamurugan scoring 17 points, Diya Sudhini scoring 16 points, and Jennessa Raval scoring 12 points. 

A special shoutout goes to our managers, including Sumati Gurram, Ishanvi Desai, and Avanti Sudarsanan. They have demonstrated great commitment through showing up to almost every game and keeping the team stats and scores in order. 

The team has recently celebrated a cherished tradition, Senior Night. In this event, we commemorate the accomplishments of the graduating seniors on the team, Dhanashri Balamurugan (#25), Kiah Parekh (#2), and Raashi Parbhakar (#21). All three of the talented players have proven crucial for the success of the Woodbridge Academy Hornets over the years, and this night honors their efforts and contributions. During this night, the gym was filled with excitement and decorated with love, while the other players, the coaches, and the seniors’ families gathered to celebrate the hard work put in by the seniors. The game itself was a special moment, with a final score of 54-28 against Perth Amboy Magnet School. Senior Dhanashri Balamurugan contributed to the well-deserved victory by making a shot from half court with one second left in the quarter! The evening featured the heartfelt celebration of the seniors with their recognition in front of the crowd alongside their families, flowers and gifts to honor them, and of course, the vibrant posters made by the rest of the players. The seniors have experienced an incredible journey over their years of playing for Woodbridge Academy, and the rest of the team is grateful for all of the heartfelt memories they have made with them. 

A memorable Senior Night celebrating the success of the graduating players

With the end of the season approaching, the team is focused on ending the season on a high note, determined to secure more victories. The coaches, captains, and entire team are committed to building on their success, fueled by strong leadership and sportsmanship. Go Hornets!