After most of Kent’s students had packed up their bags and left for winter break, a dedicated group of athletes remained, ready to compete in the holiday tournaments. Every year, Kent’s basketball and hockey teams stay on campus to compete in these traditional tournaments. 

The boys varsity hockey team finished first in their tournament, after battling hard in each game. During the final against the Gunnery, they fought to a decisive 5-4, and cheered on the ice afterward in celebration, as they grasped the trophy. Coach Reinhart comments, “Honestly, I’m just really proud of the team, it truly was a team effort.  So many different players contributing and in key moments. It has been a great start to the season and we’re really hoping to keep it going.”

The Kent girls varsity hockey team also had a great run throughout the tournament, ultimately finishing in second place to Tabor Academy. When asked to summarize the girls’ tournament, Coach Rousseau responds, “Our first matchup was against Founders League rival, Loomis Chaffee. The girls battled hard in the back and forth game and came away with a big 3-1 victory. Our other 2 round-robin games were versus Lawrenceville and Hotchkiss. Kent controlled much of the play in both games and won by the scores of 5-1 and 3-0, respectively. Unfortunately, Kent was unable to convert on their chances and Tabor scored an empty-net goal to seal the 2-0 victory. Overall, it was an impressive and fun two days of hockey for the Kent team.”

The boys varsity basketball team competed in the Millbrook Holiday Tournament over the break. Though they didn’t get any wins, they gave it their all. Coach Lee describes how “Our guys acquitted themselves very well in the two-game Millbrook Holiday Tournament. We lost in the closing minute to the host team despite 27 points from Izaiah Delbrune-Robinson ’20 and a double-double of 15 points and 10 rebounds from Connor Lee ’20. In our second game versus Westminster, we lead the majority of the game before losing by one point in overtime. Izaiah lead us again with 21 points and Hayden Smith ’20 made four three-point shots and finished with 12. Our team is really coming together and we look forward to building on our solid showing after break.”

Last but not least, the Kent girls varsity basketball team showed real tenacity while competing in their tournament at Ethel Walker. They lost to Chesire 34-41, then beat Hotchkiss 48-38, and then fell to Westminster 31-48. Coach Nuffer responds, “Morgan Lee ’22 and co-captain Sascha Botero ’21 helped on the offensive end with a total of 52 points and 32 points, respectively, for the tournament.  Lee aided on the defensive end, as well, with 47 rebounds, 12 blocks and 9 steals. There was a lot of hustle shown by all players, distinctly co-captain Molly Garrahy ’20 who was willing to draw key fouls and slow down the pace of the ball for her teammates, allowing us to refocus on defense. I look forward to our continued progress as a team as we continue on in our regular season.”

Athletic Director Mrs. Duncan describes the value of these tournaments: “I think across the board it’s a pretty unique experience. All of your classmates leave, they go on break, you stay behind and your sole purpose is to be with your team and to bond. These holiday tournaments definitely provide that opportunity.”