Winter athletics have already begun, with most teams’ tryouts having happened in early November. Teams have been decided for the season, and Briar Woods Boys JV Basketball had their first game on Tuesday, Nov. 28.

Sophomore and shooting guard Cameron Steward has high hopes for this season. “[I think] we have a good chance at winning games this season,” said Steward. “[My expectations] are to be able to score the ball and not get a lot of turnovers,” he continued.

On Tuesday night, Briar Woods Boys JV Basketball kicked off the season with a win against Dominion. During the first half, the Falcons controlled the boards and outrebounded the Titans to help establish an 8-point lead going into half-time. Additionally, in the third quarter, sophomore Nick Donatella made several three pointers, helping the Falcons hold onto their lead. Despite Briar Woods losing some momentum in the beginning of fourth quarter, they were quick to pick up their slack, with junior Noah Bucciero making two clutch free throws, with a little over two minutes left in the game, to extend their lead to 6 points. Within the final minute of the game, Donatella made two foul shots to cap off the win as the Falcons defeated the Titans with a score of 44-37.

Briar Woods, going for back to back victories on the road, came up short Thursday night, in a harrowing loss to Loudoun Valley. Briar Woods led early in the game, with a score of 17-14 at the end of the first quarter. However, they failed to keep the lead, getting into foul trouble in the second quarter, giving Loudoun Valley the opportunity to make a comeback with 5 out of 7 foul shots. By the end of the second quarter, Briar Woods was down by 7.

Early in the third quarter, after a number of lead changes, Briar Woods strung together a couple of defensive stops and forced turnovers to recapture the lead. The Falcons seemed to be building momentum throughout the third quarter, but ultimately, they couldn’t maintain it going into the fourth quarter, as Loudoun Valley’s Vikings battled back with a couple of key three pointers made by freshman James Ryun and sophomore Colin Ameen, making the final score 55-52.

Commenting on the Falcon’s loss against Loudoun Valley, Steward concludes by saying, “I think we can bounce back from the loss by strengthening our defense.”