After a successful fall season, including the football team’s playoff crusade and Aoife Shovlin winning the individual D1 Girls Cross-Country title for the second consecutive year, Falcon Nation turns its beady eyes towards the winter season. Although the moon will certainly be shining by the time Falcon athletes depart from practices and games, will this ominous darkness be an omen for a disappointing winter season? After reading the tea leaves and double-checking my findings with a crystal ball, I have reached several conclusions on the fortunes of Falcon winter sports.
Boys Basketball:
Coming off a Dual-County League (DCL) championship, CRLS’ most successful program is looking to continue its in-league dominance while also taking down the gauntlet of goliaths outside of the DCL. The journey for the Sons of Patrick Ewing begins with perhaps the two most difficult matchups on the schedule: Lawrence and Brockton. With some young talent along with a solid veteran presence (including reigning DCL MVP Jeffery White), Cambridge appears poised for a strong, if unspectacular, season.
Girls Basketball:
In the wake of an 8-13 campaign, the Falcons have reimagined their defensive gameplan, switching from zone to man. Kate Wheatley ‘25 told the Register Forum “we feel like a whole new defensive team.” Despite losing sharpshooter and DCL All-Star Carlie Duverglas, the Falcons also return key contributors Sophia Young ‘24 and shooting guard Jahnae Williams ‘24. A combination of improvements from returners, reinforcements from the JV squad, and the new defensive scheme has the potential to revolutionize the identity of Cambridge girls’ basketball. Improvement is in store, but the Falcons are not yet close to powerhouse status.
Indoor Track:
Despite losing star Boston College athlete Kylee Bernard, indoor track mostly carries over the same top runners as last year. With a strong set of seniors in addition to cross country champion Aoife Shovlin ‘25 and Jeremy Friedman-Wellisch ‘25, indoor track is poised to continue their run of success. Friedman-Wellisch told the Register Forum that the 55m and 300m individual sprints have extraordinary potential this season, along with the 4×400 that went to Nationals last year.
Swim & Dive:
There is some optimism around the Swim & Dive program, with the Girls 200 Freestyle Relay reportedly having a chance to break a school record. Overall, the girls side is looking up with the addition of club swimmers Avery Brown ‘25 and Bess Sterman ‘27. However, without sophomore Aroon Kang, who swims for a club, it will be difficult for the Falcons to make a splash this season.
Girls Ice Hockey:
Coming off a 5-15 effort last season, the Girls’ hockey program looks to rebound. Despite losing a strong senior class, a combination of the elimination of mold from the locker room and a strong next generation give hope to the girls ice hockey program.
Boys Ice Hockey:
Following a 5-15 season with a roster that included eight freshmen, the Freezing Falcons have a young core that looks to improve on last years’ performance. But despite signs of advancement from the young squad, the team still needs some time to develop into a true contender.
Fencing:
Fencing, which won the Epeé state title last winter, brings back an improved bunch that will likely retain its place among Massachusetts powers. This year’s squad is also more well-rounded in all three fencing disciplines, so I expect improvements in Foil and Sabre. However, a combination of graduating seniors and championship hangover will likely prevent Épeé from defending its title.
