Shipley girls’ basketball got off to a terrific start in its 2006-07 campaign with a hard-fought, well-deserved 45-38 victory over Catholic League power Archbishop Ryan. The Gators’ (1-0, 0-0 FSL) defense stood tall all night, allowing just 18 points in the first half and giving up only 10 field goals in the entire game. Alex Lennon, a 6’2” sophomore center and transfer from Archbishop Carroll, scored 11 points and dominated the defensive and offensive glass en route to 14 rebounds and 3 blocks. Alex King, a 5’10” senior forward and last year’s leading scorer, relentlessly attacked the basket on the way to 11 points, snagging 7 rebounds as well. Senior guard, Rae Goldstein, had 6 points and 2 steals, playing unwavering defense. Freshman Brianna Ross had 5 points and 3 rebounds. Sharp shooting sophomore guard, Alisha Fairfax, added 5 points, including a three-pointer. Sophomore point guard, Alex Davis, back from ACL repair, had 5 points and 3 assists in her first game in a Shipley uniform. Sam Wolfson, 5’10” freshman, added a pair of points with a jump shot in the third quarter.

The Gators return home next week with a triumvirate of games. On Tuesday, Shipley takes on longtime Inter-Ac rival Episcopal Academy at home on Tuesday and then hosts the 7th Annual Toys for Tots charity tournament on Friday and Saturday. The Gators play The Lawrenceville School in the first round, and Academy Park takes on league rival Penn Wood. Participants and spectators are encouraged to donate a new, unwrapped gift to gain free admission, and Shipley will be hosting a welcome dinner on Friday night from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m.