The Raiders’ girls basketball team is currently 9-6 and is headed toward the playoffs. As last year’s state champions they hope to get a chance to win again.

“As a team we believe we have good chances in the postseason” said junior Inonge Kaloustian. The team is fairly young, with only three seniors compared to the nine they had last year. “With the young team we have, it’s not a cake walk anymore” said junior captain Octavia Wilson. “We have to work harder in practice and play more physical on the court”.

The team suffered a tough loss against rival Bowie, but has generally done well against some of the tougher teams. They are 3rd in the league with a 6-1 conference record. “Getting out of PG County in the playoffs is our main focus right now” said junior Alia Parker.

“Discipline is going to be what decides how this season ends for us” said Parker. Kaloustian added that “sticking together no matter what” has been one of the components of their success.

One of last year’s key to success was All-American guard Kaila Charles, who transferred to Riverdale Baptist. Adjusting to losing players “has been challenging but we are just learning and improving with every practice” said Parker.

The Raiders attended The Mecca tournament in New York on  January 29th and 30th, where they played other teams from all over the east coast. The results of the games were not exactly what they wanted but “we made progress and learned valuable lessons in the process” said Kaloustian. The regular season is coming to an end and the Raiders’ will use everything they have learned over this season to do well in the playoffs.