Girls Basketball
Varsity
The Derryfield School Varsity Girls’ Basketball Program is under the direction of Coach Courtney Cheetham. Coach Cheetham enters her third season at Derryfield, and Derryfield’s first in Division II NH Girls Basketball. In 2022, Derryfield was the Division IV State runner-up, losing in the finals to a tough Concord Christian team. The 2022 team included the Division IV Player of the Year, Elyse Ngenda, and honorable mention, Ava Plage. In 2021, the team made a deep playoff run eventually losing in the regional-finals to the State champion Hinsdale. Emmy Plage was named Division IV Defensive Player of the Year, and first-team all-state. Shawna Lesmerises was named honorable mention all-state. Coach Cheetham was named NH Sportspage Coach of the Year. Previously, Coach Ed Lemire guided the Cougars starting in November of 1984. In 29 seasons, the team saw much success, qualifying for the NHIAA Division IV (formerly Class S) state tournament 21 times. Thirteen of those 21 tournament appearances resulted in the team reaching the Division IV Final Four. Eight of those 13 Final Four appearances resulted in berths in the state championship game. The Derryfield School won the NHIAA Class S Championship in 1998. Many individuals have earned New Hampshire Basketball Organization (NHBCO) all-state team awards and several players have even attained NHBCO Class S Player-of-the-Year status. Derryfield proudly places players on the NHBCO All-Academic team each year. The team has also been honored by the NHIAA for Sportsmanship in multiple seasons.
Varsity Girls' Basketball Schedule
JV
Girls’ JV Basketball at Derryfield is a safe, fun, positive environment for girls to learn and develop their basketball skills and knowledge. It is often the case that the team is split into two groups of players: those who have played before and those who are learning the game for the first time. Therefore, the teaching of fundamental skills is at the forefront of what we do. All the strategy in the world will not be useful, if, after running the perfect play, the girls do not have the ability to put the ball in the basket. At practice, we combine drills and skillwork with fun and games, motivating the girls to work hard, while having fun in the process.
