They say there's nothing like "home cooking" when it comes to enjoying the advantage of playing at home in an athletic contest. No long bus ride, plenty of cheering fans, and maybe even a few friendly calls from the officials. The typical meal served in the English orphanages of Dickens's time was an oatmeal called gruel; a very plain and unappealing entree. So pardon the pun, but the girls varsity basketball team's recent run of four straight away trips against Fairchester opponents was truly grueling.
        The unsavory start was a tough loss to a very good St Luke's team by the score of 67-31. Mimi Ramos had 10 points and 5 rebounds for the Hornets. Three days later, the girls traveled down to Rye where they held their own till the end in a 55-45 loss to the Wildcats. Shannon Rhone had 12 assists, while Jenna Berens added 17 points and 12 rebounds. Undaunted, they squared off last Tuesday in Stamford against King School. With Kai Clemons leading the way with an impressive 33 points, 8 steals, 5 blocks, 5 rebounds and 5 assists, the Hornets bested the Vikings 58-47. Jenna Berens added 12 points and 17 rebounds, and Courtney Joshua added 4 points and 8 rebounds. One more trip south to Greenwich on Friday evening saw another great effort, but the girls fell short against Convent of the Sacred Heart 56-51. Credit to the resilient squad and to Coach Borelli and her staff for their grit. But it is understandable if the girls do not emulate Oliver Twist and ask for more. 

Click here to see media coverage of the Hornets rebuilding this year after the departure of stars Naomi VanNes and Rachel Menze.