Throughout the beginning of the winter term, IMS student-athletes have been challenging themselves both in and outside of the classroom. Across the various sports offered this winter, athletes have been developing their skills and becoming more conditioned for their sports. 
 
 
ON THE COURT

The Girls Varsity Basketball team took on Forman in their season opener on Friday, December 13. The Falcons left Litchfield victorious, ending the game with a high score of 42-12. With a variety of players contributing on the offensive side of the court and adding points to the scoreboard, Coach Hanniford is excited to have a team of versatile players who will continue to work together as a unit throughout the season. The Falcons continued their winning streak on Wednesday, December 18 against Washington Montessori. Ninth grader Jessica Lomo was punishing on the defensive end, capitalizing on the mistakes of her opponent and stealing many passes. In addition, Emily Tan, Claire Yoon, and newcomer Lughano Nyondo played well on the offensive end of the court. 

Under the leadership of Coach Barillaro and Coach Halloran, the Boys Varsity Basketball team has been working hard on the court to develop their skills; they continue to come together as a unit. On the road against Kent, the Falcons were defeated in a close match-up of 48-56. Both Noble Whitfield and Abdoulaye Sylla played well on the offensive end with Noble tallying 16 points and Abdoulaye contributing 10 points to keep the score close throughout the game. 

With a large squad of both returners and newcomers, the JV Boys Basketball team has completed two successful games against Berkshire Waldorf and the American School for the Deaf. During their home opener against Berkshire Waldorf, the Falcons improved throughout each quarter to end the game with a close score of 28-36. Both Inigo Sustacha and Jacob Cook played well on the offensive end of the court and pushed the pace of play. The 5th and 6th graders traveled to the American School for the Deaf and showed great “grit and fight,” according to Coach Sorrentino, coming back from 10 points to tie the game 20-20. 

To start the season, the IMS Varsity Squash team traveled to Canterbury to take on the JV Saints. With strong showings up and down the ladder, the Falcons were able to win 5 of the top 7 matches, securing the match victory for the team. They finished the day by winning 9 of 14 matches.  This was an impressive result considering that they had only one practice leading up to this match. The team benefited from the strong efforts of relative newcomers, Joy Gao, Cassie Sanger, and James Teng, as well entertaining performances by Adham Nassar and Soso Ismail. On Sunday, December 8, 7 members of the team traveled to Berkshire School to compete in their Junior Prep Showcase. Throughout the day, these players battled strong competition from Eaglebrook, Fessenden, Fay, and Bement. Each IMS player represented the school well with both their play and sportsmanship, showing that they could hold their own in the face of stout competition, with Adham being the lone player to come out on top of his division.

Coach Statile and Coach Tieger are excited to continue working with the Developmental Squash team to develop their skills and further their understanding of the game of squash throughout the course of the winter. Throughout the first few weeks of the season the team has been focusing on the fundamental skills of serving and receiving and have been testing their skills through a series of competitive drills and matches.
 
 
ON THE ICE

Led by former collegiate hockey players and veteran coaches, the Varsity Hockey team is continuing to improve as the season progresses. The Falcons faced a close loss in their season opener against Brunswick and have been continuing to focus on their weaknesses that were exploited during this opening match-up. In addition, the JV Hockey team has been practicing hard at Hotchkiss School to develop their skills and prepare for their first competitive game against Rumsey Hall in the new year. 
 
 
ON THE SLOPES
 
To start the season both the Recreational Ski team and Ski Race team have completed a series of dry-land practices in order to strengthen and condition their bodies in preparation for the season. Both teams will be practicing at Catamount Mountain throughout the season and with an abundance of snow have been able to practice on the mountain early on in the season. The ski racers will be preparing for their first competition of the season against Rumsey Hall at Mohawk Mountain in the new year. 
 
 
IN THE POOL

With the guidance of co-captains Derrick Dellea and Quisha Lee, the IMS Swim Teamis off to the races. With two meets under their belts, the Falcons have come out victorious against West Side Middle School and Shepaug. During a close match against Shepaug, the Falcons swam hard and captain Quisha Lee was undefeated in all of her events. The team has been completing a series of time trials at practice in order to prepare for meets and be as fast as they can be; they will continue to push their limits and swim faster and harder as the season progresses.

 
IN THE STUDIO

According to Coach Al-Nemri, “practices for the dance season have been off to a lovely start.” Throughout the last couple of weeks the Dance team has been focusing on ballet and jazz numbers. As the season progresses they will be learning many different styles of dance and  students are steadily improving basic moves that have been introduced to them over the past few weeks. The group  will continue to choreograph their own pieces, which will be showcased for the larger student body in the new year in various performances.