Dunwoody Girls Basketball Seeks Improvement

In a muted season of struggle, Dunwoody girls basketball players could use a late-season crescendo.

With just four games left in the regular season, all in Region 6-AAAA, the Wildcats would love the ruckus of a five-game streak entering the region tournament.

Wins tonight at Tucker and Tuesday at unbeaten Chamblee, combined with Tuesday's 48-44 win over Carver, would match the Wildcats' previous best win streak of three games. But regular season-ending victories against Lakeside on Friday and Southwest DeKalb on Feb. 12 would up that to a season-long streak of five and essential momentum toward a fourth playoff appearance in five years.

At this point, though, the Wildcats (7-13) would welcome any injection of excitement. The going has been rough, as the team righted its 2-9 start with a 4-1 stint, only to drop three of its last four. Perhaps fortunately, however, only two of Dunwoody's remaining four opponents -- Chamblee and Southwest DeKalb -- have more wins.

Though it's no secret Dunwoody has struggled, it has played tough teams close. Last week against Marist, a state playoff team the last five years, the Wildcats pulled within two points in the final minutes before losing 56-48. The Wildcats have pulled out some close games, winning four times by seven or less.

The Wildcats hope their efforts come together just in time for the region tournament in Tucker's new gym beginning Feb. 14. Senior forward Cynthia Onyeneho comprises Dunwoody's nucleus with sophomore guard Jacque Jordan, senior guard Camille Wingo and senior center Kelly Dwyer. Forward Kamry Mack and guards Breci Davis and Nicolette Wise are expected to make impact.

Onyeneho, Dunwoody's leading scorer, was averaging 17 points and seven rebounds through the meat of the season. She led the Wildcats with 24 against Lithonia, 23 against South Forsyth and 17 versus Westminster.

Any upswing in the regular season's final week likely will require more intense focus. Coach Angela Nash said the team's practices have intensified in the season's second half.

"The girls are finding a groove," she said. "Our practice levels have gone up intensity-wise. The girls have made a commitment to work hard, but it hasn't happened over night."