After three seasons with no wins against Peninsula District teams, the Gloucester High School varsity girls’ basketball team seems to be coming together for coach Amy O’Neil.

“Trying to get the program built up has taken time,” O’Neil said. “But each one of my girls has bought into the program. We’ve worked hard and now we’re showing people what we can do. I couldn’t have been prouder.” 

O’Neil’s remarks came after the Lady Dukes beat Kecoughtan, 59-54, on Friday at GHS after losing to the Warriors earlier this season. The Gloucester girls also topped Denbigh, 64-14, on Dec. 8 and doubled their opponents’ score in a pair of non-district victories over York. 

“In the past we’ve been blown out by 20, 30 or more points. This year, even when we’ve lost, it’s been only by six, eight or 11 points. For the most part, it’s really been a competitive team,” O’Neil said. 

“We’ve really gotten a buzz going around in the district about how much better we’re playing, especially after the win over Kecoughtan. We played well, but we can play better.”

Kenna Keyes has played strong basketball for the Dukes and posted the team’s high 17 points against the Warriors. Lauren Hall and senior Amani Fields also scored in double digits and Cam O’Neil had nine points. The four lead the team in scoring overall. 

Fields is joined on the team by fellow seniors Cat Lester and Kaylynn Glockner. O’Neil also has two juniors, and the rest of her squad consists of freshmen and sophomores. The youthfulness of her team signals even more success in the coming seasons. 

For now, O’Neil hopes her team will continue to improve going into the second half of the 2017-2018 schedule. She said having a passion for the game and hard work are paying off for her young players.

“It’s always been tough for us in the Peninsula District, and now I feel like we’re breaking through,” she said. “I’m just really proud of everything they’ve done. They’ve worked so hard and they really do deserve it.”

The Dukes have a rematch at Denbigh Friday evening before returning home to host Mathews on Monday and Bethel on Tuesday.