New division, new results for John Bowne

There is a reason for all their smiles, the noticeable hop in their step. Playing evenly balanced competition, John Bowne is near the top of the newly formed Queens A-I division after a 64-40 throttling of Townsend Harris Monday afternoon.
The last two seasons were unpleasant for the Wildcats. They never wanted to move up to the PSAL's ‘A' division three years ago after winning consecutive division titles in ‘B'. Playing against the borough's best, Bowne won just six league games the last two seasons, losing by large amounts on a regular basis. They already have that many now.
&#8220It's tough going into the season knowing you don't have a chance to win your division,” Bowne Coach Bruce Bitterman said.
&#8220Every game we were getting blown out,” junior guard Brittany Mitchell said. &#8220It wasn't even.”
The PSAL realigned prior to this season, forming a super division, Queens AA, comprised of the borough's four best teams. The rest - the best from ‘B' and worst from ‘A' - make up this grouping, which is generally competitive throughout, from top to bottom.
&#8220For the first time in three years, we have a fighting chance,” Bitterman said. &#8220This is what I've been asking for. We finally got it.”
With the entire team back from a year ago, in addition to dynamic freshman guard Shakema Johnson, the Wildcats are thriving, losing just once thus far at William Bryant. Capable ball handlers and scorers, Johnson and Mitchell run the point off and on, a luxury many teams don't possess. &#8220She takes a lot of pressure off me,” Mitchell said.
In the win over Townsend Harris, Johnson nearly compiled a triple-double, finishing with 18 points, 10 assists and eight rebounds. Mitchell added 12 points and six assists and forward Rebekah Thompson had 14 points and 14 rebounds. By comparison, it was a regrettable afternoon for the Wildcats, who generally have four or five players in double figures.
&#8220We have a lot more balance,” Bitterman said, pointing to the usual contributions of forwards Kelly Stanton and Jennifer Rios, along with a solid bench.
And, finally, winning more than just a few times is a distinct possibility. Even a division title and lengthy run in the playoffs is a realistic goal. &#8220We have a chance to take it, I believe,” Mitchell said, referring to Queens A-I. &#8220We have an opportunity to go far.”