News

Middle school girls start new sports era in Alexandria

By James Cullum
1/15

It’s a new era for middle school sports in Alexandria, and the girls started it.

On Tuesday (Dec. 3), the George Washington Middle School girls basketball team defeated Jefferson-Houston PreK-8 IB School 22-14 in Alexandria’s first-ever middle school championship basketball game.

The two-half game was played at the Alexandria City High School gym, and it also marks the end of an eight-game season for the middle school girls.

“This is our launch event,” said James Parker, ACPS director of Athletics & Student Activities. “The middle school boys basketball starts next week. Next year we’re going to add football, volleyball, football, volleyball and soccer.”

There are four middle schools in Alexandria, and the schools get to play against the other twice before the playoffs.

Parker said that kids do better in school when they play sports.

“By the time they get to high school, they kind of have an idea of what sports fit them,” Parker said. “Kids come to school more when they’re involved in sports. They get better grades when they’re involved in sports.”

Eighth grade GWMS point guard Dallas Broussard was named most valuable player. Broussard started playing when she was five years old.

“Hopefully I get into a good college with it, and maybe some offers if I ever get better,” Broussard said.

About the Author

  • Reporter James Cullum has spent nearly 20 years covering Northern Virginia. He began working with ALXnow in 2020, and has covered every story under the sun for the publication, from investigative stories to features and photo galleries. His work includes coverage of national and international situations, as well as from the White House, Capitol, Pentagon, Supreme Court and State Department. He's covered protests and riots throughout the U.S. (including the Jan. 6 riot at the U.S. Capitol), in addition to earthquake-ridden Haiti, Western Sahara in North Africa and war-torn South Sudan. He has photographed presidents and other world leaders, celebrities and famous musicians, and excels under pressure.