The 2013-2014 basketball was season was one of the best in Watertown High history, as both the boys’ and girls’ teams brought home Middlesex League championships and made deep runs into the postseason. The defense of those titles, however, has started off very differently for the two teams. The Raiders girls have made quick work of their first two opponents, while the boys have stumbled out of the gate.

After the girls put away Belmont, 53-42, in their season opener, they rode the sharpshooting of forward Felicia Korte to a resounding 56-31 home win over Arlington on Friday.

The junior led the way with a game-high 22 points, knocking down four 3-pointers, including three in the second quarter to break the game wide open.

Watertown, which had a commanding 37-19 lead at halftime, also got strong performances from sophomore Shannon Murphy (8 points, 6 rebounds) and senior Gianna Coppola (8 points).

The Raiders stuck to their philosophy of aggressive team defense to keep Arlington at bay in the second half to bring their record to 2-0, as they look to continue their title defense against Winchester on Tuesday, Dec. 23.

The challenge of defending the Middlesex title hasn’t gone as smoothly for the Raider boys.

Following a 17-point loss to Belmont, the Raiders looked to bounce back against Arlington, but proceeded to lose again, 66-46.

Junior guard Brendan Hoban’s 23 points weren’t enough for Watertown, which couldn’t find an answer for the Spy Ponders.

Arlington senior Joshua Lee (23 points) put on a clinic from long range early on, knocking down all five 3-pointers he attempted in the first quarter, Senior Miles Robinson (25 points, 14 rebounds) was unstoppable near the basket as Arlington led at the half, 33-14.

A 24-point third quarter was the lone stretch of basketball in which the Raiders looked strong, but it was too little too late for a team that dropped to 0-2.

The Raiders will try to return to their winning ways against Winchester on Tuesday.

–Dec. 20, 2014–