HS GIRLS BASKETBALL

In Franklin’s undefeated run to a Division 1 co-state championship last season, everything revolved around Ali Brigham. With the two-time Herald Dream-Teamer now playing at George Washington, the Panthers will build around their next superstar in Olivia Quinn.

The all-around, game-changing junior forward leads the way after averaging more than 15 points per game a season ago. She’ll have plenty of help with standout defender Erin Quaile along with Elizabeth Wilson and Kaleigh Houlihan

returning.

The Bay State Conference features several talented squads starting with Newton North. The Tigers will rely on Michaela O’Neil, Thalia Shepard and Abigail Wright and the trio will be buoyed by three out-of-state transfers.

Despite the graduation of Kiara McIntyre, Needham has a strong nucleus in place with Caroline Klemm, Avery Johnson, and Lucy Dorion spearheading the Rockets. Walpole returns guards Natalie Griffin and Brooke Walonis along with forward Catie Hurley, while highlytouted 6-foot-5 sophomore Chinenye Odenigbo transferred into town.

Braintree receives a boost with Lily Adams, who missed all of last season due to a torn ACL, back and looks to get contributions out of Aisling Crowley and Hailey Sherrick. Natick will rely on Madi Forman to compete in the conference.

Bridgewater-Raynham is as stout as ever with five starters back. Six-foot-three Duke recruit Shay Bollin, who averaged 18.8 points per game as a sophomore, headlines the unit that also boasts University of New Hampshirebound guard Kenzie Matulonis, Fiona Kelly and Tahlia Tah.

Elaine Clement-Holbrook, who has over 700 career victories, enters her 45th season on the Oliver Ames sideline and has Hockomock League All-Stars Caroline Peper and Caroline Flynn at her disposal.

High-volume scorer Amaris Mills, who poured in 20.5 points per game last season, and Maddy Genser star for Newton South, while Kyla Cunningham and Lydia Mordarski will shoulder the load for Bishop Feehan.

After claiming a Div. 1 co-state title a year ago, Andover’s firepower hasn’t diminished with Tatum Shaw, Amelia Hanscom and breakout star Anna Foley sparking the Golden Warriors.

Central Catholic hasn’t lost a Merrimack Valley Conference game in three seasons and looks to keep that trend going with Adrianna Niles, Claudia Porto and Maggie Smith as center pieces. Mike Crowley is filling in for Chelmsford on an interim basis and has Meghan Goode, Kate Krueger and Kat Slattery guiding the Lions.

Coming off a 21-win campaign,

Woburn expects Carley Dangora and Cyndea Labissiere to help pile the wins up again. Cambridge no longer has the services of dynamic guard Sophia Vital, who transferred to Tabor, but can count on sharpshooter Kizziah Ruff.

Concord-Carlisle has plenty of weapons in three-time Dual County League Small MVP Kori Barach, Rachel Barach and Emma McCollum.

Foxboro was hit hard by graduation following its second Div. 2 state title in three years. Katelyn Mollica, a 1,000-point scorer, is still the focal point while Morgan Sylvestre and Jordyn Collins provide athleticism.

There’s no shortage of talent for Norwood despite seeing 6-foot5 Chinenye Odenigbo transfer to Walpole. Reigning Tri-Valley League Large MVP Megan Olbrys along with Erin Reen, Taylor Brincklow and Kate Earle make the Mustangs a favorite to claim the league title.

As usual, the TVL is loaded with quality teams in addition to Norwood. Medway stood atop Div. 2 Central a season ago and brings back versatile forward and

TVL Small MVP Lauren

Beach along with Amy Johnston and Maggie Regan.

Camilla Silk and Annie

McCarthy are two steadying presences for Medfield, which also looks for Kate Olenik to continue to emerge. Experience isn’t an issue for Hopkinton as Lauren Cho and Kiki Fossbender will have the Hillers contending.

Old Rochester will lean on Meg Horan and Maggie Brogioli to continue the program’s success in a new era with Rick Regan taking over after Bob Hohne’s 42 years at the helm. Dighton-Rehoboth will look to Emily D’Ambrosio, Ella Damon and Megan Reilly.

Perry Blasetti and Caroline Connelly bolster a youthful Hingham squad that suits up only one senior while Nauset looks formidable thanks to Avery Burns and Ashley Ross along with Korin Mereste and Makayla Hutchinson.

Pentucket has been the class of the Cape Ann League by winning six straight Kinney Division titles, which it will vie for again behind Arielle Cleveland, Mackenzie Currie and Megan Reading.

North Reading will have a new look after obtaining a

Div. 2 North crown last year. Sarah Gerber is the lone starter returning while Faith Newton will play a prominent role. Newburyport is a threat in the CAL as well with Abigail Gillingham and Makenna Ward steering the Clippers.

Double-double machine Kylie DuCharme elevates Wilmington, which expects Jenna Sweeney to also contribute. Marina Callahan is a difference maker for Burlington and Alyvia Pena will run the point for the Red Devils.

Dracut will rely on the backcourt tandem of Tatiannah Fevry and Ashlee Talbot.