Braintree holds power
Wamps eye third title in four seasons
DIV. 1 GIRLS HOOP
Having played in three of the past four Division 1 championships, winning twice (2015, 2016) and coming in second last year, Braintree is aiming to add another state title to its trophy case.
The Wamps never rebuild, they just reload, and with the return of seniors Jenna Roche, Rachel Tutkus and Mackenzie Moore along with rapid progress of junior Adriana Timberlake, head coach Kristen McDonnell’s team is prepared for the long run.
“We have a solid core of returning players who understand what it takes to win,” McDonnell said. “This season, we will be a little undersized, and we will need to play at a fast pace and spread out our scoring. It all comes down to our commitment to defense and toughness, but I believe we have the talent and skill to compete.”
A real threat to the Wamps is the team they beat in the sectional championship last year, Mansfield. The Hornets return senior center Meg Hill (Stonehill commit) as well as senior sharpshooter Ann Maher and junior Maddie Bendanillo to a team that has dominated the Hockomock League and is coming off a 20-win campaign in 2016-17.
Other potential contenders out of the Hockomock include Oliver Ames — the Tigers bring back seniors Kayla Raymond and Abby Reardon — and Attleboro.
In the Bay State Conference, Wellesley will look to build off last year’s run to the sectional semifinals with the return of BSC All-Star point guard Kelcie Zarle and juniors Brooke Guiffre and Nicole Beckett. Newton North, despite the loss of Herald All-Scholastic Sayawni Lassister to graduation, should be in the mix again with key returning players in Elizabeth Davis, Izzi Bledsoe and Kelly Manley.
Across town, Newton South and star guard Veronica Burton (Northwestern commit) should be among the class of the Dual County League and Div. 1 South after winning 18 games and advancing to the sectional semifinals last winter. Fellow senior Paige Olivierre also adds an extra dimension to a Lions program not to be taken lightly.
Looking further south to the Eastern Athletic Conference, Bishop Feehan brings back seniors Anna Shaughnessy, Riley Lahiff and junior Brianna Gillen to help offset the loss of several key contributors from last year’s 18-3 team. In the Atlantic Coast League, Marshfield will be angling to improve on last year’s 17-5 season behind senior Cassie Caldwell and junior Dominique Davis.
In a crowded Division 1 North, Belmont moves up after advancing to the Div. 2 North semifinals last season. Belmont returns its dynamic backcourt of Carly Christofori and Jenny Call to add balance to a frontcourt that is led by center Jess Giorgio.
Other teams to watch in Middlesex Liberty include Woburn and Reading. The Tanners got to the sectional finals last year and return Kelsey Qualey, Cassie Palmisano and Marina Rufo, while the Rockets will lean on Haley Lightbody and senior Katie Nestor.
The Merrimack Valley Conference should once again be a breeding ground for state title contenders. Last year’s semifinalist Andover returns guards Taylor Landry and Gia Bramanti, and Central Catholic brings back Katie Kirsch and Kaylee Thomas.
Billerica, North Andover and Lowell should also not be overlooked with Lowell returning its career scoring leader in Shyan Mwai, a player who makes the Red Raiders a potential sleeping giant.
In the Northeastern Conference, Revere and senior center Valentina Pepic have some unfinished business after bowing out in the sectional quarterfinals.
Cape Ann League power Masconomet is another team that’s always in the discussion, while Westford Academy should be a lot to handle in the regular season before competing in the Div. 1 Central tournament come playoff time.