Below are the official 2018 Hockomock League Softball All Stars, selected by the coaches in the league.
Hockomock League Co-MVPs
Hannah Davis, Foxboro
Kya Enos, Taunton
Hockomock League All Stars
Mckenzie Bergdoll, Attleboro
Elizabeth Bickett, Canton
Hannah Davis, Foxboro
Anna Balkus, Franklin
Meghan Gorman, King Philip
Elise Pereira, King Philip
Faith Turinese, King Philip
Emily Piergustavo, Milford
Kelley Reichert, Milford
Kate Irwin, Milford
Jess Tomaso, Milford
Maddy Bonvino, Milford
Bella Erti, North Attleboro
Abby Gallagher, North Attleboro
Olivia Capobianco, North Attleboro
Alexis Campbell, Oliver Ames
Gina Carafa, Stoughton
Jaime Brown, Taunton
Kya Enos, Taunton
MacKenzie Handrahan, Taunton
Kelsey White, Taunton
Hannah Aldrich, Taunton
Liana Duarte, Taunton
Honorable Mentions:
Makenzie Killough, Attleboro
Evelyn Carrington, Canton
Lexi Buckner, Foxboro
Meg Caron, Franklin
Jessica Bonner, King Philip
Caty DeMassi, Mansfield
Sabrina Haarstick, Milford
Ashley Cangiano, North Attleboro
Katie Mills, Oliver Ames
Rebecca Clayman, Sharon
Jordan Lyons, Stoughton
McKenzie McAloon, Taunton
Baseball
Attleboro, 1 @ Canton, 2 – Final (8 Inn.) – Attleboro took a lead in the top of the eighth inning, breaking open a scoreless game, with an RBI single by Alvaro Espinel, but the Bulldogs rallied for two runs in the bottom of the inning to walk off with the win. With one out, Tommy DeLello reached on an error and Nate Quan drew a walk. Matt Casamento singled to left to bring in the tying run and Matt Pigeon dropped a single just fair down the line to score Quan with the game-winning run. Robbie Wilkinson went five innings on the mound for the Bulldogs and Kevin McGonigle got his first varsity win in relief. Attleboro starter Drew Pagano went seven scoreless but ended up with a no-decision as the Bombardiers lost to a walk-off for the second straight day.
Sharon, 0 @ Franklin, 11 – Final – Bryan Woelfel went six innings to pick up the win for the Panthers, striking out two and allowing only two hits. Will Pacheco threw a scoreless seven and struck out two to finish the game for Franklin. Brendan Rivera, Cooper Ross, Jake Noviello, and Alex Haba each scored a run and drove in a run in the game, while Jake Macchi scored three times in the win. Ben Schwartz and Max Tarlin had the two hits for the Eagles.
Foxboro, 0 @ King Philip, 5 – Final – David Morganelli had a great game on the bump for the Warriors, picking up a complete game shutout with six strikeouts and only three hits allowed. Collin Cooke had a hit an RBI for the KP offense, while Pat Limerick and Chris Sawyer each had two hits and each scored a run.
Softball
Canton, 5 @ Attleboro, 4 – Final – Caroline Hughes struck out five for the Bulldogs and picked up a complete game win on the road. Hughes also hit a double. Freshman Liz Bickett went 2-for-4 with a homerun and drove in three runs for Canton. Evelyn Carrington went 2-for-4 and scored the eventual game-winner. Steph Trendell threw out a pair of Attleboro runners, including one in the bottom of the seventh that ended the game.
Franklin, 15 @ Sharon, 1 – Final (6 Inn.) – Franklin broke the game open with a seven-run second inning to put the Panthers on the way to a third straight win. Jackie Cherry held the Eagles without a hit in her three innings in the circle, striking out seven. Cherry also went 2-for-3 with a triple, homer, and four RBI at the plate. Natalie Stott also went 2-for-3, drove in a pair of runs and scored three times. Gabby Colace went 2-for-2 with two RBI for the Panthers and Macie Phillips threw three innings in her varsity debut, allowing only one hit and striking out three. Nickie Martinez drove in the lone run for the Eagles and junior catcher turned a nice double play from behind the plate.
Taunton @ Oliver Ames – Postponed to TBD.
Boys Lacrosse
Franklin, 22 @ Taunton, 1 – Final
Girls Lacrosse
Taunton, 1 @ Franklin, 21 – Final – Mairead Goguen scored two goals and had two assists for the Panthers, while Corinne Lewis had two goals. Kate Morse and Sydney Hawkins both scored their first goals of the season in the win.
Sharon, 17 @ Milford, 1 – Final – Sharon coach Shara Ginthwain said that the Eagles “played a strong game today and worked together to get the win” Sharon collected 29 ground balls as a team, won 16-of-19 draws, and assisted on 10-of-17 goals. Abbi Solomon and Sabrina Robbins each scored five goals for the Eagles and Emma Eberhardt collected a hat trick. Jenna Goldstein scored a pair and sisters Maeve and Cass Barbera each tallied once in the win.
Boys Tennis
Canton, 3 @ Attleboro, 2 – Final
Franklin @ Sharon, 3:45
King Philip @ Stoughton – Postponed to TBD.
Taunton, 3 @ Oliver Ames, 0 – Final
Girls Tennis
Attleboro @ Canton, 3:45
Sharon @ Franklin, 3:45
Stoughton @ King Philip, 3:45
Taunton, 5 vs. Coyle & Cassidy, 0 – Final
Milford won the Div. 1 state championship in 2017 and brings back six starters to try and repeat, but the rest of the Hockomock League will be aiming to take down the Hawks this season. (Josh Perry/HockomockSports.com) By HockomockSports.com Staff
2017 Record: 9-10 2017 Finish: Reached D1 South Preliminary Round Coach: Mark Homer
Attleboro made a return to the state tournament last spring thanks to a no-hitter from McKenzie Bergdoll in the final game of the regular season and now the Bombardiers, who lost only three players from last year’s roster, are looking to build on that success to make another run at the postseason this year. Bergdoll, a junior, will be back in the circle again this season as well as one of the big bats that Attleboro will rely on to make it back-to-back playoff appearances.
Senior rightfielder Casey Whelan will add experience to a relatively young outfield unit and fellow seniors Vanessa Dancer and Adrianna Elel will provide leadership. Juniors Jordyn Lako and Kayla Battisti are back to contribute to the Bombardiers playoff challenge and there are high expectations for a talented group of sophomores that includes Makenzie Killough, Ashley Macia, and twin sisters Emma and Jenna Gittle.
“With the loss of only three seniors last year, our season has several impact returning veterans along with some new freshman that will fill the holes quite nicely,” said Attleboro coach Mark Homer. “This season’s early player roster looks very promising but it will be the leadership of the team that will determine our direction and state the facts at the end of the season.”
2017 Record: 1-19 2017 Finish: Missed Playoffs Coach: Jennifer Robillard
Canton is coming off a difficult 2017, after winning one game under first-year head coach Jennifer Robillard, but both the coaches and players have a year of experience to build on and an infusion of young talent, with five freshmen being added to the varsity roster, has the Bulldogs looking at 2018 as a year to get the program heading in the right direction.
Sophomore Caroline Hughes will be the starting pitcher and will bat third this season and the coaches are confident that she can provide a lift to the team. Senior Hannah Jerrier will also be back in the middle of the order, after missing almost all of last season after breaking her hand during basketball, and should give the Bulldogs some added pop in the lineup. Senior Katie Halloran will be back in the middle of the infield and senior Evelyn Carrington returns in center. Unfortunately, injuries have struck again with sophomore Jackie Howard lost for the season, but Robillard believes that several of the new faces can come in and contribute right away.
“As a first-year varsity coach, last year was a learning experience for both myself and the girls,” Robillard said. “I am confident that we will make great strides towards success this season.”
2017 Record: 5-16 2017 Finish: Reached Div. 2 South Preliminary Round Coach: Mark Maguire
Foxboro earned a playoff berth through the Sullivan Rule a season ago, despite 15 losses in the regular season, but the Warriors were much better than their overall record and No. 20 seed may have suggested. Out of the 16 games that Foxboro lost in 2017, six were by two runs or less, including a 2-0 loss to Ursuline Academy in the tournament, and those close games are what head coach Mark Maguire is hoping his team can turn into wins this year to make a run at the playoffs.
The Warriors will be looking to senior catcher Hannah Davis to provide the offensive punch, as the perennial league all-star has been among the Hockomock’s best hitters for the past three seasons. Classmate Lexi Buckner will also add some offense in the middle of the order and the lefty will be moving from second base to first this year. Senior Kelly McCarthy will be back in center and at the top of the order, while Chelsea Gibbons will be at third and Camryn Willis will be back at shortstop. Foxboro also has experience in the circle as third-year starter Emma Rohan will get the ball again for the Warriors.
“We have good senior leadership,” said Maguire about the team’s strengths. “Right down the center of the field we have vocal leaders to help the defense. We’re a good hitting team and I think fielding and pitching should be even better this year.”
2017 Record: 10-12 2017 Finish: Missed Playoffs Coach: Kate Fallon
Franklin missed the playoffs a season ago and have a relatively young roster this season, with just one senior in the squad, so the Panthers are flying under the radar as the season gets underway, but they don’t mind if teams overlook them at the start of the season as they try to get back into the postseason.
While there are a number of new faces for Franklin this season, the battery of junior pitcher Jackie Cherry and junior catcher Ally Shea are back, which gives the Panthers a strong foundation on which to build. Junior shortstop Tara Hartnett is also back to give Franklin strong middle of the infield defense and sophomore Anna Balkus will be in center. Senior Meg Caron, the lone upperclassman on the team, will add versatility playing at third and some outfield this season.
“We’re looking to make it back to the tournament this season,” said Franklin coach Kate Fallon. “Ally Shea and Meg Caron will provide excellent leadership for our up and coming athletes and no doubt in my mind they will be an integral part of our successes this season!”
Despite a lot of turnover in the lineup last spring, King Philip followed up its 2016 state championship by winning the Kelley-Rex division title and reaching the quarterfinal of the Div. 1 South sectional. With 10 returning players this season, KP has typically high expectations and one of the state’s perennial powers seems poised to make another run at a league title, which would be its 11th in the past 12 seasons, and to go deep in the state tournament.
The biggest change for the Warriors this season will be in the circle where senior Elise Pereira takes over as the primary starter after the graduation of Jenn Hutnyan. Pereira saw plenty of action last year too, but will have to shoulder the majority of the innings this season, backed up by Faith Turnese. Brianna Lacy will be behind the dish, returning as one of the league’s top defensive catchers. Senior Hailey McCasland returns at second base and junior Meghan Gorman is back at shortstop after a breakout sophomore season. Jess Bonner returns at third and senior Sydney Phillips will once again be in centerfield.
It is a loaded lineup with a ton of speed and a strong defensive unit, according to KP head coach Norm Beauchemin. He added, “This is a very hungry team that should compete for the Kelly-Rex and make a strong run in the playoffs.”
2017 Record: 13-9 2017 Finish: Reached D1 South First Round Coach: Lori Letendre
After booking a return to the state tournament last spring, Mansfield returns 10 players, including five starters, to try and make it four playoff appearances in a row. The Hornets are relatively young with only three seniors on the roster and have some holes to fill, including two-thirds of the outfield, but there is a lot of confidence that the program will be able to compete with the best in the league.
Sarah Cahill took over as the starter during the season last year and she will be back in the circle again this spring trying to build on an impressive debut. Cahill will be throwing to her battery mate, as Caty DeMassi is back behind the plate. While the corner infield spots are open this year, Megan Letendre and Kara Bendanillo are back to fill the other infield spots and give the Hornets strength up the middle. Junior Mady Bendanillo is also back to patrol centerfield and fill one of the middle of the order spots, as one of the league’s most dangerous hitters. Freshman Elle Veheggen joins the team this spring as a newcomer to keep an eye on.
“We are a young team,” said Mansfield coach Lori Letendre. “The girls have been working hard in the off-season and came into tryouts well-prepared.”
2017 Record: 25-1 2017 Finish: Won D1 State Championship Coach: Steve DiVitto
The defending Div. 1 state champions look loaded for another run at the title with nine returning players, including six starters, back from last season’s tournament run. Kelley Reichert will take over for Ali Atherton in the circle after seeing time as a reliever and starter in each of the past three seasons. The lineup looks just as potent as last year with senior shortstop Emily Piergustavo back after being named HockomockSports.com Player of the Year and league MVP.
Senior first baseman Jess Tomaso is back to add power in the heart of the order and senior Kate Irwin, fresh off reaching 1,000 points in her Milford basketball career, will return to set the table as the lead-off hitter and emotional spark plug. Senior second baseman Maddy Bonvino, senior rightfielder Shannon Cormier and junior catcher Emily Hartman will add depth to a fearsome lineup that features lots of power and speed.
“This year’s team is focused on the here and now and not the past,” said Milford coach Steve DiVitto. “Each year a new page is turned over, and the focus this year is: what’s your legacy going to be? Keeping our awesome team chemistry will be an important part of this season.”
2017 Record: 14-7 2017 Finish: Reached D1 South Semifinal Coach: Bill Wallace
The Rocketeers had a young squad last season but managed to surprise a few people by reaching the Div. 1 South semifinal, including an upset of league rival Taunton, and after that year of experience North Attleboro is expecting to be competitive again this spring. Sophomore pitcher Bella Erti is back in the circle after a strong freshman campaign and will be throwing to classmate Ashley Cangiano with the hope of improving on her breakout season.
Olivia Capobianco is back in centerfield after turning in a strong season and she will also be one of the table-setters for the lineup. Abby Gallagher and Katherine Munley will join Capobianco in an experienced outfield for the Rocketeers. Annabelle Hebard, Katy Daby and Abby Warren will play the corner infield positions, while Andrea Miceli is back at second base after a strong year at the plate and in the field. Stephanie Inglese and freshman Emily Nardelli will compete for the shortstop position.
North Attleboro coach Bill Wallace said, “If we want to repeat the success of last year we will need to find some power in the middle of the lineup lost to graduation last year.”
Oliver Ames will have plenty of experience this spring as it makes a run at a return to the state tournament. The Tigers have 10 players back from last year’s roster, including six seniors, highlighted by junior pitcher Kayla Georgeu, who will take the ball as the primary starter again this spring and who head coach Lindsey Allison thinks is ready to “come into her own” both in the circle and at the plate.
The strong senior class includes infielder Alexis Campbell, who will also chip in as a pitcher this year, outfielders Sarah Tetrault and Marissa Guarino, infielders Caroline Mahoney and Rachel Han, and catcher Antonia Peretti. Sophomore Katie Abreu had a strong rookie campaign and is expected to have an even better second season with the Tigers.
“The best thing about this team is their heart and determination – they show up to practice excited to work together and work hard every day,” Allison said. “They are coachable and strive to get better at every opportunity.”
There is a change at the top for Sharon this spring and Heather Poliferno takes over for the Eagles, replacing Deb Parker after her move to league rival Stoughton, and the new staff is confident that the experienced players on the roster will set the tone for the team and give the Eagles a chance at booking a place in the state tournament.
Seniors Jamie Kessler and Jenika Patel and junior Rebecca Clayman are the captains this season and will provide leadership that Poliferno called “key to our success this season.” Junior Alli Small and freshman Julia Earley are players to keep an eye on this season for the Eagles as they could be big contributors in the field and at the plate. Junior outfielder Courtney Sollis brings an accurate arm and consistent contact at the plate.
“Our passion for the game and drive to compete is why we will be a strong contender in the Hock this year,” Poliferno said.
2017 Record: 10-11 2017 Finish: Reached D1 South Preliminary Round Coach: Deb Parker
After back-to-back playoff appearances, Stoughton welcomes a new coach this spring to take over a roster filled with experience and talent. Deb Parker has made the move across the Davenport from Sharon to take over the Black Knights with an eye at another run at the postseason and with senior pitcher Gina Carafa back in the circle and the middle of the order there is plenty of optimism for a strong spring.
Joining Carafa in the Stoughton lineup is junior Jordan Lyons, who Parker called a “standout” third baseman. Lyons is one of a group of talented juniors that Stoughton will be counting on this season, including second baseman Nikki Coppola, shortstop Karly Estremera, and catcher Brianna Ferrandiz. Sophomore Lexi Baptista will add versatility to the lineup and Parker is excited about the freshmen class and expects that they will be able to contribute as well.
“The energy of this team is infectious!” said Parker. “ I am looking forward to this season and have very high expectations about what this team will be able to accomplish.”
2017 Record: 17-5 2017 Finish: Reached D1 South First Round Coach: Dave Lewry
Even with a host of underclassmen in the lineup, this is an experienced Taunton roster that will be trying to put together a run not only at a league title but also at a deep tournament run, after seeing the last couple of seasons end earlier than expected. With 10 returning varsity players, including seven starters, the Tigers will have high expectations and the key to reaching those goals will be replacing pitcher Courtney Fisher, as freshman Kelsey White and sophomore Jaylin Couto will step into the circle as regular starters this season. Junior Alexa White will also see time at pitcher.
The lineup is loaded again this spring, starting with senior catcher Kya Enos, who added power to her game last year. Junior Jaime Brown is in her fourth year on varsity and is coming off a season in which she was named HockomockSports.com Underclassman of the Year. Freshmen Hanna Aldrich and McKenzie McAloon stepped right in at the middle infield positions last year and will be building on that experience this year. Senior Lianna Duarte is back in center and senior left-fielder MacKenzie Handrahan will bring power to the middle of the lineup as well.
“I think we should have a solid infield defense,” said Taunton coach Dave Lewry. “Offensively we have the capability of putting runs on the board with a deep and experienced lineup.”
Below are the official 2017 Hockomock League Softball All Stars, selected by the coaches in the league.
Hockomock League MVP
Emily Piergustavo, Milford
Hockomock League All Stars
McKenzie Bergdoll, Attleboro
Hannah Davis, Foxboro
Ally Shea, Franklin
Jenn Hutnyan, King Philip
Meghan Gorman, King Philip
Mady Bendanillo, Mansfield
Emily Piergustavo, Milford
Jess Tomaso, Milford
Ali Atherton, Milford
Maggie Farrell, Milford
Kate Irwin, Milford
Megan Barlow, North Attleboro
Bella Erti, North Attleboro
Victoria Ziner, Oliver Ames
Clara Cook, Sharon
Gina Carafa, Stoughton
Courtney Fisher, Taunton
Jaime Brown, Taunton
Kya Enos, Taunton
MacKenzie Handrahan, Taunton
Honorable Mentions
McKenzie Killough, Attleboro
Evelyn Carrington, Canton
Lexi Buckner, Foxboro
Jackie Cherry, Franklin
Hailey McCasland, King Philip
Kara Bendanillo, Mansfield
Kaitlyn DeCapua, Milford
Liz Morehouse, North Attleboro
Caroline Mahoney, Oliver Ames
Samantha Marglous, Sharon
Jordan Lyons, Stoughton
Hanna Aldrich, Taunton
For a history of recent Hockomock League Softball All Stars, check out our history section.
2017 Hockomock League Softball All Stars
For a history of recent Hockomock League Softball All Stars, check out our history section. You can also see all stars from other sports in our history section. Attleboro Canton Foxboro Franklin King Philip Mansfield Milford North Attleboro Oliver Ames Sharon Stoughton Taunton Attleboro Canton Foxboro Franklin King Philip Mansfield Milford North Attleboro Oliver Ames Sharon Stoughton Taunton Attleboro Canton Foxboro Franklin King Philip Mansfield Milford North Attleboro Oliver Ames Sharon Stoughton Taunton Hockomock League Hockomock League Hockomock League Hockomock League Hockomock League Hockomock League Hockomock League Hockomock League Attleboro Canton Foxboro Franklin King Philip Mansfield Milford North Attleboro Oliver Ames Sharon Stoughton Taunton Attleboro Canton Foxboro Franklin King Philip Mansfield Milford North Attleboro Oliver Ames Sharon Stoughton Taunton Attleboro Canton Foxboro Franklin King Philip Mansfield Milford North Attleboro Oliver Ames Sharon Stoughton Taunton Hockomock League Hockomock League Hockomock League Hockomock League Hockomock League Hockomock League Hockomock League Hockomock League
Shannon Smally (15) of Foxboro and Val Whalen (14) of Stoughton battle in the post in one of last season’s Davenport division meetings. (Josh Perry/HockomockSports.com) By HockomockSports.com Staff
2016-2017 Davenport Girls Basketball Preview
CANTON
2015-16 Record: 6-14 (3-13) 2015-16 Finish: Missed playoffs Head Coach: Jim Choquette
The Bulldogs continue to add to the program both on the court and on the bench with former Canton and UMass Boston star Olivia Murphy joining the coaching staff this season to help out with the freshman team. It is a sign of the continued growth of the program under head coach Jim Choquette, who is hoping that the momentum built at the end of last season will carry over to this year.
Senior forward Emma Murphy returns after a league all-star season and will be joined on the front line by returning starters senior Casey Shea and juniorHannah Jerrier, who was an honorable mention for all-star last winter. Adding depth on the front line will be sophomore forwards Molly Ludwig and Erin Devine, who lacks inexperience but adds significant height.
Jess Powers is recovering from an injury suffered during lacrosse season and her return will add more scoring punch to a deep and quick backcourt group. Sophomore Julia Hamilton is back to run the point for the Bulldogs and will be joined by classmate Maggie Connolly, junior Lindsey Barrett, senior Taylor Carrington, and junior twins Lillian and Evelyn Carrington. This group will allow Canton to keep defensive pressure high all game long.
“Our strengths will be scrappy defense and rebounding on both ends,” said Choquette. “our goal is to improve each game and be playing our best headed into the last part of the season…the faster we find chemistry the faster we’ll find the win column.”
FOXBORO
2015-16 Record: 15-7 (11-5) 2015-16 Finish: Reached Div. 2 South quarterfinal Head Coach: Lisa Downs
Despite a lot of youth in the lineup, Foxboro has been one of the top teams in the Davenport division for several seasons and this year should be no different, as the Warriors enter the winter with very high expectations and as one of the favorites for the league title.
A lot of the interest in the Warriors stems from the continued development of junior point guard Ashley Sampson, who has turned into one of the best all-around guards in the Hockomock and is the player that the Foxboro offense flows through. Sampson has plenty of help in the backcourt with classmate Lily Sykes, who offers scoring from the perimeter, and seniors Lauren Flahive, Riley Collins (back after an injury), and Hailey Maling, who are all strong on the ball defenders.
In the front court, Kristen Bortolotti is back after missing last year with an injury and will add speed and a strong mid-range game. Junior Grace Tamulionis is another matchup nightmare for the opposition with her size on the boards and on defense and her ability to step outside and shoot the three. Junior Shannon Smally continues to improve and gives the Warriors an inside presence, while newcomers Chelsea Gibbons and Abby Hassmancould make big contributions for the Warriors.
“The girls have been playing together throughout the summer and fall and this familiarity should work to our benefit this season,” said head coach Lisa Downs. “We will continue to focus on our running game and our defensive efforts and I am fortunate to have the players that not only buy into this system, but, also appreciate this pace.”
MILFORD
2015-16 Record: 9-11 (5-11) 2015-16 Finish: Missed playoffs Head Coach: T.J. Dolliver
After missing out on a playoff spot by one game a season ago under first-year head coach T.J. Dolliver, Milford enters this winter with high hopes of making the leap into the postseason with a deep and versatile roster that has gained a lot of experience together over the past few seasons.
The enthusiasm for the Hawks begins with dynamic junior point guard Kate Irwin, who has shown the ability to get to the basket at will, draw defenses to get open looks for her teammates and also be a pesky on the ball defender. With Irwin creating open shots, junior Emily Piergustavo’s return after missing last year with an injury will be a big boost on the perimeter along with senior guard Jill Burley.
Milford will also have plenty of players to contribute on the glass and in the paint. Senior Nicole Dahlgren, a two-year captain, is a strong rebounder but can also step out and hit threes as can junior Jess Tomaso. Five-foot-8 senior Christine Pye, 5-foot-11 junior Gillian Valanzola, 5-foot-8 senior Emma Liskov, and 5-foot-10 Juliana Tracy give Milford an imposing group of front line players.
“These girls have been playing together for a while and their team chemistry is amazing,” said Dolliver. “We are starting to learn the minor details of offense and defense in order to give our team a better chance of success.”
NORTH ATTLEBORO
2015-16 Record: 11-10 (9-7) 2015-16 Finish: Reached Div. 2 South tournament Head Coach: Derek Herber
The Rocketeers head into their first season in the Davenport division with eight returning players from last year’s team that was two points away from a first round victory in the Div. 2 South tournament against Hock rival Oliver Ames.
Senior Ashley Ahern is a three-year starter at guard and was the team’s leading scorer last winter. Ahern will be the player that gets the offense going, but she will get plenty of help from her classmates, Emily Schromm and Samantha Taggart. Schromm was one of the top defenders in the league and can stretch a defense with her outside shooting and Taggart can play all three guard positions and led North in assists last year. In the paint, senior Caroline Collard is the team’s leading rebounder and showed a soft touch around the basket.
North can also look for improvements from sophomore Julia Feid, who got valuable minutes as a rookie last year, senior Liz Morehouse, who adds depth in the post, and juniors Julia Santos, who both brought athleticism off the bench at the wing positions. Sophomore forward Mackenzie Roberts is a newcomer who adds size and outside shooting and junior Emily Pastore can step in at all three guard positions.
The Rocketeers have plenty of experience on the roster and will be one of the favorites for the league title at the beginning of the season. While head coach Derek Herber can count on a number of returning players, he hopes to “mix in a few new faces into the lineup to help with depth.”
Sharon is another team that has been building with youth and has created a lot of depth on its roster and, despite losing three of its top four scorers from last winter, has garnered preseason hype as a potential sleeper to make a return to the postseason for the first time since the Eagles made a run to the Div. 2 South final in 2013.
The Eagles will be hoping for an improvement on the offensive side of the ball, which was a challenge at times last winter. Junior point guard Shira Stoller, a three-year starter, is continuing to improve at limiting turnovers and looking for her own shot as well as setting up teammates. One of the players that benefits from Stoller’s ability to get into the lane is sophomore Emma Eberhardt, who was third on the team in points as a rookie and continues to develop into a consistent wing scorer.
Sophomore Veronica Wallace has emerged as one of the top backcourt defenders during the preseason and is one of the fastest players on the Sharon roster. Senior Ana Crosby, who is also a standout on the soccer and lacrosse fields, is another player that is continuing to improve and will have an increased role this season. Freshman Kaitlyn Wallace is a newcomer to watch and could have a bigger role to play over the course of the year.
“Our defense is going to have to be our key in order to compete, and our girls know that,” said third-year coach Cliff Tomassian. “We get our best looks on offense off of great defensive stands. Our girls are going to have to be patient and vigilant on both ends and be ready to take chances.”
STOUGHTON
2015-16 Record: 7-11 (7-9) 2015-16 Finish: Missed playoffs Head Coach: Charmaine Steele Jordan
The Black Knights lost six seniors to graduation but this offers plenty of opportunities for a new crop of younger players to get playing time and learn the system of second-year head coach, and former Stoughton star, Charmaine Steele Jordan.
Two of the players that will be counted on most this season are junior forwards Val Whalen and Jordan Motley, who are two of the best rebounders in the league and can also get out on the break and score in transition. Their development in the half-court offense will be a key for Stoughton making a playoff push in the Davenport division this season. Senior Lili Njiem is another player that could make a big impact, as one of the team’s three captains.
The Black Knights will have as many senior as freshmen on this year’s roster (three) along with four sophomores and three juniors, so the foundation for the future is in place. Shyanne Trinh, Lexi Baptista, and Aliyah Wright are the three newcomers to the program who will be hoping to make an instant impact.
“So excited for the upcoming season,” said Steele Jordan. “We lost six seniors so there is lots of opportunity for our players to step up. Our returnees from last year will contribute for us despite being pretty young.”
Hannah Jerrier (45) scored nine points and pulled down 10 rebounds to lead the Bulldogs in a loss to Dover-Sherborn in the season opener. (Josh Perry/HockomockSports.com)
CANTON, Mass. – It was one of those nights. The ball was moving well, solid screens were being set, the cuts were going to the basket and the passes were hitting the right players, but the shots were not falling for Canton on Friday night in the season opener.
The Bulldogs scored five or fewer points in the three of four quarters and, despite a strong defensive effort, lost 34-22 to Dover-Sherborn in the first game on Canton’s newly-laid court.
“If you asked us before the game, do you want to get a lot of layups and free throws and stuff…yes,” said Canton coach Jim Choquette. “Did we do that? Yes. So, we accomplished a lot tonight.”
The Bulldogs struggled out of the gates, scoring only four points in the opening quarter, two from senior Emma Murphy, who finished with six points and four rebounds in the game, and two from Hannah Jerrier (11 points). Jerrier’s first basket came off an inbounds play and Murphy had a layup to cut the lead to 6-4, which was the score after the opening quarter.
“Some of it was first game jitters,” Choquette said. “I don’t care if it’s home, away, if it’s a week from now or whatever, every time someone plays their first game you’re going to have a little of that first game type of stuff.”
Murphy and Hannah Jerrier each had four points in the second, as Canton had its best scoring quarter of the night with 10 points total. Jerrier had an assist to a cutting Murphy for a layup and then scored on a layup of her own from a Maggie Connolly assist to give Canton its first lead at 10-9.
Lindsey Barrett’s only basket of the night regained the lead at 12-11 but D-S answered with the next four points. Jerrier, who led the Bulldogs with 11 points and 10 rebounds, got Canton back within one at the half with a steal on one end and then a give-and-go with Julia Hamilton in transition for the layup.
Choquette said, “It’s no surprise that Emma is a league all-star and Hannah is one of our best offensive players, both of which just finished volleyball season, so they have to get into basketball mode and all those little things, that feel, the touch, it does come.”
Any momentum that the hosts had going into halftime did not carry over after the break. Canton went nearly seven minutes without a point and D-S was able to extend its lead to as many as 11 at 25-14 before Jerrier scored on a back cut off an inbounds pass. She added a free throw but that was all the Bulldogs would get in the third and trailed 26-17 heading to the fourth.
“The experience of being out on the court and everything we went through last year, helped us play better,” said Choquette. “If we make a few layups and hit a few free throws then we may win the game.”
The struggles continued in the fourth quarter with Canton making three free throws and only one shot from the field (Jerrier on a layup). Defensively though, the Bulldogs were able to pressure the Raiders, force turnovers and limited D-S to only eight points in the fourth and 34 for the game.
When asked if he thought the Bulldogs would win more games than not if they could hold teams to 34 points, Choquette said, “That’s what one of the coaches said to me when we stood up…The key is can we do that consistently. There are still things we need to work on because there were some letdowns and mistakes and frustration fouls but I think we’re going to get there.
The offense will largely come from the interior, but Choquette praised the backcourt for setting the tone on the defensive end. He said, “Our guards are fast. No matter who’s in there, whether it’s Julia, Maggie, the Carrington twins (Evelyn and Lillian), so I think defensively the guards will give us some offense.”
Despite the defeat on opening night, Choquette believed that it was the “details” that needed to be ironed out and he was optimistic because the Bulldogs have shown the ability in the past couple of years to be able to figure things out during the course of the season.
“The girls should be encouraged,” he said. “It’s going to be awesome to go play some of the best teams in the league and see where we stack up and see if we can correct things then it’s right back to them at their place and see how far we’ve come.”
Canton (0-1) will face the two favorites for the Kelley-Rex division title, Mansfield and Attleboro, in its next two games beginning with the Bombardiers on Tuesday.
