Boys Basketball
Stoughton, 46 @ Attleboro, 58 – Final – Stoughton surged back from a deficit in the first half but Attleboro didn’t let the visitors do the same in the second half in a crossover non-league win. The Bombardiers found success in the first quarter, building a 19-10 lead with five players contributing to the advantage but Stoughton stormed back in the second quarter with 16 points of their own to make it a two-point game, down 28-26 at halftime. Attleboro was able to create some separation in the third with Justin Daniels scoring seven of his 23 points in the ram and Evan Houle adding five of his eight points to grab a 43-37 lead. Daniels added eight more in the fourth to help the Bombardiers ice the win. Joe Francois-Annevil adde 12 points in the win and Chris Holcomb chipped in with nine points. Stoughton junior Connor Andrews hit four threes and finished with a career-high 17 points, Waseem Sablon added 12 points and Brett Pendenza finished with 10 points.
Foxboro, 35 @ North Attleboro, 58 – Final – Buoyed by a strong start, North Attleboro used a consistent offense and solid defense throughout to win the first meeting with the Warriors. The Big Red scored 16 points in the opening quarter and reached double figures in scoring in all four quarters, staking a 16-8 lead after one quarter and a 31-17 lead by halftime. North’s defense clamped down even more in the third, limiting the visitors to just six points to take a 42-23 lead. Senior George Ladd hit six shots from the field and went 7-for-8 from the line for a game-high 19 points to lead the hosts. Junior Casey Poirier added 12 points and Edan Kelley, who hit half of North’s four three-pointers, had 10 points. Foxboro junior Dylan Gordon had a team-high 16 points while sophomore Alex Penders chipped in with 11 points.
Sharon, 51 @ Oliver Ames, 54 – Final – In a much closer contest than the first meeting between the two teams last week, Oliver Ames was able to hold on to earn the season sweep and clinched at least a share of the Davenport division title with the win. OA held a slight advantage throughout, leading 13-7 after one quarter and a 25-23 at halftime. Sharon kept pace in the third as well, trailing just 42-38 going into the the fourth where the teams went back-and-forth, trading baskets to keep it close. Sharon’s Kiran Chandrasekaran hit a turnaround jumper in the lane to bring the Eagles within one, 50-49, with just under two minutes to play but OA’s Amari Brown (21 points) raced the length of the court and laid it in for two to extend the lead. Kevin Duggan added a free throw to push the lead to 54-49 but Sharon’s Sam Cohen sliced through traffic and finished up-and-under to make it a one-possession game with 1:45 to go. The score would stay that way and the Eagles had the final possession but OA’s defense didn’t allow the visitors to get a clean look at a tying three and held on the for the win. Drew Nickla added 10 points in the win, Will Whiteside chipped in with nine points and Drew Baxter finished with eight points for OA. Senior Matt Baskin led the Eagles, scoring 14 of his team-high 19 points in the second half. Chandrasekaran and Cohen each finished with 10 points.
Girls Basketball
North Attleboro, 41 @ Attleboro, 54 – Final – Click here for a Photo Gallery from this game. The Bombardiers held North to six points in the second quarter to open up a 12-point halftime lead and never allowed the Rocketeers to mount a comeback in the second half. Narissa Smith got Attleboro off to a great start, scoring all 10 of her points in the first. Meghan Gordon scored eight of her team-high 12 points in the third to keep North at bay. Lindsey and Hailey Perry both knocked down big threes in the fourth quarter and Ryan Johnson had four of her eight points in the final eight minutes to secure the win. Amanda Kaiser tried to get North back into the game with seven of her game-high 13 points in the fourth and Siobhan Weir added four of her nine points, but Attleboro was able to maintain its double-digit advantage. Lydia Santos added eight points for North and Emma Reilly had seven for Attleboro.
Mansfield, 57 @ Taunton, 40 – Final – Ashley Santos scored a season-high 17 points, powering Mansfield to a road win in the season finale. Kayla Vine added nine points. Nine Hornets were on the score sheet on Monday, helping the team close the year with five straight victories. Sonya Fernandez scored 17 to lead the Tigers.
Boys Hockey
Stoughton, 1 @ North Attleboro, 4 – Final
Girls Hockey
Mansfield/Oliver Ames, 0 @ Canton, 4 – Final – Canton got a shutout in the season finale, securing the team’s third league title in four years and making the Bulldogs the first team to repeat as league champion. Faith Nelson had the eventual game-winner off a great assist by Payton McDonough. Maya Battista doubled the lead and Tess Khoury added a third for Canton. Ellie Rae Roberts closed out the win with a late fourth goal. Lizzie Tassinari and Meghan LaBelle each had two assists and Carolyn Durand picked up the shutout in net.
Boys Basketball
Attleboro, 44 @ Franklin, 60 – Final – Franklin established a lead after a quarter, built on it by halftime, and pulled away with a dominant third quarter to avenge its loss to Attleboro. The Panthers were up 31-20 at the halftime break before winning the third quarter, 20-4, to put the game away. Declan Walmsley (13 points) hit a pair of threes in the third, Andrew Byfield (11 points) added five points and both Jake O’Brien and Zach Harvey added four as the Panthers took a 51-24 lead into the final frame.
Oliver Ames, 51 @ Stoughton, 47 – Final – Oliver Ames senior Drew Nickla beat the shot clock with a spinning shot in the lane with just over a minute to go and the Tigers hung on for a win over the Black Knights. Nickla scored eight of his career-high 20 points as the Tigers raced out to a 21-6 lead through eight minutes, and carrie a 29-17 advantage into halftime. OA led by 10 (42-32) going into the fourth but a late 7-0 run from the Knights made it a two-point game in the final minutes, setting up Nickla’s big basket. Amari Brown added 11 points for OA in the win. Brett Pendenza scored a team-high 18 points for Stoughton while KC Ugwuakazi chipped in with 10 points.
Mansfield, 74 @ Milford, 36 – Final – After a close first quarter, Mansfield extended its lead to double-digits by halftime and never looked back in a win over Milford. The Hornets held a slim 10-8 lead after a quarter, pushed the advantage to 30-16 at halftime, and went off for 22 third quarter points for a 52-30 edge going into the final frame. Senior Matt Boen led the way with a team-high 30 points, five rebounds, four assists, and two assists, junior Chris Hill added 15 points, five rebounds, and four steals, and senior Brendan Foley finished with 10 points.
King Philip, 55 @ Taunton, 84 – Final – Taunton’s offense was too much too handle for the visiting Warriors as the Tigers scored 40 first half points and exploded for 29 points in the third quarter to pull away. The Warriors kept pace with the hosts through the first eight minutes, trailing by just two, 21-19, after the first. Taunton’s offense kept rolling with 19 more points in the second for a 40-28 lead at halftime before its 29-point third made it 69-43. Junior Trent Santos scored 10 of his team-high 18 points in the third. Tyler Stewart added 16 points, Josh Lopes finished with 13 points, Nigel Choate chipped in with 11 points and Danny MacDougall scored 10 points for Taunton. Sophomore Will Laplante led KP with a game-high 20 points.
Girls Basketball
Franklin, 47 @ Attleboro, 28 – Final – Franklin closed out is second straight unbeaten regular season with a sweep of the Bombardiers. Olivia Quinn led the Panthers in all 10 games this season, including 16 points against Attleboro. Elizabeth Wilson, who recently committed to Endicott College, chipped in with nine points for the Panthers.
Sharon, 22 @ North Attleboro, 65 – Final – North celebrated senior night with a strong defensive performance and a big win. All four seniors hit double digits for the Rocketeers. Amanda Kaiser led the way with 19, including 12 in the opening quarter. Lydia Santos added a dozen, Siobhan Weir had 11 points, and Cailyn Maxcy scored a career-high 10. North led 40-16 at halftime, but allowed only six points after the break and North coach Nikki Correia praised her team’s pressure defense for creating easy baskets on the other end of the floor.
Stoughton @ Oliver Ames – Postponed to TBD.
Milford, 41 @ Mansfield, 61 – Final – All 10 Hornets scored for Mansfield on Thursday, as the Hornets pulled away for a big win. Olivia Salisbury scored nine point to pace Mansfield, while Abby Wager and Kayla Vine each scored eight points. Jillian Michelson was Milford’s top scorer with 10 points.
Boys Hockey
Stoughton, 1 @ Oliver Ames, 2 – Final – Oliver Ames avenged its loss to the Black Knights on Wednesday evening with a 2-1 win on Thursday afternoon. Freshman Jack Corey scored his first career goal while classmate Andy Livingstone scored the game-winner late in the third for the Tigers.
Boys Basketball
Milford, 39 @ Taunton, 73 – Final – Click here for a photo gallery of this game. – Taunton opened with a 22-point first quarter and started the second quarter on a 15-0 run to create plenty of separation in a win over visiting Milford. Junior Trent Santos scored all nine of his points in the opening quarter as the Tigers staked a 22-14 lead after one. Both Josh Lopes (16 points, five rebounds, five assists) and Isiah Seldon (nine points, five rebounds) scored five points as Taunton pulled away with a 15-0 spurt over the first six minutes of the second. Nigel Choate added 12 points off the bench for the hosts while Tyler Stewart finished with 11 points and eight rebounds. Jordan Darling led the Hawks with nine points.
Mansfield, 51 @ Franklin, 44 – Final – Mansfield set the tone defensively in the first quarter and then held off a late surge from Franklin to earn a season sweep over the Panthers. The Hornets limited the hosts to four points in the first quarter and carried a 25-14 lead into halftime. Mansfield’s advantage grew to 37-25 going into the final frame before the Panthers got going and clawed back into it, cutting the lead down to 47-42 with under two minutes to go but Mansfield held on for the win. Senior Matt Boen had a team-high 16 points, seven rebounds, and four steals, Jack Colby added 11 points and nine rebounds, Matt Hyland had nine points and six boards, and Brendan Foley chipped in with eight points and 10 rebounds.
Foxboro, 42 @ North Attleboro, 31 – Final – After being held to just 25 points through three quarters, Foxboro exploded for 17 in the fourth to pull out the road win. Both teams played tough defense through three quarters, with the Warriors holding a slim 25-24 lead, but Foxboro found the range and secured the season sweep. Katelyn Mollica and Erin Foley both scored a dozen points for the Warriors. Lydia Santos topped North’s scorers with nine points, while Ava McKeon and Siobhan Weir each scored seven.
Franklin, 63 @ Mansfield, 47 – Final – Franklin jumped out to a 15-3 lead after one quarter and never allowed the Hornets to climb back into the game to stay perfect on the season. Olivia Quinn was the leading scorer for the Panthers for the eighth time in eight games, finishing with 20 points. Elizabeth Wilson had a season-high 16 in the win. Ashley Santos (14 points) and Kayla Vine (11) both hit double digits for the Hornets.
Taunton, 30 @ Milford, 38 – Final – The Hawks used a good defensive performance and strong third quarter to earn a second straight win against the Tigers. The game was tied at 8-8 after the first quarter, but Milford pulled ahead by three heading into halftime. Milford outscored the Tigers 12-5 in the third (with all 12 points coming from the three-point line) to stretch the lead to double digits. Taunton won the fourth, 11-9, but it wasn’t enough to make a comeback. Emma Lawrence knocked down four of Milford’s nine threes and finished with a game-high 12 points. Brooke Ferreira added 10 points and Jillian Michelson had nine. Sonya Fernandez paced the Tigers with nine points.
Boys Hockey
Mansfield, 1 @ Franklin, 7 – Final – Franklin exploded for six goals in the second half to skate away with a big win over Mansfield. The Hornets opened the scoring but Justin Abely leveled the scoring on a power play chance with Dylan Marchand and Declan Lovett recording assists. In the second half, Dom Lampasona scored a pair of goals while JT Dwyer, Ben Jarosz, Adam Quinn, and Marchand scored once. Lovett, Marchand, Ryan Sicchio, and Joe LeBlanc all finished with two assists in the win while Gary Mandia made 15 saves in net.
Girls Basketball
Taunton, 10 @ Franklin, 59 – Final – Click here for a Photo Gallery from this game. The Panthers continue to roll through the first three weeks of the season, completing the sweep of Taunton with a strong defensive performance and with 12 players getting on the scoresheet. Franklin jumped out to a 15-3 lead after one quarter, but things got tighter in the second as the Panthers were held to just eight points. Things picked up offensively for the hosts after the break, as they scored 20 points in the third and 36 for the second half. Taunton was held to just three made field goals for the game (one in the first, third, and fourth quarters). Olivia Quinn led the way with 13 points in the win, including eight in the second half and three made three-pointers. Franklin continues to showcase its depth. Elizabeth Wilson had eight points, Kaleigh Houlihan added seven, and Katie Peterson and Brigid Earley both had six. Jaelyn Fernandez paced the Tigers with four points (all from the line in the second quarter).
Canton, 56 @ Mansfield, 65 – Final – In a back-and-forth battle, Mansfield scored 24 points in the fourth quarter to pull out the non-league victory. The Hornets led 27-21 at halftime, but the Bulldogs came storming back with a 21-point third quarter to take a one-point lead into the final eight minutes. Kayla Vine scored 18 points, Ashley Santos had 15, and Abby Wager added 13 to hand Canton its first loss of the season. Ally Prentis also had a pair of big threes in the first half to put Mansfield in front. Sydney Gallery scored a game-high 22 points and Kiara Cerruti chipped in with 16 for the Bulldogs.
Boys Hockey
Franklin @ Taunton – Postponed to TBD.
Girls Hockey
Franklin, 7 vs. Boston Latin, 0 – Final – Franklin senior Amanda Lewandowski scored a hat trick as the Panthers skated to a win over BLA. Junior Maggie McCaffrey added a pair of goals while Molly Hurley and Libby Carter (two assists) each scored once in the win. Lyndsay Atkinson added three assists in the win while Gabby Colace had the shutout.
Mansfield sophomore Abby Wager (2) scored on a drive to the basket with :08 remaining to secure a win against Attleboro. (Josh Perry/HockomockSports.com)
MANSFIELD, Mass. – Four games into her head coaching career, Mansfield’s Heather McPherson had her first chance to draw up a play in the closing seconds with the game on the line.
Following a free throw by Emma Reilly put Attleboro up one with less than 20 seconds to play at the Albertini Gym, the Hornets got the ball on the side with three-quarters of the court to go. The play was designed to get the ball into the hands of sophomore Abby Wager and the athletic guard was supposed to drive and get to the rim.
The play worked exactly as planned.
Wager beat her defender, got to the basket for a layup with eight seconds to play, and put Mansfield ahead by one. When Reilly’s last-second three bounced off the rim, the Hornets celebrated a 54-53 victory.
“She just made me look like a hell of a coach because that’s what we wrote up. She made us look good,” McPherson said of Wager, who finished with a team-high 14 points and four steals and impacted the game on both ends of the court down the stretch.
Attleboro coach Marty Crowley added, “They made one more play than we did. I’m very proud of our effort. The kids we had (Lindsey and Hailey Perry were out for the game) played hard tonight and it came down to one play. It was a typical Mansfield/Attleboro game.”
The Bombardiers stunned the home crowd by dominating the first quarter and holding Mansfield, which scored 39 in the first half against North Attleboro over the weekend, to just one made field goal and three points. Attleboro’s quickness and length made it tough for Mansfield to run its sets.
On the other end, the Bombardiers were moving the ball to get good looks. Gabby Bosh (nine points and four steals) started the game with a theft and a layup, Reilly (13 points) drove for two, Meghan Gordon (game-high 16 points and 11 rebounds) banked in a jumper, and freshman Narissa Smith drained a deep three.
It certainly didn’t look like a game that was going to come down to the wire, as Mansfield trailed 15-3, but the Hornets turned the game around in the second.
Anna Darlington proved to be a spark off the bench, scoring only two points but grabbing four steals and slowing down Smith. McPherson said of Darlington’s impact, “She crushed it. Smith is very athletic, so quick, and Anna shut her down.”
Trailing 20-10, Ashley Santos (14 points and 10 rebounds) scored six straight points to get Mansfield right back into the game. The Hornets were starting to pass the ball well and break the press. Darlington scored on a putback and Wager drove to the basket to make it a two-point game.
Reilly answered with a pull-up jumper to put stem the tide, but Olivia Salisbury banked in her only points of the game and Kara Santos banked in a short jumper to send the teams into the break tied 24-24.
“They’re so athletic,” McPherson said about Attleboro, “but we just talked about playing good defense and getting those stops and playing a simple game. I think the big difference offensively was that one more pass. We weren’t hitting it in the first quarter and then it slowly started to come together.”
Both teams came out firing to start the second half, combining for 35 points in the third quarter. Kayla Vine (seven points) drilled a three off an Ally Prentis pass put the Hornets ahead for the first time in the game, 29-28.
Attleboro answered right back. Gordon rose above everyone for an impressive putback that made it 34-31. After a step-back three by Smith (six points and three assists), the Bombardiers were up 42-35 and threatening to pull away again. Mansfield closed the quarter on a 6-0 run, including a Vine basket in the dying seconds to make it a one-point game heading to the fourth.
Neither team could grab more than a five-point lead in the final eight minutes. A tough finish in traffic by Kayla Goldrick, who absorbed the contact and still got the ball to the rim, made it 47-43 for Attleboro.
Crowley said, “Our kids kept our composure tonight. We fought hard right to the end. It’s tough when someone makes a run on you like that, puts up 21 points in a quarter, which isn’t typical of our defense.”
Ashley Santos started to take over offensively, while Wager made plays on the defensive end. Santos knocked down a jumper then converted a Wager steal and long outlet into a three-point play that put the Hornets up 48-47 with 3:45 on the clock.
McPherson said, “Ashley was big. We’re kind of looking for her to get her momentum and she needed a game like this. She runs the floor well, she sees the floor, and that’s what we’ve been trying to do.”
Wager then got another steal and assist on a Vine layup and blocked a Smith layup attempt, winning the ball back for the Hornets. Sarah Dooling (six points) scored with a drive to make it 52-47.
After a timeout, Attleboro settled down and got back into it. Gordon made two at the line and then stepped back to drill a three right in front of the bench that tied the game at 52 with 1:39 to play.
“That’s the thing about this team, any night it’s a different person,” said Crowley. “Meg hit some shots, Narissa made some big threes, Emma played very well again tonight. I feel for the kids because they work so hard but in less than two days we’re back at it again.”
With the clock winding down, Reilly went to the line and put Attleboro ahead, but Mansfield had one more chance and took advantage.
Mansfield (3-1) and Attleboro (2-1) will have a quick turnaround before facing each other again on Thursday night.
Boys Basketball
Oliver Ames, 49 @ Foxboro, 45 – Final – Oliver Ames opened the second half with a big run and then held on as Foxboro made a fourth-quarter push. Similar to Friday night’s game, OA turned a close game at halftime (25-25) into a double-digit lead entering the fourth quarter, this time using a 15-2 run to start the third quarter. But Foxboro didn’t back down, battling back in the fourth to make it a one-possession game late. Junior Dylan Gordon stole a pass and scored with just under a minute to go to make it 48-45 but the Tigers were able to hold on for the win. OA senior Amari Brown led all scorers with a game-high 28 points, scoring 14 points in each quarter. Sophomore Alex Penders scored a career-high 19 points while Gordon added 14 points.
Canton, 16 @ Mansfield, 55 – Final – Mansfield’s defense pitched a first quarter shutout and allowed just one first half field goal in a big win over Canton. Baskets from Brendan Foley, TJ Guy, Matt Boen, Brian See, and Chris Hill helped the Hornets establish an 11-0 lead after eight minutes, and junior Matt Hyland helped Mansfield extend the lead to 26-3 at half. Guy added eight of his game-high 15 points in the third quarter. Mansfield’s Matt Boen and Canton’s Eric Mischler each had eight points.
Girls Basketball
North Attleboro, 42 @ Mansfield, 69 – Final – Mansfield came out firing on all cylinders, scoring 39 points in the first half to take control of the game and never looked back. Brooke Berube led all scorers with 14 points and Abby Wager added 12 points and a strong all-around game on both ends of the floor to help the Hornets pick up the non-league win. Kayla Vine also had 12 points for Mansfield. North tried to chip away at the lead in the second half and had it down to 13 with five minutes to play, but couldn’t get any closer. Taylor McMath had 12 points to pace North and Amanda Kaiser added six.
Boys Hockey
Oliver Ames, 0 @ King Philip, 8 – Final – King Philip lit the lamp four times in the opening period and tacked on three more in the second period on its way to a big win over Oliver Ames in a non-league clash. Conor Cooke (Paul McDonald, Aidan Boulger) and Brad Guden scored just a minute apart to get the scoring started while David Lawler (power play from Boulger, Max Robison) and Rocco Bianculli (Kevin Birenbaum) added two more late in the period. Boulger added two goals in the second, Sean Crowther added another goal, and Shaun Fitzpatrick capped the scoring in the third.
Girls Hockey
Stoughton, 2 @ Mansfield/Oliver Ames, 5 – Final
King Philip, 5 @ Franklin, 1 – Final – Jen Daniels scored twice and three Warriors each scored once as King Philip avenged its loss to Franklin to split the seasons series. Kara McWhinnie, Sydney O’Shea, and Kelly Holmes also scored for KP.
Gymnastics
King Philip, 129.70 @ Sharon, 108.70 – Final
Boys Basketball
Mansfield, 89 @ King Philip, 59 – Final – Click here for a photo gallery of this game – Mansfield’s active defensive pressured King Philip into double-digit turnovers in each of the first two quarters, building a large lead by halftime that it never surrendered. The win marked the 300th career victory for Mansfield head coach Mike Vaughan. The Hornets outscored the Warriors 20-4 in the first and poured in 31 points in the second quarter alone. Senior Matt Boen tied a career-high with 32 points to go along with seven rebounds, six steals, and five assists. TJ Guy added 20 points and 12 rebounds, Jack Colby chipped in with 10 points, and junior Matt Hyland had nine points, six assists, and five rebounds. KP junior Danny Clancy scored a career-high 20 points to go along with 11 rebounds.
Girls Basketball
Mansfield, 51 @ King Philip, 58 – Final – KP got off to a great start in its home opener, jumping out to a double-digit lead in the first half, and held on to split the series with Mansfield. After a tough shooting performance in game one, the Warriors made 11 threes as a team on Sunday. Courtney Keswick scored 14 points to pace the Warriors and sophomore Jackie Bonner added a career-high 12 points. Emma Glaser scored nine points and had seven steals in the win, as the KP defense forced more than 30 turnovers. Kayla Vine was the top scorer for the Hornets with 15 points and Sarah Dooling scored 12 for the second consecutive game.
Gymnastics
Canton @ Attleboro, 10:00AM
Attleboro @ Sharon, 7:00
King Philip, 130.35 @ Mansfield, 136.5 – Final – Mansfield won all four events and senior Erin Hurley took first in the All Around as the Hornets opened the season with a victory over King Philip. Hurley won the All Around with a score of 38.05 while freshman Maddie Morris took third with a 35.15; King Philip’s Lauren Fusco was second (35.8) and Missy Canning (32.6) was fourth. Hurley was first in all four events, winning the vault (9.5), the bars (9.6), the beam (9.5), and the floor (9.45).
Top 3 Scores: Vault: 1. Erin Hurley (M) – 9.5 | 2. Lauren Fusco (KP) – 9.2 3. Maddie Morris (M) – 8.95 || Bars: 1. E. Hurley (M) – 9.6 | 2. L. Fusco (KP) – 9.3 | 3. M. Morris (9.1) || Beam: 1. E. Hurley (M) – 9.5 | 2. Missy Cannon (KP) – 8.8 | 3. M. Morris (8.6) || Floor: 1. E. Hurley (M) – 9.45 | 2. L. Fusco (KP) – 8.5 | 3. M. Norris (M) 8.5.
North Attleboro, 131.95 @ Franklin, 138.60 – Final – Junior Emma White impressed on Sunday afternoon, taking the top spot for the Panthers in every event and won the All Around. White had Franklin’s top scores in the vault (9.6), the bars (8.7), the beam (9.4) and the floor (9.2). It marked Franklin’s first win over North since rebooting the gymnastics program in 2016.
Top 3 Scores (Franklin only): Vault: Emma White (F) – 9.6 | Kate Rudolph (F) – 9.2 | Caroline Woelfel (F) 9.0 || Bars: E. White (F) – 8.7 | Elizabeth Schirduan (F) – 8.3 | K. Rudolph (F) – 8.2 || Beam: E. White (F) – 9.4 | K. Rudolph (F) – 8.6 | E. Schirduan (F) – 8.6 || Floor: E. White (F) – 9.2 | K. Rudolph (F) – 8.6 | C. Woelfel (F) – 8.5
Mansfield senior Ally Prentis (25) brings the ball forward against the KP press in the season opening win. (Josh Perry/HockomockSports.com)
MANSFIELD, Mass. – Early in Thursday night’s season opener at the Albertini Gym, Mansfield looked like it might be on the ropes. Even though it was only midway through the first quarter and the Hornets were only down single digits, the game was being played at the pace and style that King Philip loves. Chaos reigned.
Mansfield hung on with its defense, broke the press a couple of times, and built the confidence that would allow the Hornets to turn it around and pull out a 56-48 victory in their first game under first-year head coach Heather McPherson.
“KP wants to embrace the chaos and they made us adjust to the chaos,” McPherson explained. “We knew it was coming but I think a lot of it has been the girls trying to figure out our new culture and new adjustments and then getting in this kind of game. I couldn’t be happier with my girls.
“It would’ve been easy for them to doubt it starting in that slow rut but I had 10 girls I was confident throwing in and I think the depth for us was huge.”
Even with head coach Dan Nagle watching the live stream at home after being sidelined because of COVID protocols, KP jumped right into its high-energy, fast-paced game plan. Grace Clyde kicked it out to Courtney Keswick for a three and a drive by Caroline Aaron (game-high 14 points) made it 7-2 early.
Although the Warriors were forcing turnover after turnover, they were unable to convert the defense into baskets, which helped keep the score close early.
“I tried to my best for Dan and keep with the system,” joked assistant coach Nicole Nunes, who was filling in for Nagle. “Our shots just weren’t falling. They kept getting the long ball deep off of the press, we weren’t getting back quick enough, weren’t getting rebounds.”
The Hornets chipped away and started to get behind the press. Kara Santos set up Brooke Berube (10 points and 10 rebounds) for a layup and Olivia Salisbury (four assists) laid a pass into Sarah Dooling (12 points and 10 rebounds) for another easy finish to cut the lead to 11-9.
Back-to-back baskets by Liv Lafond (eight points), including a steal and layup, pushed the lead back to six but Kayla Vine (team-high 13 points and seven rebounds) scored off a Salisbury assist to make it a four-point game after one.
After KP went back up by six, Mansfield went on a 7-0 run to grab its first lead of the night. Kara Santos knocked down a jumper off a feed from her sister Ashley, Abby Wager scored with a putback, and Anna Darlington capped the run with a steal that turned into a three-point play and 20-19 lead.
“That was our send home from the beginning,” McPherson said. “We’re going to make mistakes and it wasn’t going to be you’re coming out after a mistake but how you come back from that mistake that sets the tone. It can’t be a missed layup and then dogging it on defense, it’s got to be a sprint back.”
The Warriors bounced right back with six straight. Emily Sawyer scored in the paint off a Jackie Bonner assist and then Aaron went to work with back-to-back steals and transition buckets. She scored eight of her 14 in the second. Vine answered back with her first three of the night and the teams went into the break tied at 25.
Momentum was with the hosts and the Hornets turned it on in the third to break the game open. Mansfield outscored KP 13-4 in the quarter. Dooling scored on the press break (off a Berube assist) and Vine followed with her second three in as many quarters. After Santos finished at the rim, the Hornets led 34-27.
Aaron and Keswick got baskets for KP but an Ashley Santos jumper and then a Vine layup off a pinpoint long outlet pass by Kacey Veiking extended the lead to nine heading to the fourth quarter.
With the style that KP plays and the number of shots that the Warriors are going to get up in a short span, no lead feels safe, but Mansfield never allowed KP to get any closer than eight points in the final quarter. The Hornets strength in the paint proved too much to handle.
An Ally Prentis steal led to a Wager layup, but Keswick (10 points) answered with her second three. Berube scored with an offensive rebound to build the lead to back to double digits and then she fed Dooling for a three-point play and the largest lead of the night for the Hornets. Berube added four more points, both baskets coming off rebounds, and had six of her 10 in the fourth.
“We were waiting for that fire from our seniors,” said McPherson. “The senior leadership has been top notch. The poise of our team down the stretch was huge.”
KP kept running and Lafond added a layup and assisted on a Sawyer bucket to try and keep things close, but Mansfield was able to stay in control and see out the win.
“We were a little sloppy on the offensive side, a little rushed passes, not typical for KP,” said Nunes. “But it’s our first game, we’re in masks, it’s a little different for everybody. Good thing we play again on Sunday, right?”
Mansfield (1-0) and King Philip (0-1) will square off again on Sunday afternoon in the second game of a doubleheader.
Franklin junior Olivia Quinn is one of the players to watch when the girls basketball season tips off. (Josh Perry/HockomockSports.com) By HockomockSports.com Staff
One of the most dynamic offensive players in the league, Cerruti has jumped right into the lineup at Canton, as part of much-hyped class of 2022, and demonstrated an array of consistently produced for a program brimming with potential. Cerruti led the Bulldogs last season at just under 15 points per game. She also chipped in with five rebounds and nearly two assists and two steals per night. Her size and skills make her an awkward matchup for opposing defenses. She can step away from the basket and has become a consistent shooter from beyond the arc but can also take smaller players into the post or crash the boards for easy baskets. If a defender is too aggressive closing out at the three-point line, Cerruti can beat them off the dribble and get to the rim with a creative array of finishes. Cerruti looks to be in good position to be just the second player in program history to reach the 1,000-point milestone with more than 600 points through her first two seasons. She is also an improving defender, with her length and smarts putting her in the right position to close off passing lanes. Canton has been a program on the rise for the past few seasons, with young talent at every position, and now the Bulldogs hope to couple that talent with experience and make a run at a first league title since 1992.
Although not a natural point guard, Flynn slid into the position for OA and became one of the league’s top playmakers as the Tigers gave Franklin a challenge for the Kelley-Rex division title. Flynn’s size and versatility allowed her to be one of the best rebounding guards in the Hock, while consistently finding a way to get into the lane. She has the strength to bully smaller guards and the ball-handling ability to get past bigger forwards, making her a tough matchup on both ends of the floor. Flynn scored 12 points per game last season and dished out four assists per game, while guarding multiple positions. Her vision and unselfishness were critical to the Tigers getting out on the break and transitioning from defense into instant offense. An improved shooter and talented finisher in traffic, Flynn causes a lot of problems for opposing defenders, but her passing ability in the half court makes it difficult to send help. OA will be aiming for a Davenport title this season and Flynn’s continued growth as a point guard is a big reason why.
King Philip head coach Dan Nagle wants his team to embrace the chaos of a high-pressure, non-stop attacking style and Glaser appears to be the perfect fit for that type of attack. A versatile, athletic combo guard, the Springfield College-commit has the right mix of skills to potentially have a big senior season and help the Warriors put in a title challenge. Glaser’s speed and aggressiveness make her a factor on both ends of the floor, whether chasing down a ball-handler or racing out on the break for an easy basket. She is also a strong finisher at the rim and doesn’t shy away from contact. Glaser can also stretch the floor as a capable three-point shooter. When the outside shot is falling, Glaser is very tough to handle because defenders don’t know whether to close down and give up a potential drive or back off and let her have the perimeter shot. It’s a confusion that Nagle wants his team to thrive on and Glaser forces defenders to make those quick decisions that create openings in the halfcourt. With a year of experience in the system, Glaser seems poised for a breakout season and has the Warriors thinking about ending a nearly two-decade wait for a league title.
Last winter, Attleboro secured it first playoff appearance in four years, winning its regular season finale to book a spot in the state tournament. While Nyah Thomas’ scoring was a big reason for the Bombardiers being in position to extend their season, Gordon developed over the course of the season into a critical player for Attleboro. The junior forward averaged eight points per game last year but that total increased over the course of the season, as she grew in confidence and expanded her repertoire on that end of the court. By the end of the year, Gordon was a double-double machine, as evidenced by her 16-point, 18-rebound performance in the finale against North Attleboro. A lanky forward, Gordon was a force on the block. She found ways to score at the rim and was tenacious crashing the boards. With her long arms and athleticism, she found ways to score at the rim even in traffic and to protect the rim at the other end of the floor. Gordon also showed off a nice touch out to 10 feet, punishing defenders that dropped off to try and keep her out of the lane. After her breakout season, Gordon will be drawing plenty of attention from opponents and Attleboro will be counting on her continuing to grow into one of the league’s top post threats.
North Attleboro was just one win shy of making a return to the playoffs last season and Kaiser was a main reason why. The senior guard led the Rocketeers with nearly 13 points per game, but also was a major factor on the other end of the court. Kaiser averaged two steals a game and her long arms and quick feet enabled her to cause havoc on the perimeter, which North took advantage of to get out on the break as often as possible. One of the league’s top deep threats, Kaiser has unlimited range and showed right from her first moments on varsity that she’s not afraid of taking big shots. She has also developed into an effective off-the-dribble player, getting into the lane and attacking the rim or finishing in transition. Opposing teams plan to try and take Kaiser out of games and she continues to build her skills to adapt to that. Kaiser fits into the get out and run mentality that head coach Nikki Correia has brought to North and her growth on both ends of the floor will be needed to keep Big Red in the hunt for a Davenport title.
Mollica has already cemented her place as one of the top players in program history with the rare feat of being a starter on two state championship-winning teams and she has steadily climbed the all-time scoring list, reaching the 1,000-point mark as a junior. Last season, Mollica led the Warriors to a third straight league title, finishing second in the Hock at just under 19 points per game. Arguably the league’s best pure shooter, Mollica buried 92 threes and shot over 90 percent at the line, while also being Foxboro’s primary ball-handler and the focal point of opposing defenses. As she has turned into a star for the Warriors, Mollica has faced numerous defenses all set up to stop her, but she continues to consistently put up big numbers. With unlimited range, the ability to knock down shots off the dribble with a quick release, and the speed to get a step on her defenders, it’s hard to prevent her from getting off a shot every trip down. As with most great shooters, Mollica isn’t going to let a few misses deter her and will continue to fire away. She also continues to develop as an on-the-ball defender with quick hands to force steals. There may be a lot of new faces for the Warriors this season, but with Mollica leading the attack the expectations remain high.
For the past two seasons, Peper has been one of the top three-point threats in the league, knocking down shots from well beyond the arc and at big moments. She forces defenses out of the lane and gives Oliver Ames room to attack the paint. As one of the taller guards in the Hock, Peper can also take players into the post and has had success attacking the basket in transition or in the halfcourt. She is a tough defender, with her long arms making it tough to pass around her, and she can crash the boards. Last season, Peper battled a back injury and still average more than 12 points per game while shooting 39 percent from three and 81 percent at the line. The backcourt combination of Peper and Caroline Flynn gives OA a unique look. Although neither are pure point guards, both are strong on the ball, can look over the defense, and can attack in multiple ways. Peper’s range and ability to knock down shots spotting up or off the dribble have made her a standout since her freshman year. With OA back in the Davenport division for the first time in four years, the Tigers will be hoping that Peper continues to expand on her game and help them reclaim the league title.
It isn’t often that a player can change a game without scoring, but Quaile was a critical piece in Franklin’s perfect season while only rarely looking for her own shot. The two-time Defensive Player of the Year controlled the action on both ends of the floor for the Panthers. She regularly locked down the opposition’s best perimeter player and also ran the offense, getting Franklin into its sets, handling pressure with composure, and limiting turnovers. It is on the defensive side of the ball that Quaile has made her mark. She is tenacious, using her quickness to stay in front of the player she is guarding and willing to take the contact to draw a charge. Last season, Quaile had 45 steals, 54 deflections, and 55 defensive rebounds. Although not the tallest guard in the league, Quaile had the strength to matchup with bigger players and never lost the aggression regardless of the type of player she was guarding. This season, Quaile will be counted on to look for her own shot a little more but it will be her ability to run the show on both ends of the floor that puts Franklin in position to retain its Kelley-Rex title.
Franklin put together a historic season in 2019-20, going undefeated and bringing home the program’s first state championship. Having Ali Brigham in the middle certainly didn’t hurt, but it was Quinn’s emergence as one of the league’s top players that took the Panthers to another (unbeatable) level. Quinn was second on the team at 15 points per game, shooting 56 percent from the field and 36 percent from three. The 5-foot-11 forward used her size to shoot over the top of smaller players and her quickness off the dribble to blow past defenders that closed out on the three-point line. She showed off a range of offensive skills, from scoring in the paint to running off screens and knocking down jumpers. Quinn also developed an eye for a pass, driving into the lane and kicking out to open shooters or hitting cutters at the basket, and developed into a solid defender who used her length and quickness to guard multiple positions. She stepped up in the clutch for the Panthers, having some of her biggest games against title challengers King Philip and Oliver Ames and scoring 16 points in both the D1 Central final and state semifinal. As the Franklin offense adapts without Brigham in the middle, Quinn will get the chance to use her wide range of skills to try and earn another title for the Panthers.
There will be a new look to Mansfield this season with former player and assistant Heather McPherson taking over for longtime coach Mike Redding, but there are a number of players returning to give the lineup a familiar feel. Although the Hornets missed out on a playoff spot last year, they showed flashes of potential, including a late season win over Bishop Feehan. Vine is one of the players that is back, and the senior guard was instrumental in running the Mansfield offense last winter. Vine scored a team-high 12 points per game and showed that she had more in her locker than just a threat on the perimeter by getting to the rim and being able to finish in traffic. She remains one of Mansfield’s most consistent outside threats but has also become one its best playmakers. When Vine gets into the lane, she can get her own shot or pick out the open teammate, which helps creates scoring opportunities for a team that boasts a strong front line. Vine was also a disruptor playing at the top of the zone last season, getting into passing lanes and using her quick hands to force turnovers. After a solid debut season on varsity, the Hornets will be hoping Vine can help them make a leap this season and challenge for the Kelley-Rex title.
A new girls basketball season will tip off in January. Read a team-by-team look at each team. (Josh Perry/HockomockSports.com) By HockomockSports.com Staff
2019-2020 Record: 10-12 2019-2020 Finish: Reached D1 South First Round Coach: Martin Crowley
After a couple of rebuilding years, Attleboro made a jump last winter and clinched its return to the playoffs in the final game of the regular season. While the Bombardiers will miss the all-around game of Nyah Thomas, who is at Worcester State after a breakout senior season, Attleboro will count on six returners from last year’s roster and a couple of promising newcomers to make some noise in the Kelley-Rex.
Thomas’ scoring and ball-handling will be tough to replicate, but the Bombardiers have strength and athleticism in the post. Junior Meg Gordon developed into a double-double machine last year, using her quickness and length to cause problems in the paint. Senior Ryan Johnson is another forward with length that can impact the game on the glass and protecting the rim.
In the backcourt, senior Gabby Bosh is back to run the point as well as being a pesky defender. Juniors Hailey and Lindsey Perry will also add to the depth at the guard position and to the team’s overall speed and defensive effort. Freshmen guards Kayla Goldrick and Narissa Smith are newcomers that have the potential to make an instant impact and should immediately find themselves in the backcourt rotation.
Attleboro coach Marty Crowley said, “For us to be successful we must be able to play defense consistently and rebound. This is by far the most athletic team we have had and hopefully we can use that to our advantage. We are blessed to be in the gym everyday with such great kids and that is a win in itself.”
2019-2020 Record: 13-10 2019-2020 Finish: Reached D2 South First Round Coach: Jim Choquette
Canton has been a youthful team with potential for the past two seasons and the Bulldogs come into the winter with an opportunity to turn that potential into the program’s first league title since 1992. After graduating just one player from last year’s team and with many of its standout players now in year three as starters, Canton has the experience to match its talent.
Juniors Fay and Sydney Gallery and Kiara Cerruti have been standouts since their first games as freshmen and have the all-around games to cause match-up problems for the opposition. All three can score from the perimeter, but Sydney gives the Bulldogs a presence on the post while Fay can score off the dribble and be a playmaker on offense. Cerruti is a pure scorer, with good range and the ability to take defenders off the bounce.
Depth should be a strength for the Bulldogs this season, with players able to come off the bench and produce at every position. Carly Fitzgerald and Marissa Staffiere will return in the backcourt, giving Canton solid ball-handlers and a pair of strong defenders. Senior Kayla Albert adds length and rebounding in the paint and sophomore Samya DaSilva showed off great footwork last year and will be another scoring threat on the block.
“I’m very excited to take the floor with this group of girls,” said Canton coach Jim Choquette. “I love their desire to improve, win games and represent the town of Canton to the best of their abilities. We all want to improve on our past successes, and we’ve been working hard to do so. Very lucky to be coaching this team!”
2019-2020 Record: 24-2 2019-2020 Finish: D2 State Co-Champion Coach: Lisa Downs
Foxboro closed out the 2019-20 season by winning its final 16 games and securing a second state title in the past three seasons. The Warriors graduated four starters from last year’s team, so players will have to step into bigger roles this season and newcomers will have to produce right away to make it five straight Davenport titles.
Defense and tempo are the hallmarks of Foxboro’s success under head coach Lisa Downs and that should be the same this year. For scoring, the Warriors are going to count on senior Katelyn Mollica. One of the top players in the league for the past three seasons, the Stonehill College-commit is one of the league’s top shooters and strong help defender. Senior Jordyn Collins is another key component from last year’s team, as a tenacious defender and a slasher who can get to the rim.
Senior Hannah Blake will step into the starting lineup at center this winter and Downs thinks that she has the potential to be one of the best bigs in the league. Senior Morgan Sylvestre had some big moments last year (for instance, the D2 South final against Hingham) and will see more time at point guard this year. Freshmen guards Camryn Collins and Erin Foley will both be in the mix right away and sophomore Lauren Miley is back after missing all of last year with an injury.
“We graduated a large chunk of our roster from last season so we will have quite a few new faces on the court to accompany Katelyn,” Downs said. “We will continue to focus on our defensive efforts and will strive to pursue the fast pace that we have become familiar with. Safety of the girls is obviously my first concern, but it is also my hope to be able to provide the most fulfilling season possible in terms of overall improvement on both ends of the court.”
2019-2020 Record: 25-0 2019-2020 Finish: D1 State Co-Champion Coach: John Leighton
Last winter, Franklin went start-to-finish as the top team not only in the league but in the state and capped off an undefeated season with the program’s first state championship. The graduation of center Ali Brigham, who was arguably the program’s best-ever player, is a big change for the Panthers this year but there is plenty of talent and experience on the roster to make a push for a three-peat of Kelley-Rex titles.
Junior Olivia Quinn is one of the main reasons that the Panthers are considered the favorites in the Kelley-Rex again this year. Quinn scored nearly 400 points and was one of the top three or four players in the league last season. She continues to develop and improve and will be the focal point of the offense this year. Senior Erin Quaile is the two-time Defensive Player of the Year but is also a solid point guard who limits turnovers, calms things down, and gets Franklin into its sets.
The offense will obviously look a little different this year, without a 6-foot-3 center in the middle, but the Panthers have talent on the wings to cause problems. Seniors Elizabeth Wilson and Kaleigh Houlihan, and junior Stefany Padula can all stretch the defense with their ability to knock down perimeter shots. The forward position should also be strong with Emma Sousa, Brigid Early, and Katie Peterson giving Franklin length and athleticism on the block.
“We are excited to be back on the court and I have been very impressed by our depth,” said Franklin coach John Leighton. “Our girls have been committed to getting better and competing on every play.”
2019-2020 Record: 12-9 2019-2020 Finish: Reached D1 South First Round Coach: Dan Nagle
King Philip head coach Dan Nagle has implemented a unique system based on high pressure and constant running. The Warriors don’t have to worry about shot clock violations. With a roster of athletic players who will all be counted on at some point and have a year of experience in the system, Nagle hopes this year’s team can create even more chaos that last winter and push Franklin at the top of the Kelley-Rex.
Senior Emma Glaser is the team’s top returning scorer and the Springfield College-commit will be counted on to take a step up, as the Warriors lost their top three scorers to graduation and transfers. Glaser is an athletic wing with range out beyond the three-point line. Athleticism is a common theme for this roster. Senior Caroline Aaron is another versatile wing who can contribute on both ends of the floor.
Depth won’t be an issue for the Warriors, who regularly sub five players at once and everyone gets playing time. Junior guards Elizabeth Molla, Liv Lafond, Grace Clyde, and Julia Marsden will provide scoring punch. At 6-foot-3, sophomore center Emily Sawyer gives KP a unique weapon in the middle and looks more comfortable with the speed at varsity. Senior Courtney Keswick battled injuries last year but is back healthy and gives KP a consistent three-point threat. Sophomore Jackie Bonner is a scorer being moved up from JV who could be poised for a breakout year.
Nagle said, “It’s year two in the system, so the learning curve has been a lot smaller and kids are picking things up fast. What we do is no secret. It’s going to be pandemonium every game, win or lose. This year’s team might even be a better fit for it because generally we have better team speed and it being year two makes a huge difference.”
2019-2020 Record: 9-14 2019-2020 Finish: Missed postseason Coach: Heather McPherson
After more than two decades in charge, Mike Redding retired as head coach after last season. There will be some continuity for the program however, as former player and assistant coach Heather McPherson will move into the first seat this year. McPherson can count on continuity on the floor as well, with six seniors among the returning players for the Hornets.
While the Hornets missed the playoffs last year, they also had some impressive wins against playoff teams along the way, beating Attleboro, King Philip, and Bishop Feehan. Senior Kayla Vine was one of the league’s top perimeter shooters and also a solid playmaker with her ability to get into the paint. Senior Ashley Santos extended her range as a shooter last year was a strong all-around player that was a tough matchup on both ends of the court. Sophomore Abby Wager showed flashes of her potential as a scorer during a strong rookie season and her development could be a big boost this year.
Mansfield will have plenty of depth to call on. Senior Ally Prentis adds another shooter, senior Sarah Dooling is another versatile forward, and seniors Brooke Berube and Kacey Veiking give the Hornets a lot of height in the paint. Junior Anna Darlington and sophomore Olivia Salisbury should see more time in the backcourt.
McPherson said, “I couldn’t ask for a better senior group to begin my varsity coaching career, they have set an exciting tone to the season with their energy, effort, enthusiasm. With all of the uncertainty that this year has brought we are excited for the opportunity to be playing basketball. For us to compete each night we will need to play good fundamental basketball.”
2019-2020 Record: 3-17 2019-2020 Finish: Missed postseason Coach: TJ Dolliver
While Milford went winless in league play last year, the Hawks lost no one to graduation and will have seven seniors on this season’s roster. Experience will be a key for Milford, which for the first time will be playing in the Kelley-Rex division. Although the Hawks have struggled at times offensively, no one can argue with the team’s effort and athleticism, especially on defense (ask state champion Foxboro, which was held to just 44 points last year) and that should once again be the team’s strength.
Senior Emma Lawrence will be the team’s focal point this year after an all-star junior season. Lawrence has long arms, endless energy, and the ability to get to the basket. Fellow senior Jillian Michelson is another player who will shadow the opposing team’s top offensive player and use her speed and length to cause problems. Sophomore Brooke Ferreira stepped in at point guard last year and had an impressive rookie campaign. Her ball-handling and ability to get into the lane was critical to the team’s offense, which could at times struggle from the perimeter.
Milford is not a tall team, but the Hawks have several versatile forwards that crash the boards and will make it tough for teams to score in the paint. Seniors Carly Ferreira, Katie Maietta, and Elise Fauerbach add physicality on the block for a team that likes to get up and pressure the ball.
“Having a senior-heavy roster and a team of hard working girls, this season will be a lot of fun,” said Milford coach TJ Dolliver.
2019-2020 Record: 9-11 2019-2020 Finish: Missed postseason Coach: Nikki Correia
Under first-year head coach Nikki Correia, North Attleboro bounced back last year and went into the final game of the regular season with a chance of clinching a return to the postseason. Although Big Red missed out on the tournament, the Rocketeers come into this season with optimism. A year of experience in Correia’s system and a strong corps of returning players gives North hopes of springing a surprise in the Davenport division.
Senior guard Amanda Kaiser will remain the focal point for opposing defenses and will force them to extend beyond the three-point line to prevent her from getting going. Kaiser is also a strong defender, who can kickstart the North break by forcing turnovers. Sophomore Summer Doherty is another wing player whose quickness and length causes problems on defense and her strength allows her to get into the lane on offense.
Senior Siobhan Weir keeps things calm even as North tries to get out and run as often as possible, while also adding a strong mid-range game. Senior Lydia Santos missed last season with injury and will be another strong ball-handler and leader in the backcourt. Sophomore Ava McKeon had an impressive rookie season on the wing and uses her strength and athleticism to get into the lane and her energy to get on the boards. Fellow sophomore Taylor McMath got called up last season and made an instant impact as a post player. North isn’t the tallest team, but McMath gives the Rocketeers extra length in the paint on both ends of the floor.
“I know with my team they have been so excited just to be on the basketball court again with their teammates and ready to compete,” said Correia. “Overall we have a strong unit and I can not wait to start the basketball season and see what these girls will do as a team. They all bring different strengths to the game so once they can mesh it all together on the court it will be great to see.”
2019-2020 Record: 14-7 2019-2020 Finish: Reached D1 South First Round Coach: Laney Clement-Holbrook
Oliver Ames is back in the Davenport division for the first time since 2016, when the Tigers won their last league title. OA returns with the goal of ending Foxboro’s four-year run as the top team in the division and has a talented, experienced roster to try and win the program’s Hock-best 23rd league title.
The Tigers pushed Franklin for the Kelley-Rex crown all the way to the final week of league play last year and that experience has given them added confidence heading into the new season. Injuries took their toll down the stretch, but when fully healthy OA boasts one of the deepest rosters in the league. Caroline Flynn is more of a point forward than a point guard but she has developed into one of the league’s top playmakers, while also being one of its top rebounding guards. Caroline Peper battled a back injury all of last season, but when healthy is one of the top shooters in the Hock.
Junior Hailey Bourne has emerged as one of the top defensive players in the league, capable of guarding players on the perimeter or in the post. Senior Jess Erlich adds shooting from her forward position. OA has six returning players who will be bolstered by an exciting crop of newcomers, including freshman guard Jasmyn Cooper.
OA coach Laney Clement-Holbrook, who passed the 700-win mark last season, said, “OA’s strengths will come from the depth of their lineup and a cast of young and upcoming players with great intensity and love for the game. Despite the challenges associated with pandemic, OA is excited to have the chance to play this season and value every second they get to compete for the top spot.”
2019-2020 Record: 4-16 2019-2020 Finish: Missed postseason Coach: Sandy Lombardi
Sharon finished with only four wins last season, but the Eagles also lost seven games by 10 points or less, including five games by five points or fewer and twice lost by a single basket. With a good core of versatile players returning, the Eagles are hoping to make a move up the standings in what continues to be a competitive Davenport division.
The graduations of Ally Brown and Kaitlyn Wallace take away two of the team’s top ball-handlers and perimeter scorers, but the Eagles can make up for that with strength in the paint. Senior Leah Fandel and junior Trinity Payne are difference makers on both ends of the court, capable of crashing the boards, protecting the rim, and offering interior scoring. Both players are capable of stepping back and knocking down short jumpers too, adding a different dimension to the offense.
Sophomore guards Tess Letendre and Emily Freeman will be counted on to pick up some of the slack on the perimeter and get the Eagles into their offensive sets. Seniors Gaby Cabral and Julia Early will also be counted on to take bigger roles this season. The Eagles will also have a pair of freshmen, Rachel Hager and Eva Poulton, who will be expected to contribute right away.
“I’m excited for the girls to have an opportunity to play this season,” said Sharon coach Sandy Lombardi. “Looking back a few months ago I would not have imagined us having a season at all.”
2019-2020 Record: 9-11 2019-2020 Finish: Missed postseason Coach: Charmaine Steele Jordan
Stoughton narrowly missed out on a playoff spot last year, falling just one win short of qualifying for the tournament (that included a one-point loss to North Attleboro midway through the season). The Black Knights will have to try and make up for the graduation of their two leading scorers, Aliyah Wright and Shyanne Trinh, but head coach Charmaine Steele Jordan expects that this year’s roster will live up to the program’s standard of hustle, hard work, and aggressiveness.
Mackenzie Manning is the team’s top returning scorer and Steele Jordan is counting on the senior guard to provide leadership and passion for the younger players. Fellow seniors Cate Downey and Jess Maddalena (who is out for the season with an injury) are also going to be counted on to set the tone for the team.
Junior guard Makaiyah Singleton Rivera saw plenty of time last year and gives the Black Knights a boost of speed and energy on the perimeter. There are also several underclassmen who will be jumping up to varsity and could add important minutes this season. Sophomore guards Kiara Scardina and Shayla Ford and freshman forward Alyssa Edwards are newcomers to keep an eye on this season.
Steele Jordan said, “I’m really thankful for all the players that came out for our program this year in the middle of pandemic. Looking forward to kicking off the season in 2021. Our goals have not changed, the Black Knights will play hard, play together and represent the Stoughton community with pride this season.”
2019-2020 Record: 5-15 2019-2020 Finish: Missed postseason Coach: Amy Siggens
Taunton has struggled to get going this winter, as practices were halted after just three days and the teams won’t resume basketball activities until next week, which has forced the opening games with Attleboro to be postponed. The Tigers will also be without last year’s leading scorer, sophomore Kameron St. Pierre, who has opted out. With all of that, second-year head coach Amy Siggens is still excited that the team this season and building on the fundamentals of her system.
The Tigers will be an experienced, if still young, team this season. Seniors Jaelyn and Sonya Fernandez will be the focal points on the offensive end. They are both versatile players capable of stepping back and knocking down shots and also taking their defenders off the dribble. Their athleticism on both ends of the court makes them a tough matchup. They also provide leadership for a team that is building consistency. The Tigers won five games last year, but also lost seven times by single digits, including once in overtime.
A strength of the team will be its depth in the backcourt. Senior Tori DaRosa is a tough defender and gets the Tigers into their sets. Juniors Abby Souza and Braeley McDonald are also strong options to provide shooting off the bench. Sophomore Maddie Michenzie can be a force on the boards and adds a different dimension in the post on both ends of the court.
“We’re rolling with the punches here,” said Siggens about having to postpone practices until the New Year. “Everyday is something new and you just have to adjust. We’re focusing on the leadership of our seniors but also the development of our young kids. This is a year to really pull it back and go after the fundamentals and the basics.”
