Saturday, December 24, 2005
A Special Alumni Night- Melrose 71-Belmont 30
Melrose (3-0) celebrated their annual tradition of alumni night welcoming back numerous alumni from recent seasons. About fifteen prior players attended the game and post-game refreshments. Some familiar names included Quiana Copeland, Oyin Aderibigbe, Tara Stanford, and Marianne Foley just to name a few. Each player received a rose and was introduced by Coach Brady.
Meanwhile, the current Lady Raiders faced the Lady Marauders, who coaches rated third in preseason Middlesex League polls. Melrose jumped out to a quick 19-0 lead, had a 25 point cushion at halftime, and outscored Belmont 22-6 in the first five minutes of the second half, allowing Coach Dave Brady lots of time for reserves.
In limited minutes, all five starters (Sheylani Peddy, Karen and Paula Sen, Cara Lynch, and Lynley DeAmato) had at least eight points (all-statistics are unofficial). As usual, All-Scholastic Sheylani led the way with 18 points, and Karen Sen had her best outing of the young season with 15 points and a dominant performance on the glass.
Melrose showed some different looks from their usual man-t0-man and gimmick 'man' defenses, confusing Belmont with half-court traps off the zone defense.
Belmont's All-Scholastic Lauren Yanofsky was kept under wraps with a combination of rotating zone defense and inside play taking away her signature moves.
Samantha Bell had her best game as a Lady Raider with a strong effort in relief. Emily Clark and Lauren Howe scored their first varsity points for the Lady Raiders.
After the game Coach Brady was pleased with the effort. Assistant Coach Rob Ferrante noted that in addition to the overall team effort, Melrose had good contributions from numerous players, noting that Melrose's skill sets created difficult matchups for many teams, as Melrose has players with versatile games from all areas - inside, intermediate, and long range.
After the seasonal break, the Lady Raiders resume their schedule with tough and surprising Burlington, coached by former Wakefield standout Beth Simpson.
Meanwhile, the current Lady Raiders faced the Lady Marauders, who coaches rated third in preseason Middlesex League polls. Melrose jumped out to a quick 19-0 lead, had a 25 point cushion at halftime, and outscored Belmont 22-6 in the first five minutes of the second half, allowing Coach Dave Brady lots of time for reserves.
In limited minutes, all five starters (Sheylani Peddy, Karen and Paula Sen, Cara Lynch, and Lynley DeAmato) had at least eight points (all-statistics are unofficial). As usual, All-Scholastic Sheylani led the way with 18 points, and Karen Sen had her best outing of the young season with 15 points and a dominant performance on the glass.
Melrose showed some different looks from their usual man-t0-man and gimmick 'man' defenses, confusing Belmont with half-court traps off the zone defense.
Belmont's All-Scholastic Lauren Yanofsky was kept under wraps with a combination of rotating zone defense and inside play taking away her signature moves.
Samantha Bell had her best game as a Lady Raider with a strong effort in relief. Emily Clark and Lauren Howe scored their first varsity points for the Lady Raiders.
After the game Coach Brady was pleased with the effort. Assistant Coach Rob Ferrante noted that in addition to the overall team effort, Melrose had good contributions from numerous players, noting that Melrose's skill sets created difficult matchups for many teams, as Melrose has players with versatile games from all areas - inside, intermediate, and long range.
After the seasonal break, the Lady Raiders resume their schedule with tough and surprising Burlington, coached by former Wakefield standout Beth Simpson.
Thursday, December 22, 2005
Melrose 77 Watertown 40 (2-0)
Tuesday evening at Watertown, the Lady Raiders raced out to a 19-0 lead in the first four minutes and coasted to victory with a solid team effort, winning 77-40, the highest point output in some time.
Sheylani Peddy led the way with 20 points, and Paula Sen, Cara Lynch, and Lynley DeAmato chipped in with a dozen apiece.
Melrose pressed effectively and set up uncontested transition baskets, although Watertown shot relatively well, cashing in numerous three point baskets.
Krista Limone scored her first varsity points for the Lady Raiders, and the full roster got extended playing time.
Melrose faces Belmont on Friday night (December 23rd) at Stoneham High School and should have a limited supply of program books available for distribution.
Friday night is 'Alumni Night' and we look forward to having a contingent of former Lady Raiders on hand to receive recognition and thanks for their contributions to the program.
Sheylani Peddy led the way with 20 points, and Paula Sen, Cara Lynch, and Lynley DeAmato chipped in with a dozen apiece.
Melrose pressed effectively and set up uncontested transition baskets, although Watertown shot relatively well, cashing in numerous three point baskets.
Krista Limone scored her first varsity points for the Lady Raiders, and the full roster got extended playing time.
Melrose faces Belmont on Friday night (December 23rd) at Stoneham High School and should have a limited supply of program books available for distribution.
Friday night is 'Alumni Night' and we look forward to having a contingent of former Lady Raiders on hand to receive recognition and thanks for their contributions to the program.
Monday, December 19, 2005
Poll-Axed
Friday's early season contest at Lexington was postponed because of a 'leak in the roof' at Lexington High School. Melrose's next action will be at Watertown High School on Tuesday, December 20th. The Lexington contest has not been rescheduled.
Some early season polls have come out (The Boston Globe and www.t25v.com) and neither have been especially kind to the Lady Raiders. Despite a 67-5 record the past three seasons, six consecutive Middlesex League titles, four returning starters, and an All-Scholastic, Division I prospect in Sheylani Peddy, the pollsters don't have Melrose on their radar screen.
The Globe omits Melrose from its rankings entirely, and www.t25v.com has Melrose in the 14th spot. The Boston Herald hasn't come out with its rankings yet, but mentions Melrose first in its paragraph about the Division II North teams. Of course, the only poll that counts takes place on the court over the course of the season.
Include among the Herald's 'Players to Watch' in Division II were Melrose's Peddy and senior forward Paula Sen.
League Notes: 'Back Row Boys' hoop mensch Dick Collis and colleagues took in the Stoneham-Belmont game when the Lady Raiders game was postponed. Collis commented that Stoneham's aggressiveness and uptempo style resembled that of the Lady Raiders and thought they would be a contender this year. Stoneham upended Belmont, led by returning All-Scholastic Lauren Yanofsky.
Area shrug? The Woburn online news reviews Middlesex League winter sports http://www.woburnonline.com/sports.html
Some early season polls have come out (The Boston Globe and www.t25v.com) and neither have been especially kind to the Lady Raiders. Despite a 67-5 record the past three seasons, six consecutive Middlesex League titles, four returning starters, and an All-Scholastic, Division I prospect in Sheylani Peddy, the pollsters don't have Melrose on their radar screen.
The Globe omits Melrose from its rankings entirely, and www.t25v.com has Melrose in the 14th spot. The Boston Herald hasn't come out with its rankings yet, but mentions Melrose first in its paragraph about the Division II North teams. Of course, the only poll that counts takes place on the court over the course of the season.
Include among the Herald's 'Players to Watch' in Division II were Melrose's Peddy and senior forward Paula Sen.
League Notes: 'Back Row Boys' hoop mensch Dick Collis and colleagues took in the Stoneham-Belmont game when the Lady Raiders game was postponed. Collis commented that Stoneham's aggressiveness and uptempo style resembled that of the Lady Raiders and thought they would be a contender this year. Stoneham upended Belmont, led by returning All-Scholastic Lauren Yanofsky.
Area shrug? The Woburn online news reviews Middlesex League winter sports http://www.woburnonline.com/sports.html
Tuesday, December 13, 2005
Game 1: Melrose 58 Winchester 27
The Lady Raiders opened the 2005-2006 season with a 58-27 victory over the visiting Winchester Sachems at Stoneham High School, Melrose's home away from home during school construction. Melrose thanks Stoneham and Stoneham athletic director Mike Lahiff for allowing them to use their facility for most of their home games.
Sheylani Peddy led a balanced scoring attack with 15 points in about 16 minutes of action, with 5 other players scoring at least 6 points.
Melrose raced out to a 10-0 lead, and Winchester didn't score until after 8 minutes were played. Melrose led 27-5 at halftime and the second half afforded some of the younger players an opportunity to get their feet wet. Melrose's experience and defense overcame Winchester's height and physical play.
Meghan Kirwan had nine points in her first varsity action. Taylor Pearson (6) and Sharon Porcaro (4) scored their first varsity points.
Melrose travels to Lexington Friday for an early season test against the Middlesex League 'Coaches Poll' preseason favorite.
Sheylani Peddy led a balanced scoring attack with 15 points in about 16 minutes of action, with 5 other players scoring at least 6 points.
Melrose raced out to a 10-0 lead, and Winchester didn't score until after 8 minutes were played. Melrose led 27-5 at halftime and the second half afforded some of the younger players an opportunity to get their feet wet. Melrose's experience and defense overcame Winchester's height and physical play.
Meghan Kirwan had nine points in her first varsity action. Taylor Pearson (6) and Sharon Porcaro (4) scored their first varsity points.
Melrose travels to Lexington Friday for an early season test against the Middlesex League 'Coaches Poll' preseason favorite.
Saturday, December 10, 2005
The Man at the Top
Coach Dave Brady, an educator in the Everett school system, returns for his 11th season at the helm of the Melrose girls basketball program. Rob Ferrante is the Junior Varsity coach and Coach Brady's lead assistant.
During his ten years at Melrose, Brady's Lady Raiders have achieved an overall record of 183 wins and 48 losses (.792), averaging 18 wins and 5 losses. Brady's teams have won six consecutive Middlesex League championships, a league record, and he was 2000 Coach of the Year for leading Melrose to a 25-1 record and a berth in the Division II State Championship. In addition to the Middlesex League run, Brady has a pair of Division II North titles.
Coach Brady emphasizes defense, conditioning, and team basketball.
Brady lives in Melrose with his wife Lorraine and daughter Jacqueline.
Lady Raiders in the news.
Girls basketball preview for Globe North.
http://www.boston.com/news/local/articles/2005/12/11/a_look_ahead_at_girls_hoops/
Sheylani Peddy leads the Lady Raiders in the 2005-2006 campaign.
http://www.boston.com/news/local/articles/2005/12/11/she_has_another_shot/
Cara Lynch joins Middlesex League All-Stars in soccer.
http://www.boston.com/sports/schools/allscholastics/fall2005/girls_soccer/
Karen and Paula Sen receive Globe All-Scholastic volleyball selection.
http://www.boston.com/sports/schools/allscholastics/fall2005/volleyball/
Lady Raider Alumni News (compiled from the Internet)
Shannon Kirwan has started 11 games for the Bentley Falcons (5-6), and is 3rd on the team in scoring at 10.5 ppg, leads in assists 4.3 apg, and leads the team in steals.
Quiana Copeland is averaging 9.3 ppg and 7.7 rebounds/game for the Northeastern Huskies in 19 minutes/game.
Larissa Jessup lettered in basketball for the 2004-2005 William Jessup University basketball team.
Hannah Berg played for Russell Sage College in 2004-2005.
Please contact us if you have sports news about Lady Raider basketball alumni.
During his ten years at Melrose, Brady's Lady Raiders have achieved an overall record of 183 wins and 48 losses (.792), averaging 18 wins and 5 losses. Brady's teams have won six consecutive Middlesex League championships, a league record, and he was 2000 Coach of the Year for leading Melrose to a 25-1 record and a berth in the Division II State Championship. In addition to the Middlesex League run, Brady has a pair of Division II North titles.
Coach Brady emphasizes defense, conditioning, and team basketball.
Brady lives in Melrose with his wife Lorraine and daughter Jacqueline.
Lady Raiders in the news.
Girls basketball preview for Globe North.
http://www.boston.com/news/local/articles/2005/12/11/a_look_ahead_at_girls_hoops/
Sheylani Peddy leads the Lady Raiders in the 2005-2006 campaign.
http://www.boston.com/news/local/articles/2005/12/11/she_has_another_shot/
Cara Lynch joins Middlesex League All-Stars in soccer.
http://www.boston.com/sports/schools/allscholastics/fall2005/girls_soccer/
Karen and Paula Sen receive Globe All-Scholastic volleyball selection.
http://www.boston.com/sports/schools/allscholastics/fall2005/volleyball/
Lady Raider Alumni News (compiled from the Internet)
Shannon Kirwan has started 11 games for the Bentley Falcons (5-6), and is 3rd on the team in scoring at 10.5 ppg, leads in assists 4.3 apg, and leads the team in steals.
Quiana Copeland is averaging 9.3 ppg and 7.7 rebounds/game for the Northeastern Huskies in 19 minutes/game.
Andrea Basteri, a senior at Emmanuel (20-18), led the Saints volleyball team in blocked shots. Emmanuel reached the NCAA Division III tournament before being eliminated by Colby.
Erin Hudd, a sophomore at UMass-Lowell, plays volleyball for the River Hawks. The River Hawks (19-10) advanced to the NCAA Regional Tournament before losing to Bentley.
Larissa Jessup lettered in basketball for the 2004-2005 William Jessup University basketball team.
Hannah Berg played for Russell Sage College in 2004-2005.
Please contact us if you have sports news about Lady Raider basketball alumni.
Thursday, December 08, 2005
The Shey Hey Kid
Sheylani Peddy Reflects on Last Season 
http://www2.townonline.com/melrose/schoolSports/view.bg?articleid=384478
2005-2006 Girls Basketball Preview from the Free Press
http://www2.townonline.com/melrose/schoolSports/view.bg?articleid=384472
Girls Basketball Schedule
http://www2.townonline.com/melrose/schoolSports/view.bg?articleid=384470
http://www2.townonline.com/melrose/schoolSports/view.bg?articleid=384478
2005-2006 Girls Basketball Preview from the Free Press
http://www2.townonline.com/melrose/schoolSports/view.bg?articleid=384472
Girls Basketball Schedule
http://www2.townonline.com/melrose/schoolSports/view.bg?articleid=384470
Wednesday, December 07, 2005
On With The Show
Overture, curtains, lights, this is it, the night of nights
No more rehearsing and nursing a part we know every part by heart
Overture, curtains, lights this is it, you’ll hit the heights
And oh what heights we’ll hit on with the show this is it
Tonight what heights we’ll hit on with the show this is it.
-- Looney Toons
(MELROSE) The Melrose Lady Raiders completed their preseason schedule with scrimmages against Division I power Lowell and defending Division II finalist Walpole as they prepare to open the 2005-2006 season. Aggressive fouling dominated the Sunday contest versus Lowell as ground rules didn't allow free throw shooting, with fouls leading to possessions. As a result, Lowell denied moves to the hoop with physical play. The game did allow newcomers to get a taste of varsity competition.
Wednesday's action at Walpole proved a battle as Melrose took on Tahtianna Tate and a talented Walpole squad. Melrose kept a lot of clubs in the bag as Walpole filmed the contest, scouting Melrose's personnel and set offense.
Looking ahead to the opening game Tuesday (December 13th, 2005, 5:30 PM at Stoneham High School) against Winchester, Melrose seeks to get off to a fast start with their trademark aggressive defense and balanced offense.
The projected starting lineup will include All-Scholastic junior Sheylani Peddy at point guard, senior Cara Lynch as the off-guard, and junior Lynley DeAmato as the second off-guard in the Melrose system. Senior twins Karen and Paula Sen will likely open in the frontcourt.
Look to see sophomore Meghan Kirwan, senior Maura Coveney, and sophomore Emily Clark as early reinforcements to the Melrose lineup. Ana Tocco will be on the disabled list for several weeks with illness.
Rim Ramblings. Four of the five Melrose starters have scored at least twenty points in a varsity game. Melrose returns three Middlesex League All-Stars this year. All five Melrose starters and most of the team has extensive Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) basketball experience. Peddy, the Sens, and Lynch have all played in the AAU National Tournament.
If our addition is correct, Coach Dave Brady has an opportunity to pick up his 200th win at Melrose High School this season. The Melrose coaching staff is intact with Brady, JV Coach Rob Ferrante, and assistants Lauren Doherty, Mike Izzo, and Judy Izzo.
Does playoff experience mean anything? If it does, the Lady Raiders should be in good shape. In two seasons, Sheylani has seven games of playoff experience. In three seasons, Cara, Karen, and Paula have a collective thirty-six games of post-season hoop under their belts, and all other returners have last season's four tournament games. Additionally, the soccer players have each played in three post-season games, Taylor Pearson five volleyball post-season games (including a championship game), and Karen and Paula have each played in fifteen post-season games and four divisional or state championship games.
No more rehearsing and nursing a part we know every part by heart
Overture, curtains, lights this is it, you’ll hit the heights
And oh what heights we’ll hit on with the show this is it
Tonight what heights we’ll hit on with the show this is it.
-- Looney Toons
(MELROSE) The Melrose Lady Raiders completed their preseason schedule with scrimmages against Division I power Lowell and defending Division II finalist Walpole as they prepare to open the 2005-2006 season. Aggressive fouling dominated the Sunday contest versus Lowell as ground rules didn't allow free throw shooting, with fouls leading to possessions. As a result, Lowell denied moves to the hoop with physical play. The game did allow newcomers to get a taste of varsity competition.
Wednesday's action at Walpole proved a battle as Melrose took on Tahtianna Tate and a talented Walpole squad. Melrose kept a lot of clubs in the bag as Walpole filmed the contest, scouting Melrose's personnel and set offense.
Looking ahead to the opening game Tuesday (December 13th, 2005, 5:30 PM at Stoneham High School) against Winchester, Melrose seeks to get off to a fast start with their trademark aggressive defense and balanced offense.
The projected starting lineup will include All-Scholastic junior Sheylani Peddy at point guard, senior Cara Lynch as the off-guard, and junior Lynley DeAmato as the second off-guard in the Melrose system. Senior twins Karen and Paula Sen will likely open in the frontcourt.
Look to see sophomore Meghan Kirwan, senior Maura Coveney, and sophomore Emily Clark as early reinforcements to the Melrose lineup. Ana Tocco will be on the disabled list for several weeks with illness.
Rim Ramblings. Four of the five Melrose starters have scored at least twenty points in a varsity game. Melrose returns three Middlesex League All-Stars this year. All five Melrose starters and most of the team has extensive Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) basketball experience. Peddy, the Sens, and Lynch have all played in the AAU National Tournament.
If our addition is correct, Coach Dave Brady has an opportunity to pick up his 200th win at Melrose High School this season. The Melrose coaching staff is intact with Brady, JV Coach Rob Ferrante, and assistants Lauren Doherty, Mike Izzo, and Judy Izzo.
Does playoff experience mean anything? If it does, the Lady Raiders should be in good shape. In two seasons, Sheylani has seven games of playoff experience. In three seasons, Cara, Karen, and Paula have a collective thirty-six games of post-season hoop under their belts, and all other returners have last season's four tournament games. Additionally, the soccer players have each played in three post-season games, Taylor Pearson five volleyball post-season games (including a championship game), and Karen and Paula have each played in fifteen post-season games and four divisional or state championship games.
