Saturday, March 25, 2006
Post-Season Wrap Coming
The Lady Raiders had a terrific season advancing to the EMASS finals, and achieving both team and individual honors. The recognition is starting to come in.
First, on www.t25v.com/ several Lady Raiders received recognition by their basketball staff. Among the 40 or so top players in Eastern Massachusetts, Shey Peddy was named to their first team. An excerpt follows:
First Team
Position Name High School Class College Choice
Guard Brittany Engle Oliver Ames Senior Marist College
Guard Shey Peddy Melrose Junior
Forward Stephanie Geehan Braintree Senior Fairfield
Forward Colette Josey Framingham Senior Bentley
Center Carolyn Swords Lincoln Sudbury Junior
Brittany Engle led her team to the D2 state championship with great skills and as tough a mindset as you will find. The Marist coaching staff will find this kid a joy to have around for 4 years. She is literally a coach on the floor and may indeed end up being one someday. Shey Peddy can do everything you want on the court so much so that rumors are the #3 ranked Maryland team has her in their recruiting sites already. Fairfield bound Stephanie Geehan should be called “Silk” as she does every hoop skill as smooth as silk. She just fills up a stat sheet and in my opinion is the best shot blocker in EMASS and has the softest touch around. Coco Josey can run, jump, bang, outmuscle you hit the 15 footer and to top it off has a motor that never runs out of gas. This relentless senior will have a great career at D2 power Bentley. 6’ 5” Carolyn Swords led L-S to one of their best seasons ever and did so well that rumors have BC ready to sign her next year. My guess is you could beat a lot of college teams if you could go to battle with these 5 superstars!
Forwards Karen and Paula Sen both received 'Honorable Mention' among their top players.
Polls. The Boston Globe ranked Melrose at number 5 in their final poll, behind Braintree (D1 champion), Oliver Ames (D2 champion), Lowell, and Andover. The Boston Herald comes up with their basketball wrap tomorrow, directed by High School sportswriter of the year Danny Ventura.
Lady Raider Notes: Shey is much improved and back at school. Rumor has it that she is under strong consideration for the Super Team and Division 2 player of the year. Good luck.
College acceptances are coming in fast and furious. Among the recent acceptances (college choice unknown) are Cara Lynch at Boston College and Ana Tocco at Providence.
The Lady Raiders Booster Club is hard at work arranging the breakup banquet for April 10, 2006.
The Lady Raiders also thank Terry Bleiler for his wonderful photographs for the Basketball Book available at home games. We thank Stoneham High School for hosting Melrose Basketball this season while our new gymnasium is under construction. We also thank Maureen Webb for her photography during the post-season. Of course, we also want to thank our many sponsors and patrons, who are too numerous to name them all. We hope to see you back next year and beyond.
First, on www.t25v.com/ several Lady Raiders received recognition by their basketball staff. Among the 40 or so top players in Eastern Massachusetts, Shey Peddy was named to their first team. An excerpt follows:
First Team
Position Name High School Class College Choice
Guard Brittany Engle Oliver Ames Senior Marist College
Guard Shey Peddy Melrose Junior
Forward Stephanie Geehan Braintree Senior Fairfield
Forward Colette Josey Framingham Senior Bentley
Center Carolyn Swords Lincoln Sudbury Junior
Brittany Engle led her team to the D2 state championship with great skills and as tough a mindset as you will find. The Marist coaching staff will find this kid a joy to have around for 4 years. She is literally a coach on the floor and may indeed end up being one someday. Shey Peddy can do everything you want on the court so much so that rumors are the #3 ranked Maryland team has her in their recruiting sites already. Fairfield bound Stephanie Geehan should be called “Silk” as she does every hoop skill as smooth as silk. She just fills up a stat sheet and in my opinion is the best shot blocker in EMASS and has the softest touch around. Coco Josey can run, jump, bang, outmuscle you hit the 15 footer and to top it off has a motor that never runs out of gas. This relentless senior will have a great career at D2 power Bentley. 6’ 5” Carolyn Swords led L-S to one of their best seasons ever and did so well that rumors have BC ready to sign her next year. My guess is you could beat a lot of college teams if you could go to battle with these 5 superstars!
Forwards Karen and Paula Sen both received 'Honorable Mention' among their top players.
Polls. The Boston Globe ranked Melrose at number 5 in their final poll, behind Braintree (D1 champion), Oliver Ames (D2 champion), Lowell, and Andover. The Boston Herald comes up with their basketball wrap tomorrow, directed by High School sportswriter of the year Danny Ventura.
Lady Raider Notes: Shey is much improved and back at school. Rumor has it that she is under strong consideration for the Super Team and Division 2 player of the year. Good luck.
College acceptances are coming in fast and furious. Among the recent acceptances (college choice unknown) are Cara Lynch at Boston College and Ana Tocco at Providence.
The Lady Raiders Booster Club is hard at work arranging the breakup banquet for April 10, 2006.
The Lady Raiders also thank Terry Bleiler for his wonderful photographs for the Basketball Book available at home games. We thank Stoneham High School for hosting Melrose Basketball this season while our new gymnasium is under construction. We also thank Maureen Webb for her photography during the post-season. Of course, we also want to thank our many sponsors and patrons, who are too numerous to name them all. We hope to see you back next year and beyond.
Nothing better than happy kids!
Tuesday, March 14, 2006
Better Days
And you ask me what I want this year
And I try to make this kind and clear
Just a chance that maybe we'll find better days
'Cause I don't need boxes wrapped in strings
And desire and love and empty things
Just a chance that maybe we'll find better days
So take these words
And sing out loud
'Cause everyone is forgiven now
'Cause tonight's the night the world begins again
Better Days, --Goo Goo Dolls
Melrose put its 23-0 record on the line against 22-1 Oliver Ames last night at the TD BankNorth Garden and came up short, falling to OA 50-47 in a terrific ballgame.
Melrose came out slow, quickly falling behind 9-2 and 22-11, largely behind the 14 point first half effort of Brittany Engle. Melrose also struggled at times against OAs three-quarter court trap. However, behind the resurgent play of Melrose point guard Sheylani Peddy, Melrose went on an 11-2 run, trailing at the half 24-22. Peddy had 11 first half points.
OA again made a small surge to extend their lead, before a Melrose run and Peddy steal led to a Melrose 30-29 advantage. But Melrose couldn't press the advantage, as Engle (23 points) and Shonneau Lippett (8 points) made key hoops or free throws to extend the lead to 47-40. Again Melrose came back, closing to within two at 47-45 on a Karen Sen (10 points) three point play.
But OA's defense stiffened, and they went up 50-47, only to have a long three by Peddy fall short in the final seconds.
Melrose uncharacteristically couldn't convert its opportunities (10-23 at the free throw line), while OA did, and OA will travel to Worcester Saturday, likely for a shot at defending Champion Hampshire Regional.
Melrose celebrates its 7th consecutive Middlesex League Title and its 5th trip to the Division 2 North championship in 8 years with three titles. We fondly recall the great victory over undefeated Masconomet at Tsongas Arena.
We remember Coach Dave Brady's 200th win this season, Shey Peddy's 1000th career point and Middlesex League MVP, and all five starters playing in the All-Star game. We have great memories over four years, including three undefeated regular seasons, four great playoff runs, two trips to Boston and the EMASS championship, and 78-2 regular season mark, with a total 90-6 record during that span for the seniors.
The Lady Raiders and the Boosters Club thank the people of Melrose for their indefatiguable support, spirit, and look forward to even better days for Melrose Basketball in the years ahead.
And I try to make this kind and clear
Just a chance that maybe we'll find better days
'Cause I don't need boxes wrapped in strings
And desire and love and empty things
Just a chance that maybe we'll find better days
So take these words
And sing out loud
'Cause everyone is forgiven now
'Cause tonight's the night the world begins again
Better Days, --Goo Goo Dolls
Melrose put its 23-0 record on the line against 22-1 Oliver Ames last night at the TD BankNorth Garden and came up short, falling to OA 50-47 in a terrific ballgame.
Melrose came out slow, quickly falling behind 9-2 and 22-11, largely behind the 14 point first half effort of Brittany Engle. Melrose also struggled at times against OAs three-quarter court trap. However, behind the resurgent play of Melrose point guard Sheylani Peddy, Melrose went on an 11-2 run, trailing at the half 24-22. Peddy had 11 first half points.
OA again made a small surge to extend their lead, before a Melrose run and Peddy steal led to a Melrose 30-29 advantage. But Melrose couldn't press the advantage, as Engle (23 points) and Shonneau Lippett (8 points) made key hoops or free throws to extend the lead to 47-40. Again Melrose came back, closing to within two at 47-45 on a Karen Sen (10 points) three point play.
But OA's defense stiffened, and they went up 50-47, only to have a long three by Peddy fall short in the final seconds.
Melrose uncharacteristically couldn't convert its opportunities (10-23 at the free throw line), while OA did, and OA will travel to Worcester Saturday, likely for a shot at defending Champion Hampshire Regional.
Melrose celebrates its 7th consecutive Middlesex League Title and its 5th trip to the Division 2 North championship in 8 years with three titles. We fondly recall the great victory over undefeated Masconomet at Tsongas Arena.
We remember Coach Dave Brady's 200th win this season, Shey Peddy's 1000th career point and Middlesex League MVP, and all five starters playing in the All-Star game. We have great memories over four years, including three undefeated regular seasons, four great playoff runs, two trips to Boston and the EMASS championship, and 78-2 regular season mark, with a total 90-6 record during that span for the seniors.
The Lady Raiders and the Boosters Club thank the people of Melrose for their indefatiguable support, spirit, and look forward to even better days for Melrose Basketball in the years ahead.
Sunday, March 12, 2006
Melrose Basketball
She hasn't been able to sit up for long, but she rolls the ball back to her mom, grins, and claps. She's walking now, and rolling a bigger ball back to dad. We're not sure whether she's a righty or a lefty, but it doesn't matter because she's still smiling.
The Fisher-Price basket keeps her busy, with the tiny orange basketball. The basket even rings when the little ball goes through the hoop.
She's growing up now, playing rough with the little boys in the backyard, and sometimes even wins the races to the fence at the end of the yard and back.
School is fun, but not as good as recess. She can almost reach the basket with the red 'jelly' ball, and Dodge Ball isn't as much fun as basketball. She can't wait for Saturday, with the team T-shirt, and MBA. It's not pretty, ten little girls running in one direction, toward the ball. But it's fun, for her and her parents.
The games become more serious, and maybe she's not ready for the Travel Team. She cries, but she doesn't quit. She's getting taller and stronger, and she trades the two-handed shot for something better. Bouncing the basketball doesn't seem so strange, and the ball seems to find her more often. The games get faster, the girls get bigger.
She trades in Barbie for basketball. The basket seems closer. A free throw is a challenge, not an obstacle. She starts getting picked sooner in the pickup games, even when she plays with boys. "Can I go to the 'Y' to practice, Dad?"
She's on the Travel Team, going to the Woburn Y, Somerville, or Revere. The games become more physical. So does she. Sometimes the team wins, sometimes it loses, but she's still smiling.
She follows the rolling and bouncing ball along, now to AAU, not a good team, just another chance to play. As she grows, so does her confidence, and her ability. She's got two hands now.
No practice doesn't always mean a day off. The jog takes her along Lebanon, or Emerson, or Main Street, to the high school, where the 'Stadiums' provide some opposition. Those stairs never seem to give in. Neither does she.
She's still getting better, and playing in high school. Springtime means warmer weather, and invitations to play for a better team. Travel includes practice. She's making new friends, and the games could be in Connecticut, Rhode Island, Virginia, or Disney World. All the girls are good players now, bigger, faster, stronger, and tougher.
The team has come together, with girls from the East side and the Highlands, and a special girl from Boston. The coaches encourage them, and the girls have become accustomed to the bright lights and the elbows. The fans come to Stoneham, and Wilmington, and Lowell to support the Lady Raiders. Little girls come up to them, just looking for a sign of acknowledgement as their pilgrimmage begins.
And tomorrow, the little girls will follow the rolling ball to Boston Garden. She's still rolling the ball, smiling, and clapping. The uniform jerseys say 'Melrose', but the purposeful ones say, 'Impossible is Nothing'.
The Fisher-Price basket keeps her busy, with the tiny orange basketball. The basket even rings when the little ball goes through the hoop.
She's growing up now, playing rough with the little boys in the backyard, and sometimes even wins the races to the fence at the end of the yard and back.
School is fun, but not as good as recess. She can almost reach the basket with the red 'jelly' ball, and Dodge Ball isn't as much fun as basketball. She can't wait for Saturday, with the team T-shirt, and MBA. It's not pretty, ten little girls running in one direction, toward the ball. But it's fun, for her and her parents.
The games become more serious, and maybe she's not ready for the Travel Team. She cries, but she doesn't quit. She's getting taller and stronger, and she trades the two-handed shot for something better. Bouncing the basketball doesn't seem so strange, and the ball seems to find her more often. The games get faster, the girls get bigger.
She trades in Barbie for basketball. The basket seems closer. A free throw is a challenge, not an obstacle. She starts getting picked sooner in the pickup games, even when she plays with boys. "Can I go to the 'Y' to practice, Dad?"
She's on the Travel Team, going to the Woburn Y, Somerville, or Revere. The games become more physical. So does she. Sometimes the team wins, sometimes it loses, but she's still smiling.
She follows the rolling and bouncing ball along, now to AAU, not a good team, just another chance to play. As she grows, so does her confidence, and her ability. She's got two hands now.
No practice doesn't always mean a day off. The jog takes her along Lebanon, or Emerson, or Main Street, to the high school, where the 'Stadiums' provide some opposition. Those stairs never seem to give in. Neither does she.
She's still getting better, and playing in high school. Springtime means warmer weather, and invitations to play for a better team. Travel includes practice. She's making new friends, and the games could be in Connecticut, Rhode Island, Virginia, or Disney World. All the girls are good players now, bigger, faster, stronger, and tougher.
The team has come together, with girls from the East side and the Highlands, and a special girl from Boston. The coaches encourage them, and the girls have become accustomed to the bright lights and the elbows. The fans come to Stoneham, and Wilmington, and Lowell to support the Lady Raiders. Little girls come up to them, just looking for a sign of acknowledgement as their pilgrimmage begins.
And tomorrow, the little girls will follow the rolling ball to Boston Garden. She's still rolling the ball, smiling, and clapping. The uniform jerseys say 'Melrose', but the purposeful ones say, 'Impossible is Nothing'.
Saturday, March 11, 2006
Melrose Rolls, Garden up Next
The Melrose Lady Raiders captured the Division II North sectional championship for the second time in four years, defeating previously undefeated Masconomet 68-54 at Tsongas Arena. As a result, Melrose will face Oliver Ames at the TD Banknorth Garden Monday for the EMASS championship.
Undefeated Melrose (23-0) used a game plan based on continuous pressure defense to subdue Masconomet's perimeter offense, and relied on All-Scholastic Sheylani Peddy's brilliance and balanced scoring from the supporting cast. Peddy led Melrose with 26 points, THIRTEEN steals, and six assists, followed by Cara Lynch with 12 points, Karen Sen with 10, and Lynley DeAmato and Paula Sen with 9 apiece. However, another critical piece of the pie was stifling defense of the bench by Meg Kirwan, who helped hold Kristin D'Avolio to 7 points after she put up 25 against Lincoln-Sudbury.
Melrose dominated on both ends of the glass during the first half, which along with stingy defense gave them an unbeatable cushion.
Both teams started slowly with some championship game jitters, but Melrose whittled out a 12-6 advantage early. They gradually opened it up, behind the scoring and defense of Peddy, and an outburst of ten points from Cara Lynch. Meanwhile, the Lady Raiders were holding down Masco, with the exception of Michelle Fauci who banged home three treys to throw in twelve first half points. Melrose carried a 42-25 lead into the intermission.
In the second half, Melrose played a controlled, mature half, milking the clock and trying to stay out of foul trouble. They stretched the lead up to 21 points on a couple of occasions, only to have Fauci and Carolyn Stewart rein it back in. Masco never closed to less than 12.
Masco coach Bob Romeo conceded the game with a minute to go, subbing out his starters, and the crowd gave both teams a rousing standing ovation.
Lady Raider Notes: This was the third sectional championship for Coach David Brady, who also earned his 200th Melrose career win this season. The victory finally erased the bitter aftertaste of last year's last minute defeat at the hands of Gloucester.
Shey Peddy was magnificent as she led Melrose to victory, campaigning for a Super Team spot with her brilliance. She has averaged almost 23 points a game in this season's postseason tournament.
The experts proved right on this one, as Coach Storm of www.t25v.com predicted a Melrose D2 North title before the playoffs, as did The Boston Herald, led by nationally acclaimed writer Danny Ventura.
Masconomet Coach Bob Romeo was effusive in his praise of Melrose after the game, coming over to congratulate Melrose and speaking to a number of the players individually.
Melrose moved to 23-0 with the victory and 90-5 during the past four seasons.
Undefeated Melrose (23-0) used a game plan based on continuous pressure defense to subdue Masconomet's perimeter offense, and relied on All-Scholastic Sheylani Peddy's brilliance and balanced scoring from the supporting cast. Peddy led Melrose with 26 points, THIRTEEN steals, and six assists, followed by Cara Lynch with 12 points, Karen Sen with 10, and Lynley DeAmato and Paula Sen with 9 apiece. However, another critical piece of the pie was stifling defense of the bench by Meg Kirwan, who helped hold Kristin D'Avolio to 7 points after she put up 25 against Lincoln-Sudbury.
Melrose dominated on both ends of the glass during the first half, which along with stingy defense gave them an unbeatable cushion.
Both teams started slowly with some championship game jitters, but Melrose whittled out a 12-6 advantage early. They gradually opened it up, behind the scoring and defense of Peddy, and an outburst of ten points from Cara Lynch. Meanwhile, the Lady Raiders were holding down Masco, with the exception of Michelle Fauci who banged home three treys to throw in twelve first half points. Melrose carried a 42-25 lead into the intermission.
In the second half, Melrose played a controlled, mature half, milking the clock and trying to stay out of foul trouble. They stretched the lead up to 21 points on a couple of occasions, only to have Fauci and Carolyn Stewart rein it back in. Masco never closed to less than 12.
Masco coach Bob Romeo conceded the game with a minute to go, subbing out his starters, and the crowd gave both teams a rousing standing ovation.
Lady Raider Notes: This was the third sectional championship for Coach David Brady, who also earned his 200th Melrose career win this season. The victory finally erased the bitter aftertaste of last year's last minute defeat at the hands of Gloucester.
Shey Peddy was magnificent as she led Melrose to victory, campaigning for a Super Team spot with her brilliance. She has averaged almost 23 points a game in this season's postseason tournament.
The experts proved right on this one, as Coach Storm of www.t25v.com predicted a Melrose D2 North title before the playoffs, as did The Boston Herald, led by nationally acclaimed writer Danny Ventura.
Masconomet Coach Bob Romeo was effusive in his praise of Melrose after the game, coming over to congratulate Melrose and speaking to a number of the players individually.
Melrose moved to 23-0 with the victory and 90-5 during the past four seasons.
Wednesday, March 08, 2006
Going to the 'Ship
The Melrose Lady Raiders played their 21st road game of the season, defeating Bishop Fenwick 65-37 at Wilmington High School in a Division II North Semifinal. The Lady Raiders advance to the Division II North Championship Saturday at Tsongas Arena in Lowell for the third time in four years.
Bishop Fenwick had come out of nowhere with victories over Brighton and City League power Charlestown, but proved no match for Melrose. Melrose combined balanced scoring and ferocious backcourt defense to put the game away early. Bishop Fenwick had a big height advantage, but couldn't out-tough Melrose on the boards.
Melrose opened up a 20-11 lead just over halfway through the first half, behind outside shooting of Paula Sen, Lynley DeAmato, and the steady marksmanship of All-Scholastic Sheylani Peddy. A surge before halftime gave Melrose a 35-18 lead and they never looked back. A first half highlight occurred when Chuck Person's 'Pesticide' Lauren Murray at 4'10" tied up 6'2" center Grace Harrington for a held ball.
Melrose opened the second half with a steal and Peddy driving three, and surged to a 58-29 lead with seven minutes left. Don Meredith's 'Turn Out the Lights the Party's Over', could have been blaring over the PA system at that point. Melrose's reserves held the fort from then on as Melrose prepared to celebrate their 22nd win of the season.
Lynley DeAmato sparked much of the action with defensive excellence and thirteen points, Sheylani Peddy had sixteen points and at least a half dozen assists, and Paula Sen tossed in eighteen points and added eleven boards on a variety of no-so-pedestrian post and perimeter plays.
Melrose faces the winner of tonight's Lincoln-Sudbury and Masconomet Semifinal.
Lady Raider Notes: A capacity crowd filled Wilmington High School, at least three-quarters of whom wore the red-and-white of Melrose. Faces in the crowd included Coach Willie Maye of Fox Sports and the Boston Celtics, Coach Bob Romeo of Masconomet, and Coach Carla Berube of Tufts University.
Bishop Fenwick had come out of nowhere with victories over Brighton and City League power Charlestown, but proved no match for Melrose. Melrose combined balanced scoring and ferocious backcourt defense to put the game away early. Bishop Fenwick had a big height advantage, but couldn't out-tough Melrose on the boards.
Melrose opened up a 20-11 lead just over halfway through the first half, behind outside shooting of Paula Sen, Lynley DeAmato, and the steady marksmanship of All-Scholastic Sheylani Peddy. A surge before halftime gave Melrose a 35-18 lead and they never looked back. A first half highlight occurred when Chuck Person's 'Pesticide' Lauren Murray at 4'10" tied up 6'2" center Grace Harrington for a held ball.
Melrose opened the second half with a steal and Peddy driving three, and surged to a 58-29 lead with seven minutes left. Don Meredith's 'Turn Out the Lights the Party's Over', could have been blaring over the PA system at that point. Melrose's reserves held the fort from then on as Melrose prepared to celebrate their 22nd win of the season.
Lynley DeAmato sparked much of the action with defensive excellence and thirteen points, Sheylani Peddy had sixteen points and at least a half dozen assists, and Paula Sen tossed in eighteen points and added eleven boards on a variety of no-so-pedestrian post and perimeter plays.
Melrose faces the winner of tonight's Lincoln-Sudbury and Masconomet Semifinal.
Lady Raider Notes: A capacity crowd filled Wilmington High School, at least three-quarters of whom wore the red-and-white of Melrose. Faces in the crowd included Coach Willie Maye of Fox Sports and the Boston Celtics, Coach Bob Romeo of Masconomet, and Coach Carla Berube of Tufts University.
Sunday, March 05, 2006
Division II North Semifinals Tuesday at Wilmington
The Melrose Lady Raiders (21-0) face Bishop Fenwick (12-10) Tuesday at Wilmington in a rematch of last year's Division II North Semifinals. Fenwick plays in the Catholic League (like Arlington Catholic) and returns experience, height, and scoring. All-League Center Grace Harrington is a physical presence and scorer Kristen Gieras had a terrific game against Melrose last year. Senior Vanessa Razney was also an All-League player last year for Fenwick. Fenwick upended Brighton (15-4) and Charlestown (19-1) en route to the rematch.
Meanwhile, the Lady Raiders look to advance playing tight defense and wide-open offense. The Lady Raiders have averaged about 65 points a game this season, and put 66 points on the board against AC, despite scoring only 4 points in the first six minutes. Point guard Sheylani Peddy drives the offense with three-point range and electrifying drives. Senior Cara Lynch and Junior Lynley DeAmato anchor the rest of Melrose's three guard offense and average scoring approaching double digits. Senior twins Karen and Paula Sen provide interior defense, rebounding and average double figures offensively and on the boards.
Melrose's reserves have provided both rest and key contributions throughout the season. Sophomore Meg Kirwan has worked diligently to become a solid defender and scoring threat. Meg had nine points in critical minutes against AC. Maura Coveney, Sam Bell, and Ana Tocco provide valuable minutes and senior leadership. Sharon Porcaro, Emily Clark, and Krista Limone have all had important roles up front, while Lauren Murray and Taylor Pearson have provided some key backcourt minutes.
Directions to Wilmington:
from mapquest are:
Take Rte. 93 North to exit 38 (Rte. 129 West).
Go 2.1 miles on Rte. 129W
Go right onto Rte. 62/Church Street
Go 0.7 mile on Church St. to get to School
Total driving distance from MHS is approx. 11 miles.
Meanwhile, the Lady Raiders look to advance playing tight defense and wide-open offense. The Lady Raiders have averaged about 65 points a game this season, and put 66 points on the board against AC, despite scoring only 4 points in the first six minutes. Point guard Sheylani Peddy drives the offense with three-point range and electrifying drives. Senior Cara Lynch and Junior Lynley DeAmato anchor the rest of Melrose's three guard offense and average scoring approaching double digits. Senior twins Karen and Paula Sen provide interior defense, rebounding and average double figures offensively and on the boards.
Melrose's reserves have provided both rest and key contributions throughout the season. Sophomore Meg Kirwan has worked diligently to become a solid defender and scoring threat. Meg had nine points in critical minutes against AC. Maura Coveney, Sam Bell, and Ana Tocco provide valuable minutes and senior leadership. Sharon Porcaro, Emily Clark, and Krista Limone have all had important roles up front, while Lauren Murray and Taylor Pearson have provided some key backcourt minutes.
Directions to Wilmington:
from mapquest are:
Take Rte. 93 North to exit 38 (Rte. 129 West).
Go 2.1 miles on Rte. 129W
Go right onto Rte. 62/Church Street
Go 0.7 mile on Church St. to get to School
Total driving distance from MHS is approx. 11 miles.
Saturday, March 04, 2006
Melrose Survives and Advances 66-59, over AC
Melrose hosted Catholic League champion Arlington Catholic at Stoneham High School, advancing to the Division II North semifinals with a 66-59 victory. A capacity crowd filled the stands at Stoneham, and fans arriving late were turned away. The Cougars came off a pounding of Middlesex League foe Wakefield in Round one, and an impressive performance in the Comcast Tournament, so Melrose knew it was in for a catfight.
Despite three scrimmages in preparation for AC, Melrose looked tight and tentative early, with the score knotted at four after four minutes. Fortunately, Sheylani Peddy came out with guns blazing leading Melrose to a six point first half lead, only to have AC's Elise Caira (34 points) propel AC to a 35-34 first half lead. Melrose's carelessness with the ball contributed with 10 first half turnovers.
The second half brought more tranquility and ball security for Melrose as they relentless wore down the younger Cougars, despite foul trouble for Lynley DeAmato who had the unenviable task of trying to slow down Caira. Caira fired in her 27th point of the game and 1000th of her career midway through the second stanza.
However, with Shey piling up the points (24) and steals (6), Melrose got its post game going with Karen and Paula Sen both in double figures and shutting down AC's inside game. The Lady Raiders pulled out to a twelve point second half lead, never allowing the Cougars to pull closer than six points down the stretch. In a key second half play, Sheylani had a diving steal, flying over the scorer's table and hitting her head, flipping the ball back over her head to Paula for a driving layup and momentum breaker. Meg Kirwan, playing big minutes with Lynley in foul trouble, had a pair of key three pointers to help the Melrose cause.
Lady Raider notes. Melrose (21-0) advances to meet the winner of Bishop Fenwick at Charlestown, with the site and date to be determined. The Lady Raiders came into last night's contest with a 78-2 record during the past four regular seasons, and 87-5 including the playoffs. During the past two seasons, they now stand at 44-1. In other action last night, Lincoln-Sudbury topped Westford 63-54 to move into the semifinals against today's Gloucester-Masconomet winner.
Despite three scrimmages in preparation for AC, Melrose looked tight and tentative early, with the score knotted at four after four minutes. Fortunately, Sheylani Peddy came out with guns blazing leading Melrose to a six point first half lead, only to have AC's Elise Caira (34 points) propel AC to a 35-34 first half lead. Melrose's carelessness with the ball contributed with 10 first half turnovers.
The second half brought more tranquility and ball security for Melrose as they relentless wore down the younger Cougars, despite foul trouble for Lynley DeAmato who had the unenviable task of trying to slow down Caira. Caira fired in her 27th point of the game and 1000th of her career midway through the second stanza.
However, with Shey piling up the points (24) and steals (6), Melrose got its post game going with Karen and Paula Sen both in double figures and shutting down AC's inside game. The Lady Raiders pulled out to a twelve point second half lead, never allowing the Cougars to pull closer than six points down the stretch. In a key second half play, Sheylani had a diving steal, flying over the scorer's table and hitting her head, flipping the ball back over her head to Paula for a driving layup and momentum breaker. Meg Kirwan, playing big minutes with Lynley in foul trouble, had a pair of key three pointers to help the Melrose cause.
Lady Raider notes. Melrose (21-0) advances to meet the winner of Bishop Fenwick at Charlestown, with the site and date to be determined. The Lady Raiders came into last night's contest with a 78-2 record during the past four regular seasons, and 87-5 including the playoffs. During the past two seasons, they now stand at 44-1. In other action last night, Lincoln-Sudbury topped Westford 63-54 to move into the semifinals against today's Gloucester-Masconomet winner.
Wednesday, March 01, 2006
AC versus Melrose
Arlington Catholic, behind Elise Caira's 30 points, led Arlington Catholic to a first round Division II North victory over Wakefield. AC parlayed Caira's effort and a dominating height advantage into a 14-0 lead and a large halftime lead cruising to victory. As a result, the Catholic League Champion, AC comes to Stoneham Friday in a quarterfinal match up.
Meanwhile, Melrose scrimmaged Division I powers Lowell, Peabody, and Andover in preparation for the playoffs.
Lady Raider Notes: Melrose has compiled a 78-2 regular season record during the past four seasons, 87-5 including the playoffs. Seniors Cara Lynch, Karen and Paula Sen have 12 games of hoop playoff experience, plus postseason play in soccer and volleyball. All-Scholastic Sheylani Peddy has 7 games of postseason play with Lynley DeAmato registering 4.
All the starters except Lynley have also had extensive national experience at the AAU Nationals and/or Junior nationals.
The last time the two teams met, AC, with senior leadership in Heather Marino, topped Melrose at Beverly in the D2 North semifinals, when Shey was a freshman, and Lynch and the Sens were sophomores.
Meanwhile, Melrose scrimmaged Division I powers Lowell, Peabody, and Andover in preparation for the playoffs.
Lady Raider Notes: Melrose has compiled a 78-2 regular season record during the past four seasons, 87-5 including the playoffs. Seniors Cara Lynch, Karen and Paula Sen have 12 games of hoop playoff experience, plus postseason play in soccer and volleyball. All-Scholastic Sheylani Peddy has 7 games of postseason play with Lynley DeAmato registering 4.
All the starters except Lynley have also had extensive national experience at the AAU Nationals and/or Junior nationals.
The last time the two teams met, AC, with senior leadership in Heather Marino, topped Melrose at Beverly in the D2 North semifinals, when Shey was a freshman, and Lynch and the Sens were sophomores.
