Saturday, November 25, 2006
New Season, New Challenges
"No progress occurs without change, but not all change is progress." - John Wooden
The Melrose Lady Raiders will seek to earn a record eighth consecutive Middlesex League Title with tryouts beginning this week. Despite having graduated six seniors, the team returns a core of outstanding veterans. Long-time Assistant Varsity Coach Rob Ferrante assumes the leadership mantle for the retiring Dave Brady.
Melrose has captured a pair of Division II North Championships in the past four seasons, winning a pair of trips to the Fleet Center/Boston Garden. Last season they lost the EMASS finals to ultimate state champion Oliver Ames, 52-49. The Lady Raiders have also had three undefeated regular seasons in the past four years, and gone 90-6 over that stretch.
Their strength comes from the backcourt, with two-time All-Scholastic and twice Middlesex League MVP Shey Peddy heading a veteran backcourt. Shey is pictured above with Lynley DeAmato in action from last season's Eastern Mass final. Melrose fans have come to expect Shey, one of Eastern Mass' top players, to do whatever it takes - score, pass, rebound, or defend -to make her team better. She was the youngest Lady Raider to ever score a thousand points. Peddy led Melrose over undefeated Masconomet in last year's D2 North final with 23 points and 13 steals. She has yet to commit to one of the numerous Division I schools recruiting her.
The underrated co-captain DeAmato has a lot of college interest too, with a slashing game to the hoop,tenacious defense, and three-point range. Junior Meg Kirwan, another versatile guard is also expected to start and play a prominent role at both ends of the court. Melrose has a lot of talent in reserve at the guard position, with Lauren Murray and Taylor Pearson returning for their senior seasons.
Up front, Junior Emily Clark (left), is expected to shoulder part of the defensive and rebounding responsibilities left vacant following the graduation of Karen (right) and Paula Sen, enjoying their first year at Dartmouth. Clark has the strength and toughness to get the job done, and only needs more experience to become an accomplished inside player. Freshman Siena Mamayek may have the inside track at the other inside position, although expect plenty of competition from returners Sharon Porcaro and Krista Limone.Melrose has a host of talented JV players fighting for spots on the varsity, as well as its deepest, toughest, and most talented freshman class to come along in years. Don't be surprised to see some of these young Lady Raiders emerge both in the backcourt and up front as they garnered valuable experience playing in summer tournaments. A number of these freshman played on other Melrose varsity squads this fall, and have acquired valuable experience in regular and post-season action. We'll have more to say about the newcomers after the team is selected.
What we do know is that repeating won't be easy, with numerous Middlesex League teams returning most of their starting lineups, including always tough Reading, oversized Lexington, as well as Burlington and Wakefield. The Middlesex League overall has the most balance and talent in the past five years.
Also, rumor has it that Melrose will be playing in a February vacation tournament against some of the top powers in Division I including Peabody, Lowell, and Lynn Classical.
Finally, Division II North is loaded this year, with perennial powers Arlington Catholic, Masconomet, Lincoln-Sudbury, Westford, Reading, and others all with designs on the title. It cannot go without saying that the top three division champions also came from the South region.
Unfortunately for Melrose, they remain without a local home gymnasium because of construction and will play their regular season games at Stoneham. Melrose thanks Athletic Director Mike Lahiff and the Stoneham administration for making their facility available on game day.
// posted by Ron Sen, MD, FCCP @ 3:26 PM 
