Melrose Lady Raiders Basketball

Hours until Melrose opens the season at Stoneham High School against the Lexington Minutewomen.

With five new players on the squad and a new head coach, Melrose has a formidable task to defend its Division II North title (above), while seeking its eighth consecutive Middlesex League crown.

When we spoke with Coach Rob Ferrante last week, he mentioned how the transition has involved more teaching than previous seasons. He also mentioned how much he enjoys coaching and how much he appreciates the community support. He also mentioned that the Lady Raiders were a little 'nicked up', but that they'd be ready Tuesday.

The Lexington Minuteman previews the Lexington team, also noting injury to a key Lexington starter, Allie Needham. Lexington Coach Paul McManus has tried to slow the tempo in the past against Melrose, combining his squad's big frontline with judicious timeouts to disrupt Melrose's transition game.

Lady Raider Notes: Julian Benbow profiles the local hoop scene in today's Globe North. Coach Rob Ferrante hasn't announced a starting lineup, but projected starters will include Captains Shey Peddy and Lynley DeAmato at guard, Meg Kirwan at small forward, Siena Mamayek at center, and either Emily Clark or Sharon Porcaro at the power forward.