Melrose Lady Raiders Basketball

Melrose has become a regular contender for the Division II North Title in addition to having won seven consecutive Middlesex League Titles. The Lady Raiders have registered three undefeated regular seasons in the past four years. How does that happen?

• Community support - through the Boosters Club and community support of the Lady Raiders, Melrose Basketball has become important to the community.


• Consistent TEAM philosophy. "Not everyone can be a great player, but everyone can be a great teammate." It helps a lot when your best player is also concerned more about winning than statistics. "It's about the name on the front of the uniform, not on the back."


• Basketball fundamentals. Melrose emphasizes defense, playing tight, man-to-man defense almost exclusively. Good technique, combined with athleticism and experience give you a chance to win every night.

Here co-captain Lynley DeAmato tries to force a turnover in a recent contest.

• Commitment. Many of the players have elected to play off-season AAU basketball, work out on their own at the YMCA, and played in summer tournaments against good competition.


• Star Power. Melrose has been fortunate to have several All-Scholastic players like Quiana Copeland, Shannon Kirwan, and Sheylani Peddy leading the team against tough league and post-season competition.


• Complementary players. Having a star isn't enough to win. Strong teams require at least two ballhandlers, two scorers, and two rebounders to get the job done. The more terrific complementary players you have the better.


• Coaching. Current Coach Rob Ferrante and former coach Dave Brady emphasized fundamentals and the transition game.


• Recognition. The Lady Raiders are often featured in the local newspapers, The Melrose Free Press and The Melrose Weekly. MMTV, the local television station, videotapes all the home games and playoff games which then appear on local cable TV.


• Developmental programs. Melrose frequently has two, and sometimes three travel teams, including the YMCA team. These programs allow young players to receive fundamental instruction and game experience. For example, the sixth grade team this year has a thirty-seven game schedule against area competition and the River Valley 'A' League.