Tuesday, January 30, 2007
Lucky 13, Burlington Falls 57-31
Masslive suggested that a huge Middlesex League upset was in the wind tonight. A budding Jeanne Dixon perhaps? Maybe, but not at Burlington High School, where Melrose (13-0) easily defeated the Burlington Red Devils 57-31.
It was business as usual after a sluggish start, with Melrose leading 8-6 with 9:20 remaining in the first half. The Lady Raiders then went on a 10-2 run to go up 18-8, and led comfortably at halftime 29-12.
Melrose had balanced first half scoring, with Peddy and DeAmato with 6, Kirwan with 5, Clark and Brickley with 4 apiece.
Melrose gradually pulled away in the second half, with twelve players in the scoring column, led by Peddy with 11, DeAmato and Clark with 8, and freshman Colleen Hanscom had a career high 6.
Melrose struggled from beyond the arc, shooting 2 for 11, and went 5 for 11 from the foul line.
Lady Raider Notes: Rumor has it that former Lady Raider and Massachusetts Gatorade Player of the Year (2003) Shannon Kirwan has a chance to notch her 1000th career point for Bentley this week.
It was business as usual after a sluggish start, with Melrose leading 8-6 with 9:20 remaining in the first half. The Lady Raiders then went on a 10-2 run to go up 18-8, and led comfortably at halftime 29-12.
Melrose had balanced first half scoring, with Peddy and DeAmato with 6, Kirwan with 5, Clark and Brickley with 4 apiece.
Melrose gradually pulled away in the second half, with twelve players in the scoring column, led by Peddy with 11, DeAmato and Clark with 8, and freshman Colleen Hanscom had a career high 6.
Melrose struggled from beyond the arc, shooting 2 for 11, and went 5 for 11 from the foul line.
Lady Raider Notes: Rumor has it that former Lady Raider and Massachusetts Gatorade Player of the Year (2003) Shannon Kirwan has a chance to notch her 1000th career point for Bentley this week.
Sunday, January 28, 2007
The Boston Globe notes Sheylani Peddy's march through the Melrose record book. The article does have some minor errors, concerning previous team records.
2003-4 20-3 (corrected)
2004-5 23-1 (corrected)
2005-6 23-1
2006-7 12-0 (updated)
Totals 78-5
The Boston Herald will likely soon update their local basketball rankings in their Insider Blog.
2003-4 20-3 (corrected)
2004-5 23-1 (corrected)
2005-6 23-1
2006-7 12-0 (updated)
Totals 78-5
The Boston Herald will likely soon update their local basketball rankings in their Insider Blog.
Friday, January 26, 2007
Good 'N Plenty, Melrose 75 Belmont 47
Melrose (12-0) rode an explosive effort from its reserves to a 75-47 thrashing. The Lady Raiders returned 'home' to Stoneham after a three game road swing at Wakefield, Lexington, and Watertown to take on the improving Belmont Lady Marauders. Belmont, hopeful after a three point loss against second place Lexington, looked to spark an upset.
Coach Rob Ferrante has built this season around the twin goals of winning now, while developing for the future. The starters provided interest and the bench dividends, as Meg Kirwan led the Lady Raiders with fourteen points and freshman Hannah Brickley fired in twelve. Melrose got off to a 20-12 lead with 9:07 remaining and never looked back. Melrose led 37-24 at the half.
Once again, everyone played in both halves, although the starters saw only about ten minutes of action. Twelve Lady Raiders scored, with big efforts from Lauren Murray (9) and Siena Mamayek (9) showing McHalesque moves in the post. As usual Captains Shey Peddy and Lyn DeAmato provided defense, steals and crisp passes leading to easy baskets.
For Belmont, Junior guard Meg Zolner showed spark as well as six footers Molly Galvin and Clare Sullivan.
Lady Raiders Notes: Melrose improved its shooting at the charity stripe going 15 for 22 tonight. The four Melrose freshmen, Mamayek, Brickley, Colleen Hanscom, and Laura Irwin combined for 28 points tonight.
Coach Rob Ferrante has built this season around the twin goals of winning now, while developing for the future. The starters provided interest and the bench dividends, as Meg Kirwan led the Lady Raiders with fourteen points and freshman Hannah Brickley fired in twelve. Melrose got off to a 20-12 lead with 9:07 remaining and never looked back. Melrose led 37-24 at the half.
Once again, everyone played in both halves, although the starters saw only about ten minutes of action. Twelve Lady Raiders scored, with big efforts from Lauren Murray (9) and Siena Mamayek (9) showing McHalesque moves in the post. As usual Captains Shey Peddy and Lyn DeAmato provided defense, steals and crisp passes leading to easy baskets.
For Belmont, Junior guard Meg Zolner showed spark as well as six footers Molly Galvin and Clare Sullivan.
Lady Raiders Notes: Melrose improved its shooting at the charity stripe going 15 for 22 tonight. The four Melrose freshmen, Mamayek, Brickley, Colleen Hanscom, and Laura Irwin combined for 28 points tonight.
Wednesday, January 24, 2007
Lady Raiders Road Warriors
Melrose (11-0) traveled to Watertown and beat the lowly Red Raiders 62-20 to remain unbeaten.
Melrose got out fast and led 12-1 in the first four minutes and 24-6 with 8:15 left in the half before leaving at intermission with a 39-11 advantage. They coasted to a 62-20 rout.
Emily Clark had a career high 13 points to lead the visitors, and 12 players scored for Melrose. Lyn DeAmato added 10 and Siena Mamayek 8. Melrose's four frosh combined for 17 points. Melrose continued their struggles at the charity stripe, going 7 for 12.
Melrose hosts Belmont at Stoneham on Friday.
Melrose got out fast and led 12-1 in the first four minutes and 24-6 with 8:15 left in the half before leaving at intermission with a 39-11 advantage. They coasted to a 62-20 rout.
Emily Clark had a career high 13 points to lead the visitors, and 12 players scored for Melrose. Lyn DeAmato added 10 and Siena Mamayek 8. Melrose's four frosh combined for 17 points. Melrose continued their struggles at the charity stripe, going 7 for 12.
Melrose hosts Belmont at Stoneham on Friday.
Sunday, January 21, 2007
Rank and File
The Boston Herald's Danny Ventura provides premium coverage of the local high school sports scene. Ventura's weekly rankings put Melrose at the top of Division 2. A number of old friends are among the leaders, including AC (2), whom the Lady Raiders ousted in the quarterfinals last year, Masco, topped by Melrose at the Tsongas last March, and Westford Academy, whom Melrose dispatched in the quarters three years ago.
Another highly ranked Ventura pick is Lincoln-Sudbury, with Carolyn Swords, a 6' 5" center whom Boston College has tabbed as a scholarship player.
The top two picks in Division I are Andover and Lowell, both of whom Melrose faced in the preseason. Melrose may play Lowell at St. Mary's in the February vacation tournament. That game has been billed as a potential game of the year. Lowell was last year's Division I North champion and brings both experience and the 6'2" Wilson twins to the fray.
Another highly ranked Ventura pick is Lincoln-Sudbury, with Carolyn Swords, a 6' 5" center whom Boston College has tabbed as a scholarship player.
The top two picks in Division I are Andover and Lowell, both of whom Melrose faced in the preseason. Melrose may play Lowell at St. Mary's in the February vacation tournament. That game has been billed as a potential game of the year. Lowell was last year's Division I North champion and brings both experience and the 6'2" Wilson twins to the fray.
Friday, January 19, 2007
10 in a Row, Look at 'Em Go, Melrose 49-Lexington 38*
*Game report courtesy of the Back Row Gang
Melrose journeyed to Lexington to face the once-beaten Lady Minutemen, and won a titanic struggle to remain undefeated atop the Middlesex League. Lexington had won 8 ML games in a row after their opening day loss against the Lady Raiders.
And Lexington came out fast, ahead 12-7 five minutes into the game and 16-9 with 8:55 remaining. But Melrose heated up and took the lead 27-22 at halftime with an 18-6 run. Sheylani Peddy had 10 first half points.
The game remained tight in the second stanza, with Lexington taking the lead 36-35 with 7:35 left. But Melrose went up 43-38 with 5:42 left and held their hosts scoreless over the last 5:42 to seal the victory. Melrose led by 6 when a Peddy steal with 56 seconds left converted into an eight point margin.
A large crowd included Coach Storm and the two Dave Bradys, former Melrose coach and the Arlington Catholic coach.
Shey had 13 for Melrose and Lyn DeAmato chipped in 10, along with freshman center Siena Mamayek who added 8 points.
Lady Raider Notes: Melrose hasn't lost an ML game since Peddy's freshman campaign when they lost an overtime game to Woburn on Senior Night. Melrose continues to struggle from the charity stripe, going 6 for 14 tonight.
Melrose journeyed to Lexington to face the once-beaten Lady Minutemen, and won a titanic struggle to remain undefeated atop the Middlesex League. Lexington had won 8 ML games in a row after their opening day loss against the Lady Raiders.
And Lexington came out fast, ahead 12-7 five minutes into the game and 16-9 with 8:55 remaining. But Melrose heated up and took the lead 27-22 at halftime with an 18-6 run. Sheylani Peddy had 10 first half points.
The game remained tight in the second stanza, with Lexington taking the lead 36-35 with 7:35 left. But Melrose went up 43-38 with 5:42 left and held their hosts scoreless over the last 5:42 to seal the victory. Melrose led by 6 when a Peddy steal with 56 seconds left converted into an eight point margin.
A large crowd included Coach Storm and the two Dave Bradys, former Melrose coach and the Arlington Catholic coach.
Shey had 13 for Melrose and Lyn DeAmato chipped in 10, along with freshman center Siena Mamayek who added 8 points.
Lady Raider Notes: Melrose hasn't lost an ML game since Peddy's freshman campaign when they lost an overtime game to Woburn on Senior Night. Melrose continues to struggle from the charity stripe, going 6 for 14 tonight.
Monday, January 15, 2007
MLK Day Win for Melrose, 71-45*
Melrose (9-0) completed their first circuit through the Middlesex League, topping Wakefield (7-4) in a holiday game.
The Lady Raiders didn't get off to a fast start, leading 9-8 with 10:55 remaining, but gradually pulled away to a 38-21 first half cushion behind 15 Sheylani Peddy points.
The second half saw a stubborn Wakefield team pull to within 44-32 before Melrose went on a 13-2 run in the next four minutes to seal the game. The Lady Raiders won 71-45, heading into their Friday showdown with once-beaten Lexington.
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Hannah Brickley (33) has made an impact in both volleyball and basketball this season as a freshman.
_______________________________________________
Peddy, who fouled out, topped the Lady Raiders with 16, and freshman Hannah Brickley, the Melrose Volleyball Rookie of the Year, added ten first half point en route to a career high 13. Emily Clark had a season high eight off the bench providing support in the pivot. All twelve Melrose players available scored.
Brittany Kelliher led Wakefield with 19.
Lady Raider Notes: Melrose continues to struggle at the free throw line, going 10 for 16. The Boston Herald ranked the Lady Raiders first in their division II ratings and the The Boston Globe moved Melrose up to second from fifth, behind Bay State League leader Needham.
*Box score information provided by the "Back Row Gang"
The Lady Raiders didn't get off to a fast start, leading 9-8 with 10:55 remaining, but gradually pulled away to a 38-21 first half cushion behind 15 Sheylani Peddy points.
The second half saw a stubborn Wakefield team pull to within 44-32 before Melrose went on a 13-2 run in the next four minutes to seal the game. The Lady Raiders won 71-45, heading into their Friday showdown with once-beaten Lexington.
_______________________________________________
Hannah Brickley (33) has made an impact in both volleyball and basketball this season as a freshman._______________________________________________
Peddy, who fouled out, topped the Lady Raiders with 16, and freshman Hannah Brickley, the Melrose Volleyball Rookie of the Year, added ten first half point en route to a career high 13. Emily Clark had a season high eight off the bench providing support in the pivot. All twelve Melrose players available scored.
Brittany Kelliher led Wakefield with 19.
Lady Raider Notes: Melrose continues to struggle at the free throw line, going 10 for 16. The Boston Herald ranked the Lady Raiders first in their division II ratings and the The Boston Globe moved Melrose up to second from fifth, behind Bay State League leader Needham.
*Box score information provided by the "Back Row Gang"
Saturday, January 13, 2007
Never a Night at the Opera
The other day, coaches addressed one of Melrose's sixth grade travel teams, asking how they wanted to play. Some of the answers, "good, tough, do your best, hard, aggressive, winning." Nobody mentioned "for myself or college scholarship".
Celtics' announcer and former NBA playoff MVP Cedric Maxwell sometimes describes a player's game as a "A Night at the Opera" - ME-ME-ME. Melrose has played exceptional basketball this season by doing exactly the opposite.
The Lady Raiders have enjoyed success over the past 11 years by emphasizing defense, conditioning, and team play, boosted by a trio of All-Scholastics (Quiana Copeland, Shannon Kirwan, and Shey Peddy), and many All-League players and contributions from the whole team. Last night's victory brought the five year record to 98-6 (.942) and the three year to 54-2 (.964), with a one point and three point loss to deserving Gloucester and Oliver Ames squads, deep in the playoffs.
First year coach Rob Ferrante (above) has continued the program's success, adding some additional offensive sets, while bringing along four freshmen and a sophomore who contribute nightly, and set the competitive tone a practice. Freshman Hannah Brickley had her career high last evening, and all of the younger players have improved as the season progresses.
Celtics' announcer and former NBA playoff MVP Cedric Maxwell sometimes describes a player's game as a "A Night at the Opera" - ME-ME-ME. Melrose has played exceptional basketball this season by doing exactly the opposite.
The Lady Raiders have enjoyed success over the past 11 years by emphasizing defense, conditioning, and team play, boosted by a trio of All-Scholastics (Quiana Copeland, Shannon Kirwan, and Shey Peddy), and many All-League players and contributions from the whole team. Last night's victory brought the five year record to 98-6 (.942) and the three year to 54-2 (.964), with a one point and three point loss to deserving Gloucester and Oliver Ames squads, deep in the playoffs.
First year coach Rob Ferrante (above) has continued the program's success, adding some additional offensive sets, while bringing along four freshmen and a sophomore who contribute nightly, and set the competitive tone a practice. Freshman Hannah Brickley had her career high last evening, and all of the younger players have improved as the season progresses.
Meg Kirwan (above) is another outside threat for the Lady Raiders.
The starting guard trio of Shey Peddy, Lynley DeAmato, and Meg Kirwan have provided the best backcourt play of any Melrose team ever, and as a whole the team is playing as well as any Melrose team has. Add in the maturing play of the frontcourt led by Freshman Siena Mamayek and Senior Sharon Porcaro, and Melrose is poised to challenge their previous 52 game Middlesex League winning streak.
But it won't be easy, with two tough games against Wakefield and Lexington next week, the latter 7-1 and on a roll since an opening day nailbiting loss to Melrose.
Friday, January 12, 2007
Melrose Tops Winchester 56-19
(Data courtesy of the Back Row Gang)
Melrose captured its eighth consecutive victory of the 2006-2007 campaign with a 56-19 thrashing at Winchester. Winchester came into tonight's action in the bottom half of the Middlesex League, 3-5.
Melrose jumped out ahead 16-4 in the first seven minutes and led 34-8 at halftime, led by a dozen points from Shey Peddy and nine from Lyn DeAmato. Hannah Brickley added 6 en route to a career high eight.
The Lady Raiders coasted to victory in the second stanza, winning 56-19, topped by 17 from Lyn and 14 from Shey.
Lady Raiders Notes: Melrose faces Wakefield in a Martin Luther King Day clash before traveling to Lexington Friday at 5:30 for a rematch with the once-beaten Lady Minutemen.
Melrose took only 8 free throws in tonight's contest, making 4.
With the strength of the Division II North bracket, winning the D2 North title will most likely mean three tough contests beginning with the D2 quarterfinals. Among the widely-recognized contenders include the following: Arlington Catholic, Bishop Fenwick, Lincoln-Sudbury, Masconomet, Melrose, Reading, and Westford.
Melrose captured its eighth consecutive victory of the 2006-2007 campaign with a 56-19 thrashing at Winchester. Winchester came into tonight's action in the bottom half of the Middlesex League, 3-5.
Melrose jumped out ahead 16-4 in the first seven minutes and led 34-8 at halftime, led by a dozen points from Shey Peddy and nine from Lyn DeAmato. Hannah Brickley added 6 en route to a career high eight.
The Lady Raiders coasted to victory in the second stanza, winning 56-19, topped by 17 from Lyn and 14 from Shey.
Lady Raiders Notes: Melrose faces Wakefield in a Martin Luther King Day clash before traveling to Lexington Friday at 5:30 for a rematch with the once-beaten Lady Minutemen.
Melrose took only 8 free throws in tonight's contest, making 4.
With the strength of the Division II North bracket, winning the D2 North title will most likely mean three tough contests beginning with the D2 quarterfinals. Among the widely-recognized contenders include the following: Arlington Catholic, Bishop Fenwick, Lincoln-Sudbury, Masconomet, Melrose, Reading, and Westford.
Wednesday, January 10, 2007
Reality Bytes, Melrose Wins 70-29
The Melrose Lady Raiders 'hosted' Stoneham last night at Spartan Arena and took no prisoners, leading from the get go and crushing the Lady Spartans. Melrose (7-0) holds a one game lead over the Lexington Lady Minutemen (6-1), who defeated Reading 55-45 last night.
But is that really the story? Sheylani Peddy once again led the parade with a phenomenal night, 8 for 9 shooting, 4 for 5 on threes, 19 points, 7 rebounds and 6 assists, with several more that could have been converted into buckets. Lyn DeAmato, Meg Kirwan, and freshman center Siena Mamayek, playing her best game as a Lady Raider all played key supporting roles, and yet that may not be the biggest issue.
Melrose scored the first seven points and never looked back, leading 35-17 at halftime, and generally overwhelming Stoneham with speed and transition. 12 Melrose players scored, and everyone on the team played in both stanzas.
Yet, plenty of solid teams will present major obstacles for a repeat D2 North title this spring, with Arlington Catholic, Westford, Masconomet, Lincoln-Sudbury, Reading, and Bishop Fenwick all major obstacles. Anything except a one seed will mean three tough games.
While Melrose has excelled at ball movement, transition, three-point shooting, and revealed several new offensive sets last evening, we must take a moment to comment on a few areas that need improvement if the Lady Raiders are going back to the TD Banknorth Garden. First, setting SCREENS. Melrose (like most other high school teams) continually sets illegal screens, with players either moving or leaning at time of contact. The officials repeatedly called the Lady Raiders on this last evening, and they're looking for it more. It isn't one or two players. Players are reaching in on defense with their weight forward and getting burned on drives from the foul line extended area. Good teams will take advantage of these opportunities. Third, many of the younger players are trying to force the game rather than play within the system designed to help them to flourish. This results in avoidable turnovers and suboptimal shot-selection that can make a difference. Finally, the Lady Raiders must continue to improve their free throw shooting, as free throws determine the winner in crunch time in the biggest games.
Melrose has a gifted, well-coached team this year, and if they want to get to the pinnacle of success, they need to attend to the 'little things', items that involve player accountability, not coaching.
So what issue are we talking about? The feud between Melrose and the Stoneham coach goes way back to the days when she guided Wakefield to a State Title, crushing Melrose and many other teams along the way. Times have changed but hard feelings apparently have not, as in a Belichick-Mangini brushoff, no customary postgame handshake came off last night.
Adults set an example for children, and Middlesex League coaches need to show more sportsmanship...and I'm not criticizing Rob Ferrante who has done the 'right thing' the entire season.
But is that really the story? Sheylani Peddy once again led the parade with a phenomenal night, 8 for 9 shooting, 4 for 5 on threes, 19 points, 7 rebounds and 6 assists, with several more that could have been converted into buckets. Lyn DeAmato, Meg Kirwan, and freshman center Siena Mamayek, playing her best game as a Lady Raider all played key supporting roles, and yet that may not be the biggest issue.
Melrose scored the first seven points and never looked back, leading 35-17 at halftime, and generally overwhelming Stoneham with speed and transition. 12 Melrose players scored, and everyone on the team played in both stanzas.
Yet, plenty of solid teams will present major obstacles for a repeat D2 North title this spring, with Arlington Catholic, Westford, Masconomet, Lincoln-Sudbury, Reading, and Bishop Fenwick all major obstacles. Anything except a one seed will mean three tough games.
While Melrose has excelled at ball movement, transition, three-point shooting, and revealed several new offensive sets last evening, we must take a moment to comment on a few areas that need improvement if the Lady Raiders are going back to the TD Banknorth Garden. First, setting SCREENS. Melrose (like most other high school teams) continually sets illegal screens, with players either moving or leaning at time of contact. The officials repeatedly called the Lady Raiders on this last evening, and they're looking for it more. It isn't one or two players. Players are reaching in on defense with their weight forward and getting burned on drives from the foul line extended area. Good teams will take advantage of these opportunities. Third, many of the younger players are trying to force the game rather than play within the system designed to help them to flourish. This results in avoidable turnovers and suboptimal shot-selection that can make a difference. Finally, the Lady Raiders must continue to improve their free throw shooting, as free throws determine the winner in crunch time in the biggest games.
Melrose has a gifted, well-coached team this year, and if they want to get to the pinnacle of success, they need to attend to the 'little things', items that involve player accountability, not coaching.
So what issue are we talking about? The feud between Melrose and the Stoneham coach goes way back to the days when she guided Wakefield to a State Title, crushing Melrose and many other teams along the way. Times have changed but hard feelings apparently have not, as in a Belichick-Mangini brushoff, no customary postgame handshake came off last night.
Adults set an example for children, and Middlesex League coaches need to show more sportsmanship...and I'm not criticizing Rob Ferrante who has done the 'right thing' the entire season.
Sunday, January 07, 2007
Polls and Development News
Danny Ventura of The Boston Herald came out with his 'Starting Five' poll this Sunday, ranking Melrose second in Division II behind Arlington Catholic, which beat Central Catholic today.
The periodic poll from The Boston Globe has been added to the website links.
Development Drive: Travel team Head Coach Ralph Labella handed off three freshmen to Coach Rob Ferrante this season from his 8th grade development team: Hannah Brickley, Colleen Hanscom, and Laura Irwin. They joined Freshman Siena Mamayek who returned to Melrose High from the Charter School league.
Coach Labella has taken over a new group of sixth graders on the three year development journey. The nine player squad plays in the North Shore League and the River Valley 'A' League, with a 37 game schedule planned. The 'Baby Raiders' stand at 9-3 after sweeping to three wins this weekend over Concord (50-20), Pentucket (38-17), and previously unbeaten Revere (40-27). Players include Ashley Baldwin, Halima Barreento, Brooke Bell, Grace Celona, Brittany D'Innocenzo, Sydney Doherty, Olivia Downey, Rachel Johnson, and Shannon Lahiff.
The periodic poll from The Boston Globe has been added to the website links.
Development Drive: Travel team Head Coach Ralph Labella handed off three freshmen to Coach Rob Ferrante this season from his 8th grade development team: Hannah Brickley, Colleen Hanscom, and Laura Irwin. They joined Freshman Siena Mamayek who returned to Melrose High from the Charter School league.
Coach Labella has taken over a new group of sixth graders on the three year development journey. The nine player squad plays in the North Shore League and the River Valley 'A' League, with a 37 game schedule planned. The 'Baby Raiders' stand at 9-3 after sweeping to three wins this weekend over Concord (50-20), Pentucket (38-17), and previously unbeaten Revere (40-27). Players include Ashley Baldwin, Halima Barreento, Brooke Bell, Grace Celona, Brittany D'Innocenzo, Sydney Doherty, Olivia Downey, Rachel Johnson, and Shannon Lahiff.
Saturday, January 06, 2007
Tradition
In Melrose we say that "Tradition never graduates." Alumni Night brought back over twenty former Lady Raiders to celebrate their pasts and the present.
Quiana Copeland stopped by having returned from England where she is playing professionally.
______________________________________________
Oyin Aderibigbe was the center on the 2003 team that went 24-1 and went to the Fleet Center. Oyin is a senior at Harvard who stopped by for the gathering. Last we heard, "Owie" has her sights on medical school.
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Former Coach and Melrose resident Dave Brady received a special 'trophy' from Boosters Club President Mark Pearson, a jersey autographed by current and former Lady Raider standouts. Brady left coaching after last season and handed the reins over to long-time assistant Rob Ferrante.
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Cara Lynch puts her "John Hancock" on Brady's jersey, with onlookers including Shey Peddy. Cara attends Boston College.
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Community support means everything. Melrose stands behind its girls and the girls appreciate the encouragement.
Around and About
The Boston Herald notes Shey Peddy's accomplishment.
The Boston Globe also mentions the Melrose point guard.
Basketball guru Tom Hellen's early season analysis. Tom sees lots of games and lots of players, and presents very even-handed and thorough comments about top area programs and players. He has extensive coaching experience and his daughter Meredith was second team All-conference for Babson.
Need aggravation or just can't get enough EMASS girls' hoops. Then the Masslive forum is the place to go. Bring your antacids.
The Boston Globe also mentions the Melrose point guard.
Basketball guru Tom Hellen's early season analysis. Tom sees lots of games and lots of players, and presents very even-handed and thorough comments about top area programs and players. He has extensive coaching experience and his daughter Meredith was second team All-conference for Babson.
Need aggravation or just can't get enough EMASS girls' hoops. Then the Masslive forum is the place to go. Bring your antacids.
Friday, January 05, 2007
Melrose Wins as Shey Peddy Sets School Scoring Record
Melrose (6-0), staked a claim on undisputed first place in the Middlesex League with a 77-63 win over Reading Friday night at Stoneham High School.
Reading had just completed a successful Florida trip, and stood at 6-1, with Hartford (Division I) signee Mary Silvia at shooting guard, and Mansfield University (Division II) signee Tegan Attalah at center.
Sheylani Peddy came in with a chance to top Gatorade Player of the Year Shannon Kirwan's school scoring record (1313). And Shey came out afire, stealing the ball off the opening possession for a driving layup. She never let up during the first half, pouring in 25 first half point, reminiscent of her scoring outburst to top 1000 against Burlington last year.
Boosters club President Mark Pearson present Shey with a dozen roses, balloons, and Coach Ferrante presented her the basketball as mementos of the achievement as the game was stopped for several minutes.
But it wasn't all Shey. Lyn DeAmato poured in 20 points on the night, and Meg Kirwan put in eight first half points as the guard trio tallied forty-two first half points.
Melrose led 52-19 at the half with eight players scoring.
The second half showed Melrose with the early 61-29 advantage and substituting liberally. Reading made a steady and aggressive comeback, in part due to terrific outside shooting, the scoring of Mary Silvia, and a fall in Melrose's intensity.
Melrose struggled as their passing deteriorated, and the team failed to concentrate on clock and game management, which remain important skills to develop for championship contenders.
The lack of intensity, combined with some sloppy passing, ballbandling, and defense, resulted in a thirty-plus point lead dwindling to ten, and Coach Ferrante had to stop the Reading run by replacing the starters with three minutes remaining.
Lady Raider Notes: Shey Peddy had her season high with thirty points and running mate Lyn DeAmato tossed in her season high with twenty. Both had some spectacular drives and three point shooting.
Ten Melrose players scored on the evening. Hannah Brickley had a pair of stylish jumpers. Melrose shot a disastrous 16 for 34 free throws on the evening.
Reading had just completed a successful Florida trip, and stood at 6-1, with Hartford (Division I) signee Mary Silvia at shooting guard, and Mansfield University (Division II) signee Tegan Attalah at center.
Sheylani Peddy came in with a chance to top Gatorade Player of the Year Shannon Kirwan's school scoring record (1313). And Shey came out afire, stealing the ball off the opening possession for a driving layup. She never let up during the first half, pouring in 25 first half point, reminiscent of her scoring outburst to top 1000 against Burlington last year.
Boosters club President Mark Pearson present Shey with a dozen roses, balloons, and Coach Ferrante presented her the basketball as mementos of the achievement as the game was stopped for several minutes.
But it wasn't all Shey. Lyn DeAmato poured in 20 points on the night, and Meg Kirwan put in eight first half points as the guard trio tallied forty-two first half points.
Melrose led 52-19 at the half with eight players scoring.
The second half showed Melrose with the early 61-29 advantage and substituting liberally. Reading made a steady and aggressive comeback, in part due to terrific outside shooting, the scoring of Mary Silvia, and a fall in Melrose's intensity.
Melrose struggled as their passing deteriorated, and the team failed to concentrate on clock and game management, which remain important skills to develop for championship contenders.
The lack of intensity, combined with some sloppy passing, ballbandling, and defense, resulted in a thirty-plus point lead dwindling to ten, and Coach Ferrante had to stop the Reading run by replacing the starters with three minutes remaining.
Lady Raider Notes: Shey Peddy had her season high with thirty points and running mate Lyn DeAmato tossed in her season high with twenty. Both had some spectacular drives and three point shooting.
Ten Melrose players scored on the evening. Hannah Brickley had a pair of stylish jumpers. Melrose shot a disastrous 16 for 34 free throws on the evening.
Tuesday, January 02, 2007
Melrose 60 Woburn 21
Melrose (5-0) burned the Lady Tanners 60-21 Tuesday night at Woburn. Woburn came in struggling at 0-4, and Melrose went on a thirteen point run to open the game, and took a lead of 23-5 just after the eight minute mark.
Melrose held the halftime lead 35-6, led by Shey Peddy with ten first half points and Meg Kirwan with nine. Ten Melrose players scored in the first half.
The second half saw even more action for Lady Raider reserves, as Melrose pulled away, winning 60-21. Shey led Melrose with 18 points and Meg had 14. Among the young Lady Raiders, Laura Irwin had six points and Nicky Devereaux added five points.
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Freshman Laura Irwin is gaining valuable experience and confidence for the Lady Raiders this season._____________________________________________
Coach Rob Ferrante's charges hosts Reading Friday in an early season battle for first place in the Middlesex League.
Monday, January 01, 2007
Work in Progress
Some Melrose fans have ambitions for a broader exposure of MHS athletics, ideally via a centrally maintained website, run for and by MHS students. The site could include stories, statistics, features, league commentary, photographs, video, and more. It could become a subset of an expanded Melrose school system website, dovetailing with the community goal of promoting Melrose schools.
The website would create opportunities for students in website creation, management, and maintenance. It could even become part of the curriculum...maybe.
I invite your attention to the sidebar links to Melrose Wrestling and Melrose Volleyball. Let's hope that it part of the renaissance and recognition of the overall excellence of the Melrose school system and Melrose student-athletes.
The website would create opportunities for students in website creation, management, and maintenance. It could even become part of the curriculum...maybe.
I invite your attention to the sidebar links to Melrose Wrestling and Melrose Volleyball. Let's hope that it part of the renaissance and recognition of the overall excellence of the Melrose school system and Melrose student-athletes.
Something Old, Something New
This week could prove pivotal for the Lady Raiders as they travel to Woburn Tuesday and host Reading Friday.
Woburn is in the rebuilding mode, with second year coach Kate Martin struggling to right the ship for the Lady Tanners. Reading is going in the other direction, with Coach Kim Penney leading a strong contingent headed by Mary Silvia, Tegan Attallah, and Meredith Gent as they seek to wrest the Middlesex League crown from the Lady Raiders. Silvia is a bona fide Division I prospect, having signed with Hartford. Gent was the volleyball MVP for the North Shore this season.
While Melrose got back to practice, Reading traveled to Florida for a trio of games in the Sunshine State. You can be sure that the Lady Rockets will be loaded for bear as the seek to undo a lengthy streak of defeats at the hands of Melrose.
Woburn is in the rebuilding mode, with second year coach Kate Martin struggling to right the ship for the Lady Tanners. Reading is going in the other direction, with Coach Kim Penney leading a strong contingent headed by Mary Silvia, Tegan Attallah, and Meredith Gent as they seek to wrest the Middlesex League crown from the Lady Raiders. Silvia is a bona fide Division I prospect, having signed with Hartford. Gent was the volleyball MVP for the North Shore this season.
While Melrose got back to practice, Reading traveled to Florida for a trio of games in the Sunshine State. You can be sure that the Lady Rockets will be loaded for bear as the seek to undo a lengthy streak of defeats at the hands of Melrose.
Veterans like Shey Peddy and newcomers like Colleen Hanscom will have their hands full this week.
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Lady Raider Notes: A large contingent of Melrose fans was on hand at the Arlington Catholic/Masconomet finale of the Masco Christmas tournament. AC returned their star Elise Caira who proved too much for a gritty veteran Masco team, as AC upended Masco 64-61. With the competition in Division II North ferocious this year, Melrose could face one or both in the playoffs.
