Melrose Lady Raiders Basketball

In the biggest regular season game for the Lady Raiders in years, Melrose hosts Middlesex League co-leader Belmont (10-1) at the Melrose Veterans Memorial Middle School at 5:30 P.M. Melrose looks to avenge an early season loss at Belmont in trying to get sole possession of first place as it seeks to win its 9th consecutive ML league girls' basketball title.

Belmont brings superior height with consistent scoring from Sophomore Clare Sullivan as well as Meg Zolner and Molly Galvin. Belmont comes off a good win Tuesday against Lexington as coach Paula Christofori's Lady Marauders seek to break through.

Melrose brings talent and tradition to the Middle School Gym, riding an eight game ML win streak and planning to bring its basketball DNA to bear. The Lady Raiders play a predominantly half-court man-to-man defense and complement transition basketball with a variety of motion offense schemes.

Senior Meg Kirwan leads the Lady Raiders in scoring, amply assisted by forward Hannah Brickley, having a breakout season. Senior co-captain Emily Clark brings rebounding and interior defense, and Sophomore Siena Mamayek has shown consistent all-around performance at the four. Soph Colleen Hanscom and Nicki Devereaux divide time at the point.

Keys to the game for the Lady Raiders:

• Contain Belmont's big front line underneath...blocking out will be critical.
• "The ball is gold." Melrose will need to bring their best ball security to the fore, minimizing turnovers.
• Good defensive technique to avoid foul trouble .
• Conversion at the free throw line. Melrose has shot better from the stripe recently, and free throw percentage is pivotal in close games. As one coach says, "dogs that chase cars and teams that can't shoot free throws don't last long."

Lady Raider notes: Alum Shey Peddy had yet another game winning hoop for the Wright State Raiders tonight, as WSU defeated Valparaiso 51-50. Peddy has three game winning hoops in the final minute this season. She is now in the top 20 nationally in Division I averaging 3.2 steals per game and also in the top 40 nationally with a shooting percentage of 54 percent. Last season Shey shot 61 percent from 3 point land for Melrose.