Saturday, February 23, 2008
First Round Preview
Melrose (17-3) hosts North Andover (11-9)coached by Sue Breen, from the Cape Ann League. The CAL champion, Masconomet, earned the number one seed in Division II North, finishing at 19-1 with their only loss an overtime defeat to South powerhouse Cardinal Spellman.
North Andover is led by Nicole Zahoruiko, who puts up regular double doubles, including a combined 43 points and 27 rebounds in her final two regular season games against Masco and Chelmsford.
Melrose is led by senior co-Captains Meghan Kirwan, Middlesex League MVP and Emily Clark, a 5-11 power forward who came into her own during the second half of the season. Kirwan effectively slashes to the basket, is relentless on both ends of the boards, and has three point range. Melrose historically relies on man-to-man defense and transition offense.
Melrose's Kiddie Corps, sophomores Hannah Brickley (All-League), Siena Mamayek (All-Star), Colleen Hanscom, Laura Irwin, and Nicole Meuse, along with junior Nicki Devereaux all get consistent minutes.
Melrose has gone deep into the playoffs over the past five seasons.
North Andover is led by Nicole Zahoruiko, who puts up regular double doubles, including a combined 43 points and 27 rebounds in her final two regular season games against Masco and Chelmsford.
Melrose is led by senior co-Captains Meghan Kirwan, Middlesex League MVP and Emily Clark, a 5-11 power forward who came into her own during the second half of the season. Kirwan effectively slashes to the basket, is relentless on both ends of the boards, and has three point range. Melrose historically relies on man-to-man defense and transition offense.
Melrose's Kiddie Corps, sophomores Hannah Brickley (All-League), Siena Mamayek (All-Star), Colleen Hanscom, Laura Irwin, and Nicole Meuse, along with junior Nicki Devereaux all get consistent minutes.
Melrose has gone deep into the playoffs over the past five seasons.
- 2003, D2 North Champs, EMASS finals, Fleet Center loss to Fontbonne
- 2004, D2 North semifinals, loss to AC
- 2005, D2 North finals, one point loss to Gloucester
- 2006, D2 North Champs, EMASS finals, Fleet Center three point loss to State Champion Oliver Ames
- 2007, D2 North finals, loss to State Champion Lincoln Sudbury
Melrose takes a 14-5 playoff record over the past five years into high school's version of March Madness. Melrose looks to return to the Tsongas Arena for the fifth time in the past six seasons, but will enjoy playoff action in Melrose after two seasons in Stoneham during school construction.
Alumni Notes: Shey Peddy continues to have a terrific freshman season at Wright State, leading the Raiders to a 9-5 Horizon League record. Shey leads her team in scoring at 15.4 points per game, is 15th in Division I in steals and remains among the top 40 nationally in shooting percentage.
// posted by Ron Sen, MD, FCCP @ 11:14 PM 
