Friday, November 14, 2008
Basketball Season Upon Us Soon
Every season brings change, but this season brings yet another end to an era. With graduation, Melrose loses not only Emily Clark but Middlesex League MVP Meg Kirwan. Melrose enters without their top scorer and best offensive rebounder, as they seek to extend the streak of 9 consecutive ML titles.
However, Rob Ferrante still has plenty of firepower left in his squad which will try to hold off the challenge from a veteran Reading team led by Jacqueline Lyons at point guard and shooting guard Cat Carey. Up front, Melrose brings All-League forward (and volleyball All-Stater) Hannah Brickley, Center Siena Mamayek, Laura Irwin (coming off an injury), and Annemarie Wiesen all with considerable experience. In the backcourt, Colleen Hanscom looks to have a breakout season, and should be complemented well by Nicki Devereaux and Nicole Meuse. Amanda Peters, Christine Viola, and Ashley Cunningham all provided major contributions during summer league and summer tournament play.
One never knows who else has developed and become important contributors.
In addition to finding scoring lost to graduation and the challenge of Reading, Melrose will need to find consistent rebounding while undersized, defend the perimeter against teams like Reading that exploit the long-range game, defeat pressure defenses, identify optimum shot selection, and continue to improve their free throw shooting. Melrose shredded zone defenses in the summer with superior passing, an area where the Lady Raiders have struggled over the years.
However, Rob Ferrante still has plenty of firepower left in his squad which will try to hold off the challenge from a veteran Reading team led by Jacqueline Lyons at point guard and shooting guard Cat Carey. Up front, Melrose brings All-League forward (and volleyball All-Stater) Hannah Brickley, Center Siena Mamayek, Laura Irwin (coming off an injury), and Annemarie Wiesen all with considerable experience. In the backcourt, Colleen Hanscom looks to have a breakout season, and should be complemented well by Nicki Devereaux and Nicole Meuse. Amanda Peters, Christine Viola, and Ashley Cunningham all provided major contributions during summer league and summer tournament play.
One never knows who else has developed and become important contributors.
In addition to finding scoring lost to graduation and the challenge of Reading, Melrose will need to find consistent rebounding while undersized, defend the perimeter against teams like Reading that exploit the long-range game, defeat pressure defenses, identify optimum shot selection, and continue to improve their free throw shooting. Melrose shredded zone defenses in the summer with superior passing, an area where the Lady Raiders have struggled over the years.
// posted by Ron Sen, MD, FCCP @ 8:03 PM 
