Thursday, December 31, 2009
Year in Review (Free Press)
Wednesday, December 30, 2009
Melrose-Reading Tuesday: Intensity
The Melrose-Reading rivalry has been an intense battle through the years, with Melrose winning nine consecutive Middlesex League titles, only to be displaced by Reading in 2009. Melrose had a protracted winning streak approaching 20 games, but the Rockets have won four of the past five, including both games last season.
The game promises to have intensity, and I've put together a few clips, mostly, but not exclusively from the second game of the 2005 season, where Melrose came in undefeated, and Reading came in at 15-3. It's not hard to see that there's no love lost between these two clubs.
The clips come from the 2005 highlight video, produced by Mark Dustin.
The game promises to have intensity, and I've put together a few clips, mostly, but not exclusively from the second game of the 2005 season, where Melrose came in undefeated, and Reading came in at 15-3. It's not hard to see that there's no love lost between these two clubs.
The clips come from the 2005 highlight video, produced by Mark Dustin.
Important Win for Lady Raiders, Capture York Tournament
Melrose improved to 6-0 with a signature win, defeating York, Maine's second ranked team 51-47 in overtime.
Colleen Hanscom sparked the Lady Raiders with 21 points and 5 assists, and everyone contributed in key moments.
York had the better of it in the first half, leading 18-16 after one, and 31-24 at intermission, as their all-state candidate Niki Taylor had her way underneath. Taylor, a potential college power forward, under recruitment by multiple D1 schools, showed her versatility at both ends of the court, scoring 7 of York's first 10 points. A pair of Hanscom 3's kept Melrose in the game early.
Melrose went on a 12-0 run early in the second half, including a pair of key hoops by Siena Mamayek doing some heavy work in the paint as Melrose regained the lead at 32-31.
Still York wasn't done, battling back, abetted by an atrocious call with Hannah Brickley called for an offensive foul going to the basket with Melrose up 36-32, with the basket nullified and the free throw never to happen, allowing York to come back to knot the score at 38.
Both teams had opportunities down the stretch, with Melrose turning the ball over with 24 seconds remaining. As predicted York went to Taylor in the low block, but Melrose triple-teamed her and her shot rimmed out with the score even at 43. Teagan Bell's defense on the York point guard in the fourth period should neither go unnoticed nor unmentioned.
Melrose got off to a fast start in overtime, with a fallaway from the right side, followed by a Hanscom trey to go up five. Melrose then got a Brickley steal and Mamayek lay in to go up seven with 2:07 left in OT. York closed to within three on a pair of Taylor moves inside, but after missing the front end of a pair of one-and-ones, Melrose iced the game with Hanscom making the second of a double bonus to go up 51-47, the finale.
Rim Ramblings: Former Melrose AD, Sonny Lane noted that York is a young, but strong team, with only one senior getting much time, their point guard, and a favorite to win the Maine State Championship. Lane serves as an assistant on the York boys team, and freshman coach. Coach Rob Ferrante got the players' attention with an outburst late in the first half, imploring the team to cut down on turnovers. In a departure from the usual approach, the tournament awarded "sportsmanship" awards to a pair of players from each team, with Teagan Bell and Hannah Brickley the Melrose recipients.
Melrose faces the 'iron' of the Middlesex League beginning next week, hosting Reading Tuesday and traveling to Stoneham on Friday. If the Lady Raiders are to recapture the ML title, getting a sweep next week would constitute a giant step in that direction.
Colleen Hanscom sparked the Lady Raiders with 21 points and 5 assists, and everyone contributed in key moments.
York had the better of it in the first half, leading 18-16 after one, and 31-24 at intermission, as their all-state candidate Niki Taylor had her way underneath. Taylor, a potential college power forward, under recruitment by multiple D1 schools, showed her versatility at both ends of the court, scoring 7 of York's first 10 points. A pair of Hanscom 3's kept Melrose in the game early.
Melrose went on a 12-0 run early in the second half, including a pair of key hoops by Siena Mamayek doing some heavy work in the paint as Melrose regained the lead at 32-31.
Still York wasn't done, battling back, abetted by an atrocious call with Hannah Brickley called for an offensive foul going to the basket with Melrose up 36-32, with the basket nullified and the free throw never to happen, allowing York to come back to knot the score at 38.
Both teams had opportunities down the stretch, with Melrose turning the ball over with 24 seconds remaining. As predicted York went to Taylor in the low block, but Melrose triple-teamed her and her shot rimmed out with the score even at 43. Teagan Bell's defense on the York point guard in the fourth period should neither go unnoticed nor unmentioned.
Melrose got off to a fast start in overtime, with a fallaway from the right side, followed by a Hanscom trey to go up five. Melrose then got a Brickley steal and Mamayek lay in to go up seven with 2:07 left in OT. York closed to within three on a pair of Taylor moves inside, but after missing the front end of a pair of one-and-ones, Melrose iced the game with Hanscom making the second of a double bonus to go up 51-47, the finale.
Rim Ramblings: Former Melrose AD, Sonny Lane noted that York is a young, but strong team, with only one senior getting much time, their point guard, and a favorite to win the Maine State Championship. Lane serves as an assistant on the York boys team, and freshman coach. Coach Rob Ferrante got the players' attention with an outburst late in the first half, imploring the team to cut down on turnovers. In a departure from the usual approach, the tournament awarded "sportsmanship" awards to a pair of players from each team, with Teagan Bell and Hannah Brickley the Melrose recipients.
Melrose faces the 'iron' of the Middlesex League beginning next week, hosting Reading Tuesday and traveling to Stoneham on Friday. If the Lady Raiders are to recapture the ML title, getting a sweep next week would constitute a giant step in that direction.
Tuesday, December 29, 2009
York Holiday Tournament Continues
Melrose journeyed to York, Maine last night and moved to 5-0 with a 56-17 victory over Marshwood, Maine.
The Lady Raiders got off to a fast 18-4 first period lead (no shot clock in the tournament) and never looked back. There was plenty of playing time for everyone, with 10 players scoring, and Senior co-captain Laura Irwin still inactive with injury.
Colleen Hanscom and Hannah Brickley each had ten first half points to pace the winners, and finished with 10 and 14 respectively. Jill Slabacheski had a career-high five points off the bench, and frosh Amanda Commito had her first varsity trey.
Melrose led 32-12 at the half, and 43-17 after three.
Tonight, Melrose will face uber-tough host York in the championship contest.
Lady Raider Notes: From last night's program book - Since 1998, Melrose has posted an overall record of 230 wins and 29 losses. During that time they were in the State Tournament thirteen times and made it to six Div II North Championships, winning three. They won one Eastern Massachusetts Division II Championship and appeared in the State Championship once.
The Boston Herald included Melrose in their Division II pre-season Super Six. Siena Mamayek is given special recognition in the article as one of their Preseason Dream Team members.
Saturday, December 26, 2009
York Tournament Preview
Melrose travels to York, Maine for the York Holiday Tournament Monday and Tuesday (see blog for previous schedule). It won't be a cakewalk, despite the fact that Winnecunnet, last year's New Hampshire champion won't be coming to dinner, having opted for a Florida tournament instead.
Melrose faces Marshwood in the opener, the latter ranked 58th in Maine, coming in at 3-3 according to Maxpreps.com. Although Marshwood lost its last game to South Portland, the team got a valuable lesson, scoring 31 fourth quarter points in a furious comeback. Underestimating the Hawks would constitute a serious error. Melrose has averaged 60 points per game, while allowing 32.
In the other half of the girls bracket, York (7-0), ranked second in Maine hosts Osprey, NH, ranked 11th in New Hampshire. York has scored 396 points (56 ppg) while allowing only 162 (23 ppg), as one of the top teams in New England. York returns the core of its team from a 21-1 season, ranked third in Maine.
Melrose's best chance to compete against the top area teams in the playoffs comes from a willingness to face tough non-league competition to learn where improvement is most needed.
Tournament notes: Former Melrose Athletic Director Ellis "Sonny" Lane works as an assistant coach in the York boys program. Lane is in the Massachusetts Basketball Coaches Hall of Fame and coached Wakefield (boys) to a state championship in 1983.
Wednesday, December 23, 2009
Foul Weather not Enough to Derail Melrose, 52-46
Melrose traveled to Woburn and earned a comeback 52-46 win despite extended stretches in foul jail. Colleen Hanscom's 20 points and a key fourth quarter boost from Lia Limone brought home the victory.
Melrose trailed 14-10 after a period, as quick fouls sent Hannah Brickley to pine time. With Hannah on the bench and Laura Irwin out with injury, the inside game disappeared, worse yet when Siena Mamayek got her second foul. Woburn opened up an eleven point second period lead and went into intermission with a nine-point edge, 28-19. Colleen's eleven first half points kept Melrose in the game.
The third period started ominously, with Hannah picking up her third foul, but Melrose gradually regained their mojo, a 19-11 edge bringing the Lady Raiders to within a point. A pair of back-to-back threes by Colleen helped restore order.
With Melrose in gear and both Hannah and Siena working down low, Melrose assumed control with six points from Lia and five from Hannah the key to the quarter.
Lady Raider notes: The win moves Melrose to 4-0. According to reliable observers, the game was marred by an inordinate number of traveling calls. Colleen finished with 20 points, Hannah with 10, Lia and Siena with 8, and AnneMarie Wiesen with 5. Melrose was 8 for 15 from the free throw line. Learning to play aggressive, smart basketball despite fouls is an important skill, and the Lady Raiders passed that test tonight.
Melrose trailed 14-10 after a period, as quick fouls sent Hannah Brickley to pine time. With Hannah on the bench and Laura Irwin out with injury, the inside game disappeared, worse yet when Siena Mamayek got her second foul. Woburn opened up an eleven point second period lead and went into intermission with a nine-point edge, 28-19. Colleen's eleven first half points kept Melrose in the game.
The third period started ominously, with Hannah picking up her third foul, but Melrose gradually regained their mojo, a 19-11 edge bringing the Lady Raiders to within a point. A pair of back-to-back threes by Colleen helped restore order.
With Melrose in gear and both Hannah and Siena working down low, Melrose assumed control with six points from Lia and five from Hannah the key to the quarter.
Lady Raider notes: The win moves Melrose to 4-0. According to reliable observers, the game was marred by an inordinate number of traveling calls. Colleen finished with 20 points, Hannah with 10, Lia and Siena with 8, and AnneMarie Wiesen with 5. Melrose was 8 for 15 from the free throw line. Learning to play aggressive, smart basketball despite fouls is an important skill, and the Lady Raiders passed that test tonight.
Monday, December 21, 2009
No Suspense, Melrose 69-21
Melrose celebrated its revised home opener on cruise control, stopping the Burlington Red Devils 69-21. The Lady Raiders move to 3-0 with the victory, and travel to Woburn Wednesday.
Melrose came out fast, leading 18-4 after one and 39-10 at the break. It was paint by the numbers with Hannah Brickley (13) and Siena Mamayek (11) dominating from the inside in the first half. Colleen Hanscom continually applied defensive pressure from the point, and AnneMarie Wiesen dominated on the glass.
The second half meant more of the same, with a third quarter 16-2 advantage...and a 14-9 fourth closed the rout. Melrose wasn't fast breaking or trying to speed up the play, but Burlington continued to press full court and get beaten for early baskets.
Hannah (18), Siena (15), and Colleen (11) led Melrose scoring, and AnneMarie added 8 (along with seven third quarter rebounds) and Nicole Meuse seven. Co-captain Laura Irwin has been unable to return to action because of injury.
Melrose had an impressive 22 for 28 from the free throw line (78.6%).
Lady Raider Notes: Coming into tonight, only Melrose, Reading, and Stoneham were undefeated at 2-0 in the Middlesex League. Faces in the crowd, included Steve Kirwan who has coached many successful Lady Raiders, and former Lady Raider All-time scoring leader, Sheylani Peddy, currently sitting out a year after transferring to Temple.
Melrose came out fast, leading 18-4 after one and 39-10 at the break. It was paint by the numbers with Hannah Brickley (13) and Siena Mamayek (11) dominating from the inside in the first half. Colleen Hanscom continually applied defensive pressure from the point, and AnneMarie Wiesen dominated on the glass.
The second half meant more of the same, with a third quarter 16-2 advantage...and a 14-9 fourth closed the rout. Melrose wasn't fast breaking or trying to speed up the play, but Burlington continued to press full court and get beaten for early baskets.
Hannah (18), Siena (15), and Colleen (11) led Melrose scoring, and AnneMarie added 8 (along with seven third quarter rebounds) and Nicole Meuse seven. Co-captain Laura Irwin has been unable to return to action because of injury.
Melrose had an impressive 22 for 28 from the free throw line (78.6%).
Lady Raider Notes: Coming into tonight, only Melrose, Reading, and Stoneham were undefeated at 2-0 in the Middlesex League. Faces in the crowd, included Steve Kirwan who has coached many successful Lady Raiders, and former Lady Raider All-time scoring leader, Sheylani Peddy, currently sitting out a year after transferring to Temple.
Need Polls?
EmassSports.com with links to a variety of polls. Play well and 'rankings' take care of themselves.
Sunday, December 20, 2009
York Holiday Tournament Schedule*
* Courtesy Dick Collis
WILDCAT INVITATIONAL HOLIDAY TOURNAMENT
SCHEDULE
MONDAY – DEC. 28, 2009
GAME #1 3 PM
MELROSE,MA (G) VS MARSHWOOD, ME (G)
GAME #2 4:45 PM
WATERTOWN, MA (B) VS MARSHWOOD, ME (B)
GAME #3 6:30 PM
OYSTER RIVER, NH (G) VS YORK, ME (G)
GAME #4 8:15 PM
SOMERSWORTH, NH (B) VS YORK, ME (B)
*** Teams listed on the left side above will wear dark colored jerseys.
Teams on the right side above will wear white colored jerseys.
TUESDAY – DEC. 29, 2009
GAME #5 3 PM
LOSING TEAMS OF GAMES #2 AND #4 (B)
GAME #6 4:45
LOSING TEAMS OF GAMES #1 AND #3 (G)
GAME #7 6:30
WINNING TEAMS OF GAMES #2 AND #4 (B)
GAME #8 8:15
WINNING TEAMS OF GAMES #1 AND #3 (G)
***Colored jerseys to be announced for Tuesday games.
Reminder for teams to bring both colored jerseys.
WEATHER DATE IS WEDNESDAY, DEC. 30, 2009
Friday, December 18, 2009
Fast Start, Strong Finish Sinks Marauders
Melrose made the second longest trip of the regular season and left Belmont with a 64-31 victory, to go 2-0 in the Middlesex League.
A 16-2 first quarter sealed the Marauders fate, led by the Melrose frontcourt, as the Painted Ladies scored all the first stanza points. The frontcourt added another seventeen in the second frame, as Melrose carried an insurmountable 36-15 lead into the break, led by Hannah Brickley's thirteen points and Siena Mamayek's ten.
The third period saw a 10-9 Melrose advantage, featuring a pair of treys, one apiece for senior point guard Colleen Hanscom and Leah Limone.
Melrose closed out the game with a 16-7 advantage to seal the victory. Remarkably, amidst the win, Melrose had only five free throw attempts, sinking four.
Improved free throw shooting could be a big key in close games, particularly in the postseason.
Hannah paced the scoring with 21, Siena added 14, Colleen had 8, and Leah Limone and Amanda Peters each had 6. Eight players figured in the scoring, and Laura Irwin remained sidelined recovering from a volleyball injury. The team achieved its usual goal of holding the opposition to under forty points.
Melrose hosts Burlington Monday at 5:30 in the revised home opener.
"Defense and rebounding determine the outcome. Offense decides the margin of victory."
A 16-2 first quarter sealed the Marauders fate, led by the Melrose frontcourt, as the Painted Ladies scored all the first stanza points. The frontcourt added another seventeen in the second frame, as Melrose carried an insurmountable 36-15 lead into the break, led by Hannah Brickley's thirteen points and Siena Mamayek's ten.
The third period saw a 10-9 Melrose advantage, featuring a pair of treys, one apiece for senior point guard Colleen Hanscom and Leah Limone.
Melrose closed out the game with a 16-7 advantage to seal the victory. Remarkably, amidst the win, Melrose had only five free throw attempts, sinking four.
Improved free throw shooting could be a big key in close games, particularly in the postseason.
Hannah paced the scoring with 21, Siena added 14, Colleen had 8, and Leah Limone and Amanda Peters each had 6. Eight players figured in the scoring, and Laura Irwin remained sidelined recovering from a volleyball injury. The team achieved its usual goal of holding the opposition to under forty points.
Melrose hosts Burlington Monday at 5:30 in the revised home opener.
"Defense and rebounding determine the outcome. Offense decides the margin of victory."
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
Double Time: Melrose 56-28
Melrose traveled to Watertown for the 2009 season opener and came away with a 56-28 victory. The Lady Raiders embark on a journey looking to reclaim the Middlesex League title.
Melrose got off to an opening period 9-2 lead featuring five points from Hannah Brickley, and took a 20-13 lead into the locker room. Hannah had nine points at the break and point guard Colleen Hanscom five. Annemarie Wiesen did a terrific job at keeping Watertown's Division I recruit Brittany Obi-Tabot in check, hplding her to sixteen points.
Melrose extended the lead to 35-22 after three periods, with Colleen delivering eight points in the quarter.
A finishing 21-6 stanza produced the final margin, with Colleen adding another seven points and Hannah six. Colleen finished with twenty points and Hannah fifteen. Siena Mamayek and Annemarie each added half a dozen points and Amanda Peters had five.
Melrose shot 12 for 18 from the stripe, and had four treys, including three from Hanscom and one from Peters.
Melrose got off to an opening period 9-2 lead featuring five points from Hannah Brickley, and took a 20-13 lead into the locker room. Hannah had nine points at the break and point guard Colleen Hanscom five. Annemarie Wiesen did a terrific job at keeping Watertown's Division I recruit Brittany Obi-Tabot in check, hplding her to sixteen points.
Melrose extended the lead to 35-22 after three periods, with Colleen delivering eight points in the quarter.
A finishing 21-6 stanza produced the final margin, with Colleen adding another seven points and Hannah six. Colleen finished with twenty points and Hannah fifteen. Siena Mamayek and Annemarie each added half a dozen points and Amanda Peters had five.
Melrose shot 12 for 18 from the stripe, and had four treys, including three from Hanscom and one from Peters.
Venue Change: MELROSE AT WATERTOWN today
Equipment malfunction (shot clock) means today's opening day contests move to Watertown.
Sunday, December 13, 2009
Hoop Season Starts Tuesday. Lady Raiders Look to Regain Top Spot in ML
The Girls' Basketball season is just around the corner, as the Lady Raiders open up Tuesday, hosting Watertown, with Division I scholarship player Brittany Obi-Tabot. Tabot averaged nearly twenty points a game last season, despite facing double and triple teams.
Melrose returns a veteran team, coming off a 16-5 season and a tough loss to Lincoln-Sudbury in the first round last season. As they are every season, expectations are high, with the shared 'core' of the team moving off the volleyball court and onto the basketball court. Returning starters Hannah Brickley, Colleen Hanscom, Laura Irwin (ankle injury), and Siena Mamayek look to recapture the Middlesex League title, with Nicole Meuse and Annemarie Wiesen battling for the final starting position.
Tom Hellen profiles some of the preseason top players here, including several Melrose returnees.
Stoneham, which split with Melrose last season, and Reading, last year's ML champion figure to be roadblocks that the Lady Raiders will need to overcome. Lexington also has been a consistent competitor, using height and the slowdown game to frustrate teams. Winchester came on late last season, and looks to attack using the three.
Melrose returns a veteran team, coming off a 16-5 season and a tough loss to Lincoln-Sudbury in the first round last season. As they are every season, expectations are high, with the shared 'core' of the team moving off the volleyball court and onto the basketball court. Returning starters Hannah Brickley, Colleen Hanscom, Laura Irwin (ankle injury), and Siena Mamayek look to recapture the Middlesex League title, with Nicole Meuse and Annemarie Wiesen battling for the final starting position.Tom Hellen profiles some of the preseason top players here, including several Melrose returnees.
Stoneham, which split with Melrose last season, and Reading, last year's ML champion figure to be roadblocks that the Lady Raiders will need to overcome. Lexington also has been a consistent competitor, using height and the slowdown game to frustrate teams. Winchester came on late last season, and looks to attack using the three.
Thursday, December 10, 2009
Tom Hellen puts out his preseason rankings at CoachStorm5.com. What follows is Tom's thoughtful consideration of where Melrose stands.
Of course, games are won on the court, not in the media.
Melrose (D2 N) – 16 - 5 Losing 5 games last season is probably considered a “down year” in Melrose but I don’t think that happens this winter. Look for 5 seniors to start including Siena Mamayek in the middle, Colleen Hanscom at the point, Hannah Brickley banging inside, Laura Irwin ...all 4 started last year. Not enough seniors for you? Then how about Nicole Meuse, Annmarie Wiesen, and Amanda Peters coming off the bench…also all seniors. Senior dominated teams win and they have some good ones. Love their Xmas Tourney as they travel up to my favorite getaway spot in York Beach, Maine. They better watch out for York’s 6’ star Nikki Taylor as she’s a good one.
