Melrose Lady Raiders Basketball

The Boosters Club hosted a gala end-of-season banquet at Mount Hood for the Lady Raiders, coaches, families, and supporters. Booster Club President Howard Hanscom and Coach Rob Ferrante served as co- Masters of Ceremonies. Howard deserves special credit (not only for being Colleen's dad) for his stewardship of the organization the past few years, which helped take the club to the next level in supporting the players.

The team finished 20-4, with the D2 North Championship for the fourth time in eleven years. The JV was 13-5 and the Freshman team was 14-1.

Speakers attending included Mayor Rob Dolan, A.D. Pat Ruggiero, Principal Joe Dillon, and Superintendent Joe Casey.

Howard and Rob summarized the season and handed out certificates, letters, bars (repeat letter winners), stars (captains), and a variety of special awards. Mount Hood staff catered the event with a terrific buffet.

Melrose resident and Watertown A.D. and Middlesex League Basketball Commissioner was on hand not to hand out the mythical League Championship trophy, which is under guard at an undisclosed location...

Special awards included:

Unsung Hero - Amanda Peters
Sixth Player - Teagan Bell
Most Improved - Ashley Cunningham
Coaches' Award - Nicole Meuse
Special Achievement - Laura Irwin
Special Achievement - Siena Mamayek
Offensive Player of the Year - Colleen Hanscom
Most Valuable Player - Hannah Brickley
Lady Raider Award - AnneMarie Wiesen

As fans know, Hannah was recognized for her All-Scholastic Award by the Boston Globe, Hannah, Colleen, and Siena were Middlesex League All-League, and Hannah and Siena were both recognized for being named to the Massachusetts Basketball Coaches All-Academic team.

The Boosters Club recognized many contributors to the Melrose basketball program, too numerous to be mentioned here.

The players also received special gifts for their efforts.

Videojam's Jeff Mate' completed the evening with a terrific video with player introductions, some light humor, interviews, and highlights of regular season and playoff action.

Congratulations to the players, coaches, and families for a memorable season.

Don Norris with some terrific shots.