Saturday, February 19, 2011
No Survival Versus Rival, Wakefield 44 Melrose 39
Melrose hosted rival Wakefield on "Senior Night" and the visitors took home the victory, 44-39. In their previous meeting, Melrose had outlasted Wakefield with a strong fourth period.
Prior to the game, Seniors Tori Wyland and Kelsey Gilbert received flowers and recognition for their contribution to the Melrose basketball program.
Wakefield got off to a quick start, leading 8-1 before Melrose clawed its way back. Kayla Wyland had a pair of first period hoops, and Melrose trailed 12-7 after one.
The second period saw Melrose close within one to 18-17, thanks to 8-8 free throw shooting and good pressure defense near the half. Melrose forced a number of Wakefield turnovers, and junior Jill Slabacheski drained four shots from the charity stripe. A late Emma Caffey basket narrowed the Lady Warriors lead to a single point.
Melrose played some of its best transition basketball of the season in period three, with an attacking fast break offense, and good spacing on the break. Sophomore Sydney Doherty (10 points, Melrose scoring leader), had three hoops and the team stretched its consecutive free throw string to twelve at one point. Shannon Lahiff had a nice 'floater' down the lane late in the stanza, as Melrose got even at 31.
Unfortunately, Melrose couldn't sustain the charge in the fourth period, as Wakefield capitalized on the Lady Raiders' offensive sluggishness, and with the score 42-39 Wakefield in the dying moments, a Doherty 'three' rimmed out from the left, and Wakefield got garbage time points to take the win.
The Lady Raiders had an outstanding night at the free throw line shooting 16 for 21. After Doherty, the next leading scorer for Melrose was Kayla Wyland with six points.
Lady Raider Notes: Melrose finishes the Middlesex League campaign 5 and 13 and faces Tewksbury Sunday in the first round of the St. Mary's Spartan Classic. It appears they will play against either Wilmington or Gloucester on Monday.
Melrose's Shey Peddy appeared on CBS C Television today as Temple crushed Duquesne to remain undefeated in the Atlantic 10. Peddy was featured as Temple's key player before the game and responded with 17 points in the victory before coming out after being poked in the face midway through the second half. Shey went over 1000 points in college this season (currently over 1200) and Temple has a shot to crack the top 25 if they can beat top ten ranked Xavier next week.
Prior to the game, Seniors Tori Wyland and Kelsey Gilbert received flowers and recognition for their contribution to the Melrose basketball program.
Wakefield got off to a quick start, leading 8-1 before Melrose clawed its way back. Kayla Wyland had a pair of first period hoops, and Melrose trailed 12-7 after one.
The second period saw Melrose close within one to 18-17, thanks to 8-8 free throw shooting and good pressure defense near the half. Melrose forced a number of Wakefield turnovers, and junior Jill Slabacheski drained four shots from the charity stripe. A late Emma Caffey basket narrowed the Lady Warriors lead to a single point.
Melrose played some of its best transition basketball of the season in period three, with an attacking fast break offense, and good spacing on the break. Sophomore Sydney Doherty (10 points, Melrose scoring leader), had three hoops and the team stretched its consecutive free throw string to twelve at one point. Shannon Lahiff had a nice 'floater' down the lane late in the stanza, as Melrose got even at 31.
Unfortunately, Melrose couldn't sustain the charge in the fourth period, as Wakefield capitalized on the Lady Raiders' offensive sluggishness, and with the score 42-39 Wakefield in the dying moments, a Doherty 'three' rimmed out from the left, and Wakefield got garbage time points to take the win.
The Lady Raiders had an outstanding night at the free throw line shooting 16 for 21. After Doherty, the next leading scorer for Melrose was Kayla Wyland with six points.
Lady Raider Notes: Melrose finishes the Middlesex League campaign 5 and 13 and faces Tewksbury Sunday in the first round of the St. Mary's Spartan Classic. It appears they will play against either Wilmington or Gloucester on Monday.
Melrose's Shey Peddy appeared on CBS C Television today as Temple crushed Duquesne to remain undefeated in the Atlantic 10. Peddy was featured as Temple's key player before the game and responded with 17 points in the victory before coming out after being poked in the face midway through the second half. Shey went over 1000 points in college this season (currently over 1200) and Temple has a shot to crack the top 25 if they can beat top ten ranked Xavier next week.
Tuesday, February 15, 2011
Defense Plugs Leaks, Sinks Watertown 42-40
Melrose earned a hard-earned 42-40 win tonight at the Middle School Gymnasium using defense and youth to beat Watertown.
Watertown had previously defeated Melrose on a last-second shot, so the Lady Raiders looked to earn a split on the season.
Melrose used the inside work of Kayla Wyland and threes from Lia Limone and Shannon Lahiff to take an 11-7 advantage, stretched to a 20-13 lead at halftime after strong play from Alyssa DiRaffaele. Wyland led scorers with 6 points at halftime, but it was the defense of Brooke Bell and Shannon Lahiff on Watertown's point guard Gabrielle Coppola that mattered most, as they harassed her and forced turnovers and kept her out of the lane.
Melrose got more solid team play and board work from Alyssa in the third as they took a 31-22 lead into the final stanza.
Jill Slabacheski got a quick jumper to get Melrose off to a good start in the fourth, but Watertown wouldn't quit, as they heated up from three point land, ultimately tying the game late. Melrose went with a smaller, quick lineup of Jenny McGee, Limone, Sydney Doherty, Bell, and Lahiff in the fourth. Watertown had the ball in the final minute, but Lahiff stripped the ball from Coppola, advanced it to Bell, who attacked the basket and delivered a wrap-around pass to Doherty who found the net for the game winner. Melrose was able to keep Watertown from getting quality shots in the final second to seal the win.
Alyssa had 9 points to lead Melrose scoring, followed by 8 apiece for Lia and Kayla.
Lady Raider Notes: Melrose performed better on the glass tonight, and was solid from the stripe, going 7 for 9 during the contest. Not overlooked was the sharp passing of Sydney Doherty, who had at least 4 assists, and made a number of terrific passes to help beat the Watertown press. Only outstanding three point shooting from Watertown kept them in the game in the fourth period.
The win brings Melrose to 5-12 as they host Wakefield Friday. With three games remaining, Melrose has a chance to position itself as a contender for 2011-12.
Watertown had previously defeated Melrose on a last-second shot, so the Lady Raiders looked to earn a split on the season.
Melrose used the inside work of Kayla Wyland and threes from Lia Limone and Shannon Lahiff to take an 11-7 advantage, stretched to a 20-13 lead at halftime after strong play from Alyssa DiRaffaele. Wyland led scorers with 6 points at halftime, but it was the defense of Brooke Bell and Shannon Lahiff on Watertown's point guard Gabrielle Coppola that mattered most, as they harassed her and forced turnovers and kept her out of the lane.
Melrose got more solid team play and board work from Alyssa in the third as they took a 31-22 lead into the final stanza.
Jill Slabacheski got a quick jumper to get Melrose off to a good start in the fourth, but Watertown wouldn't quit, as they heated up from three point land, ultimately tying the game late. Melrose went with a smaller, quick lineup of Jenny McGee, Limone, Sydney Doherty, Bell, and Lahiff in the fourth. Watertown had the ball in the final minute, but Lahiff stripped the ball from Coppola, advanced it to Bell, who attacked the basket and delivered a wrap-around pass to Doherty who found the net for the game winner. Melrose was able to keep Watertown from getting quality shots in the final second to seal the win.
Alyssa had 9 points to lead Melrose scoring, followed by 8 apiece for Lia and Kayla.
Lady Raider Notes: Melrose performed better on the glass tonight, and was solid from the stripe, going 7 for 9 during the contest. Not overlooked was the sharp passing of Sydney Doherty, who had at least 4 assists, and made a number of terrific passes to help beat the Watertown press. Only outstanding three point shooting from Watertown kept them in the game in the fourth period.
The win brings Melrose to 5-12 as they host Wakefield Friday. With three games remaining, Melrose has a chance to position itself as a contender for 2011-12.
Monday, February 14, 2011
Not the Sunday Best
Melrose moves into the final week of Middlesex League play after a 71-41 loss at the Middle School Sunday. The defeat brings Melrose's record to 4-12, while Reading remains tied with Woburn at the top of the Middlesex League with one defeat apiece.
Reading took a 17-7 lead after the first period, and held it at halftime with a 32-20 advantage. Melrose couldn't keep Reading off the boards as the Rockets used their superior size and strength to dominate the glass.
Reading put Melrose away in the third with a 22-8 pounding before coasting to victory.
Sophomore guards Brooke Bell and Shannon Lahiff scored 13 and 10 points respectively for Melrose, as each nailed a pair of three pointers. Melrose finished 8-18 from the free throw line.
Melrose hosts Watertown tomorrow and Wakefield Friday in the conclusion of the Middlesex League schedule.
Reading took a 17-7 lead after the first period, and held it at halftime with a 32-20 advantage. Melrose couldn't keep Reading off the boards as the Rockets used their superior size and strength to dominate the glass.
Reading put Melrose away in the third with a 22-8 pounding before coasting to victory.
Sophomore guards Brooke Bell and Shannon Lahiff scored 13 and 10 points respectively for Melrose, as each nailed a pair of three pointers. Melrose finished 8-18 from the free throw line.
Melrose hosts Watertown tomorrow and Wakefield Friday in the conclusion of the Middlesex League schedule.
Friday, February 11, 2011
"Hand Down, Man Down", Lexington 55-48
One of Mark Jackson's favorite NBA comments is "hand down, man down". In boxing parlance, it means you drop your hands, and you're going down. In the NBA, if you're not playing enough defense, you're going down. Lexington ended the Lady Raiders' playoff streak early, going up 13-0 en route to a 55-48 victory.
Melrose trailed 19-7 and 31-19 at the first two periods and almost reached the half century mark on offense with a twenty point fourth.
The loss drops Melrose to 4-11 and eliminates them from the post-season.
Nine players figured in the scoring column for Melrose led by Brooke Bell with 10 and Lia Limone with 8. Melrose had five three pointers, including a pair apiece from Lia and Shannon Lahiff, and another from Sydney Doherty. Melrose continued its ups and downs from the stripe, shooting 11-22.
The Lady Raiders host Reading Sunday at 1:30. The Rockets will likely be in a foul mood after losing to Woburn 53-51 tonight, ending their unbeaten season.
Melrose trailed 19-7 and 31-19 at the first two periods and almost reached the half century mark on offense with a twenty point fourth.
The loss drops Melrose to 4-11 and eliminates them from the post-season.
Nine players figured in the scoring column for Melrose led by Brooke Bell with 10 and Lia Limone with 8. Melrose had five three pointers, including a pair apiece from Lia and Shannon Lahiff, and another from Sydney Doherty. Melrose continued its ups and downs from the stripe, shooting 11-22.
The Lady Raiders host Reading Sunday at 1:30. The Rockets will likely be in a foul mood after losing to Woburn 53-51 tonight, ending their unbeaten season.
Thursday, February 10, 2011
Things That Have Gone Right
"Experience is the best teacher, but sometimes the tuition is high."
"Good judgment comes from experience; experience comes from bad judgment."
Melrose traveled to the Linoleum Palace, and improving Belmont capitalized with a 57-41 victory. Belmont went to work early, as the Marauders broadsided the Lady Raiders with a 20-8 opening salvo en route to an insurmountable 36-18 halftime edge. Katie Leinbach went off for an 18 point scoring binge for the hosts.
Melrose captured the second half edge 23-21, but that was too little and too late as the Lady Raiders dropped to 4-10.
Sophomore Sydney Doherty had a career high 14 points for Melrose to lead the locals, who also shot a much improved 11 for 13 from the free throw line.
Lady Raider Notes: Melrose completes the back-to-back "West Coast" swing as they face Lexington tomorrow night. They then host the undefeated Reading Rockets Sunday in a makeup game at 1:30.
Temple's Shey Peddy was recently named A-10 Player of the Week for the second consecutive week. Shey transferred to the Big Five from Wright State last year and had to sit out a season. In their last game she had 26 points and 9 rebounds.
Although it's possible to find areas for improvement with EVERY team, we should recognize progress where it has occurred:
With six games remaining on the schedule, the players still have a chance to come together through their basketball careers.
"Good judgment comes from experience; experience comes from bad judgment."
Melrose traveled to the Linoleum Palace, and improving Belmont capitalized with a 57-41 victory. Belmont went to work early, as the Marauders broadsided the Lady Raiders with a 20-8 opening salvo en route to an insurmountable 36-18 halftime edge. Katie Leinbach went off for an 18 point scoring binge for the hosts.
Melrose captured the second half edge 23-21, but that was too little and too late as the Lady Raiders dropped to 4-10.
Sophomore Sydney Doherty had a career high 14 points for Melrose to lead the locals, who also shot a much improved 11 for 13 from the free throw line.
Lady Raider Notes: Melrose completes the back-to-back "West Coast" swing as they face Lexington tomorrow night. They then host the undefeated Reading Rockets Sunday in a makeup game at 1:30.
Temple's Shey Peddy was recently named A-10 Player of the Week for the second consecutive week. Shey transferred to the Big Five from Wright State last year and had to sit out a season. In their last game she had 26 points and 9 rebounds.
Although it's possible to find areas for improvement with EVERY team, we should recognize progress where it has occurred:
- Young players are getting valuable experience.
- Melrose has seven sophomores, and three, Brooke Bell, Sydney Doherty, and Shannon Lahiff have all had career scoring highs recently.
- The team has had more stretches of playing solid basketball.
- Both the team and individual players have identified important areas for growth.
- The coaching staff has the opportunity to observe the players over a longer period to help with their evaluation.
- The overall competitiveness in the league has improved which helps everyone get better.
With six games remaining on the schedule, the players still have a chance to come together through their basketball careers.
Tuesday, February 08, 2011
Glass Half Full, Winchester Wins 55-39
The Lady Raiders hosted Winchester, this time at full strength with "point forward" Sam Mangano and slashing forward Shelby Santini.
Melrose and Winchester traded baskets early, before Winchester then went up 10-4, only to be beaten back by a pair of threes from Brooke Bell and Lia Limone. The first period ended up tied at 13 with Tory Wyland playing tough defense.
Melrose had one of the best stretches of the season in the second period, opening up a 26-16 lead with less than two minutes to go in the half. Winchester struck back quickly with a pair of hoops, the latter a buzzer beater by Mangano. Jenny McGee (10) and Limone (9) led Melrose scorers at the break.
Winchester carried the momentum into the second half, dealing Melrose a 23-4 beat down in the third period to take a 43-30 lead. Melrose couldn't get anything going offensively, and Mangano and Santini getting fully untracked.
The fourth period showed Winchester controlling the game and slowing the tempo to shorten the game. Melrose couldn't break the lead below fifteen down the stretch and Winchester played solid basketball to seal the victory. Shannon Lahiff played noteworthy on the ball defense in the period and finished with seven points, a varsity career high.
The loss drops the Lady Raiders to 4-9.
Game analysis: Tonight's game was one of those classic "game of two different halfs." Melrose showed more energy and involvement in the first half, but Winchester's late surge set the stage for a second half rally. Winchester's third period surge taking the game to 35-29 (from 16-26) was the difference maker, before Coach Rob Ferrante tried to halt the momentum with a timeout. Winchester just had too much and Melrose couldn't stop the onslaught.
Melrose and Winchester traded baskets early, before Winchester then went up 10-4, only to be beaten back by a pair of threes from Brooke Bell and Lia Limone. The first period ended up tied at 13 with Tory Wyland playing tough defense.
Melrose had one of the best stretches of the season in the second period, opening up a 26-16 lead with less than two minutes to go in the half. Winchester struck back quickly with a pair of hoops, the latter a buzzer beater by Mangano. Jenny McGee (10) and Limone (9) led Melrose scorers at the break.
Winchester carried the momentum into the second half, dealing Melrose a 23-4 beat down in the third period to take a 43-30 lead. Melrose couldn't get anything going offensively, and Mangano and Santini getting fully untracked.
The fourth period showed Winchester controlling the game and slowing the tempo to shorten the game. Melrose couldn't break the lead below fifteen down the stretch and Winchester played solid basketball to seal the victory. Shannon Lahiff played noteworthy on the ball defense in the period and finished with seven points, a varsity career high.
The loss drops the Lady Raiders to 4-9.
Game analysis: Tonight's game was one of those classic "game of two different halfs." Melrose showed more energy and involvement in the first half, but Winchester's late surge set the stage for a second half rally. Winchester's third period surge taking the game to 35-29 (from 16-26) was the difference maker, before Coach Rob Ferrante tried to halt the momentum with a timeout. Winchester just had too much and Melrose couldn't stop the onslaught.
Friday, February 04, 2011
Spartan Domination, Melrose Falls 49-27
During the construction of the new Middle School, Stoneham graciously allowed Melrose to use their gymnasium. Tonight, Stoneham was anything but gracious hosts, as they scored off the opening tip, and never looked back, en route to a 49-27 rout of Melrose.
Stoneham mixed three-quarter court 2-2-1 and man-to-man presses in building an insurmountable first period (13-6) and first half (32-13) advantage. Stoneham coach Angela Billings used the big lead to give her younger players lots of playing time and coasted to victory (14-2). Melrose falls to 4-8 with the loss.
Melrose struggled in pretty much every aspect of the game, as Stoneham ran their 1-4 set to create easy shots, and worked a triangle offense to go wing to low post and pitch back to Vanessa Bramante for midrange jumpers. Particularly frustrating for Melrose was a pounding on the glass led by Bramante and Jen Gerahty who owned the boards.
When Melrose was able to get 'numbers' in transition, they frequently couldn't make connections on passes in transition. And free throw struggles continued as they went 8-23 from the charity stripe.
Brooke Bell led Melrose with eight points, and no other Lady Raider had more than four points.
Lady Raider Notes: Not a lot went right for Melrose tonight, as rebounding continued to be the team's Achilles heel. A general inability to block out key rebounders continues to plague Melrose, while conversely they got almost nothing on the O-boards thanks to Stoneham's fundamentals.
Stoneham mixed three-quarter court 2-2-1 and man-to-man presses in building an insurmountable first period (13-6) and first half (32-13) advantage. Stoneham coach Angela Billings used the big lead to give her younger players lots of playing time and coasted to victory (14-2). Melrose falls to 4-8 with the loss.
Melrose struggled in pretty much every aspect of the game, as Stoneham ran their 1-4 set to create easy shots, and worked a triangle offense to go wing to low post and pitch back to Vanessa Bramante for midrange jumpers. Particularly frustrating for Melrose was a pounding on the glass led by Bramante and Jen Gerahty who owned the boards.
When Melrose was able to get 'numbers' in transition, they frequently couldn't make connections on passes in transition. And free throw struggles continued as they went 8-23 from the charity stripe.
Brooke Bell led Melrose with eight points, and no other Lady Raider had more than four points.
Lady Raider Notes: Not a lot went right for Melrose tonight, as rebounding continued to be the team's Achilles heel. A general inability to block out key rebounders continues to plague Melrose, while conversely they got almost nothing on the O-boards thanks to Stoneham's fundamentals.
