Headlines.
7.0 years ago by Celina Lariviere
Valley News Correspondent
The Sunapee High girls basketball team is coming off back-to-back 24-0 state championship seasons in New Hampshire Division IV and continues to be the standard bearer for area teams as far as championship pedigree. The Lakers appear poised to make another run at a title as they return six seniors with multiple seasons of varsity experience under coach Tim LaTorra.
Four other Upper Valley teams advanced to the final four last season, including losses in the state championship game by Hanover (New Hampshire D-II) and Thetford (Vermont D-III) along with semifinal losses by Lebanon (N.H. D-II) and Whitcomb-Rochester (Vt. D-IV). This season, the Marauders are a very athletic group with a fair number of new varsity players looking to play a larger role. The Panthers lost just one starter to graduation and return a deep and experienced roster with the goal of once again reaching the Aud to play for a championship.
Kate Frederick, Sunapee: A 6-foot-4 offensive and rebounding force who’ll be the go-to person in the Lakers’ bid for a third straight state crown.
Ashleay Wilcox, Windsor: Fully recovered from injury, expect big things from a guard who averaged 14 points a game over the second half of last season.
Riley Thomson, Rivendell: A dynamic junior, Thomson scored more than 500 points over her first two seasons and will be counted on for similar output this winter.
Joslin Wainwright, Lebanon: The Raiders gained important inside play from Wainwright last year, and she should continue to provide for a talented team this time around.
Regan Covey, Thetford: Covey is the top returning scorer for a senior-laden group of Panthers targeting a third straight visit to the Vermont Division III finals.
Faith Larpenter, Sunapee: The senior dumped 30 points on one early-season foe, displaying outside accuracy that could prove key for the Lakers.
Tori Clough, Woodsville: Clough and teammate Lily Kinder provide a one-two scoring punch that foes will find hard to stop.
Coach: Dan O’Rourke (16 years).
Last Year: 17-5, lost in state championship game to Goffstown.
League: New Hampshire Division II.
Returnees: Seniors — Olivia Pierce (F), Mary Feyrer (G). Sophomores — Diana Schwarz (G), Lois Schwarz (G), Julia Golder (F/C).
Newcomers: Junior — Emma Burwell (G). Freshmen — Ella Edmonds (G), Jessica Seibel (F), Willa Parkins (C), Bella Bardales (G/F), Maddie McCorkle (G).
Analysis: “Although again this year we’re young and inexperienced, this group of girls has played a lot of basketball. They’re a competitive group with an excellent work ethic, are eager to learn, have fantastic attitudes and a high basketball IQ,” said coach Dan O’Rourke, who saw last year’s top two scorers, Silke Milliman and Caroline Merguerian, depart for prep school. “This year’s team has quickness, athleticism and versatility, which will allow us to try a variety of new things. Similar to last year, we’re going to experience growing pains early in the season as they adjust to varsity basketball. However, like last year, I fully expect that we’ll improve throughout the year and peak come playoff time.”
Coach: Troy Guerin (1).
Last Year: 9-12, lost in the first round.
Leagues: Vermont Division II, Marble Valley League.
Returnees: Seniors — Kaylee Williams (G), Lyndsie Rice (G), Stefani Wagar (G), Natasha Lovell (F), Kyra Wood (F), Belle Leister (F), Karen Cross (F). Juniors — Megan Bushway (G), Morgan White (F).
Newcomers: Seniors — Cicillia Moody (F), Julia Nulty (G). Juniors — Corey Lieberman (F), Michaela Ricker (G), Madison Druge (G). Freshman — Kennedy Mullen (F).
Analysis: The Hurricanes will be led by an experienced group in the backcourt along with a good amount of length and quickness in the post. There’s no clear-cut scoring leader from past seasons to rely on, so the Canes will focus on team balance on both ends of the floor.
“I feel these ladies will improve over the season. We might struggle early, but if they keep the same approach that they show now, I can see us having a successful season,” Guerin said. “This is the fourth coach in four years for these seniors, yet they still come to the gym, lace their sneakers up and give no excuses. It’s a great group of young ladies.”
Coach: Tim Kehoe (26).
Last Year: 19-5, lost to Goffstown in the semifinals.
League: New Hampshire Division II.
Returnees: Seniors — Joslin Wainwright (F), Meredith Melendy (G), Kassidee Rogers (F), Josie Brown (G), Olivia Greeley (F). Junior — Leah Mayes (G). Sophomores — Maddie Hastings (G), Anna Wolke (G), Zoe Soule (G).
Newcomers: Sophomore — Izzy Peress (F). Freshmen — Rebecca Wright (C), Caroline Laramie (F), Caroline Borger (C).
Analysis: Lebanon returns four of five starters from last season but lost star Kendra MacDonald to graduation. With a strong core of returning players, expectations are as high as usual for the Raiders.
“We are looking to build off some of the positive things from last year’s team. Our guards have had another year to progress and develop, which should help us in the open court. We are more versatile this year. With versatility comes our weakness of trying to get a good mixture between older kids and incoming younger kids learning a new system,” coach Tim Kehoe said. “We’re looking forward to maintaining the same level of success that we had last year while continuing to build our team chemistry. Our expectation is that we will outwork every opponent throughout the course of the year. It is a long year, and we have to continue to improve with each game and practice.”
Coach: John Billings (2).
Last Year: 1-20, missed state tournament.
League: New Hampshire Division III.
Returnees: Seniors — Justine Martin (G), Katie Ferland (G), Emily Tevere (G). Juniors — Morgan Longley (F), Raeleigh Mansur (F), Alyssa Hammond (G), Kayla Hammond (F), Sydney Thompson (F). Sophomore — Lizz Pelton (F).
Newcomers: Senior — Sam Farrell (F). Junior — Aliviene Adams (F). Sophomore — Abby Duhaime (F). Freshman — Michaela Dowd (G).
Analysis: Seniors Katie Ferland, Justine Martin and Emily Tevere lead a group of nine returning players looking to take a step forward from a disappointing 2015-16 season. The Royals will look to their defense to create offensive opportunities and overcome some struggles in the half-court game.
“We are looking to improve on last season, and everyone will play a key role,” coach John Billings said. “I expect that we will compete hard every night. The players have been great to work with and are a fun group to coach and be around. We not only have leaders on the playing fields but in the school community as well; Martin, Tevere and Sydney Thompson are members of the National Honor Society.”
Coach: Chris Goodwin (1).
Last Year: 8-10, lost in first round.
League: Vermont Division IV.
Returnees: Seniors — Danyelle Goodwin (G/F), Taylor Paquette (F/C). Junior — Rachel Seale (F/C), Emily Jasmin (G).
Newcomers: Junior — Kelsey Mossell (G). Freshman — Hanna Blankenship (F). Eighth-graders — Sydney Goodwin (G), Nyah Jenks (G).
Analysis: The Eagles lost top scorer Anna Seale to graduation and will lean this year on the trio of Rachel Seale, Danyelle Goodwin and Taylor Paquette to pick up the scoring burden. The Eagles do have good size in the post and should be able to hold their own on the boards while playing good defense down low.
“With an increased emphasis on team play and making the right decisions on offense, I’m expecting to have three players averaging in double digits. With a large group of newcomers, it will take a while to develop the chemistry we need to be comfortable together on the court. I’m expecting, as the season progresses, we’ll make great strides in that area. We should see some vast improvement from game one to game 18,” coach Chris Goodwin said.
Coach: Derek Tremblay (5).
Last Year: 14-4 as a junior varsity team, Granite State Conference JV tournament champions.
League: New Hampshire Division IV.
Returnees: Seniors — Marylin LaRose (G/F), Naomi Nelson (S). Sophomores — Erin Diebold (F), Alexis Matte (G), Jacinta Hogan (G), Hannah Fraoili (G). Freshmen — Sophie LaRose (F), Amy Alteriso (G).
Newcomers: Seniors — Cheyenne Bentley (F), Addy Kenyon (F).
Analysis: Mount Royal begins its first season as an NHIAA varsity program after two GSC junior varsity championships. Defense is the first focus of coach Derek Tremblay’s program. While not large in numbers, eight returning players will provide a solid base of experience as the team begins its varsity run.
“These girls will surprise some teams. If we had stayed a JV program, we wouldn’t grow and become better. Our girls are looking forward to stiffer competition and the opportunity to make some noise in D-IV. We are up for the challenge, but we know it’s going to take hard work. Our girls also have to manifest their own identity. We are looking at what other programs have done to be successful, but we don’t want to be like those programs. We want to forge our own way of basketball that exhibits grit, heart, intelligence, sacrifice and, most importantly, a team mindset,” Tremblay said.
Coach: Ross Dole (1).
Last Year: 13-9, lost to Fall Mountain in second round.
League: New Hampshire Division III.
Returnees: Seniors — Kyrstin Kibbey (F), Hope Hibbard (G). Juniors — Hailey Perry (G), Kennedy Pysz (G), Anna Pysz (F), Alexis Hurd (C). Sophomore — Selena Coronis (G).
Newcomers: Junior — Kendra Leslie (F). Sophomore — Megan Howard (F). Freshmen — Alyssa Burr (G), Alexis Quimby (G).
Analysis: The Tigers suffered the key losses of both Stephanie Carl and Brooke Beaulieu to graduation. The returning core, led by seniors Kyrstin Kibbey and Hope Hibbard, is showing good work ethic already and has plenty of varsity experience.
“We’re looking to build with a new system that emphasizes defense and conditioning with a goal of improving every game and being a tough out in the playoffs,” coach Ross Dole said.
Coach: Barry Emerson (4).
Last Year: 8-14, lost to Williamstown in quarterfinals.
Leagues: Vermont Division III, Capital League.
Returnees: Seniors — Sara Walker (F), Alex Giesing (G), Kayleigh Trojanowski (G). Juniors — Jillian Smith (F), Jessie Daigle (F), Bailee Wheeler (G). Sophomores — Maddie Fornwalt (F), Mariah Shumway (G).
Newcomers: Sophomores — Mason Tomlinson (G), Kaysea Neil (G). Freshman — Shirley Hayward (G).
Analysis: “This is a great group of student-athletes. I have really enjoyed working with the three seniors all the way up through this program. Sara, Alex and Kayleigh are looking forward to a successful season,” coach Barry Emerson said. “This is a hard-working group who is determined to do well. We have three newcomers, but we are much more mature than last year, with two freshmen getting a lot of playing time. Our toughest opponents will be U-32, Lyndon Institute, and Thetford Academy.”
Coach: Hank Tenney (4).
Last Year: 15-7, lost to Richford in quarterfinals.
Leagues: Vermont Division III, Central Vermont League.
Returnees: Juniors — Mikayla DeBois, Riley Thomson. Sophomore — Leah Rutherford.
Newcomers: Senior — Jessica Noyes. Juniors — Sierra Longto, Maureen Foster. Sophomores — Jenna Gilbert, Casey Ghio, Shaunna Simmons. Freshmen — Mikayla Stever, Sienna Carter.
Analysis: The Raptors lost four starters (Jennifer DeBois, Corrie Lyndes, Quenla Haehnel, Nicole Wurtz) to graduation and start this season with a younger, more inexperienced group of players. The returning trio of Mikayla DeBois, Riley Thomson and Leah Rutherford gives coach Hank Tenney a group to build around. “I have a lot of confidence in these three to bring the team together and help us play as a unit,” he said.
“Again this season we will have no big post player, and we will rely on defensive and team chemistry to make us a successful team. I’m excited about working with this new core of ladies. They have worked hard. Preseason showed that we should have success if we continue to play as a unit and play team D. We are young, but this group has showed me that they want to compete.”
Coach: Gregg Nalette (1).
Last Year: 6-14, declined tournament invitation.
Leagues: Vermont Division IV, Central Vermont League.
Returnees: Seniors — Mallory Lloyd (G), Grace Dorman (F), Jocelyn Johnson (G). Juniors — Jordan Galluzo (G), Eliza Masteller (F). Sophomores — Emma Sawyer (F), Jasmin Johnson (G), Sydney Hooey (F), Tommi Hoyt (G).
Newcomers: Senior — Anyata Hamilton (G). Freshman — Emma Foster (F).
Analysis: The senior trio of Mallory Lloyd, Grace Dorman and Jocelyn Johnson will lead a large group of returning players for the Phoenix. Team speed and athleticism should be a strength, while varsity game experience is lacking in some areas. There will be plenty of opportunity for younger players to step up into key roles.
“I’m looking forward to continued skill improvement among the players. We have a great mix of kids who get along very well and will continue to grow and improve together. We are going to compete and work hard every night to be the best team we can be come playoff time,” coach Gregg Nalette said.
Coach: Dave Davis (1).
Last Year: 7-14, lost in first round.
Leagues: Vermont Division IV, Central Vermont League.
Returnees: Senior — Emma Hudson (F). Juniors — Grace Pease (C), Bailey Wing (G).
Newcomers: Seniors — Hannah Kilburn (C), Katya Brown (F), Anna Meeks (F). Juniors — Mia Ryon (G), Nicole Laporte (G), Iris Hudson (G), Hulda Havstram (F). Sophomore — Kylie Hebard (G).
Analysis: Senior Emma Hudson and junior Grace Pease are co-captains and, along with junior Bailey Wing, will look to provide leadership and experience for a large group of varsity newcomers that includes Norwegian transfer student Hulda Havstram. The Royals will look to play an up-tempo style to showcase their overall team quickness and athleticism, and Hudson and Pease should be a good
