Massachusetts Division 2 state preview
December 28th, 2009
New England Recruiting Report
Traditional powers appear to be the favorite in D2 this year
North
Melrose – They return four senior starters including a solid post in Siena Mamayek, point guard Colleen Hanscom, forward Hannah Brickley and wing Laura Irwin. In addition to the return of key contributors, they have quality senior depth off the bench as well. Melrose should be the favorite in the North
Arlington Catholic – Lindsey Roche and Cara Paladino are both very talented. Roche is committed to Assumption and is crafty scorer. Paladino has a high basketball IQ and can beat team’s inside or out. Sophomores Emma Roberson and Nicole Catizone will capitalize on invaluable experience they gained last year after going to the Garden.. They add scoring punch, athleticism and a defensive mentality. Theresa Busiek is a versatile senior who is able to do a little of everything
Wilmington – With a ton of talent returning the biggest question is who will run this team. Sophomore Maggie Brown is a physical presence who can score inside and out to 15feet. Amy Fahey is a gifted athlete who has tremendous scoring ability. Amanda Keane can play nearly every position and is finally healthy. Emily Crannell can really shoot it which gives this team a ton of offensive weapons.
South
Oliver Ames - Another team that has a dearth of seniors led by Bentley bound Lauren Battista. Their guards are solid; Jackie Bliss is a steady point, Lauren Vatalaro plays off the ball and Nicole Bostic is a solid third guard. Tessa Dern and Taylor Horne provide their interior presence. Depth is not an issue with players like Emily Romans and Candice Steadman off the bench. Despite an early loss to Foxboro, OA is getting healthy should be one of the south finalists.
Foxboro – Their early season victory versus OA has re-established them squarely on the map. Kristen Hoffman is a talented point guard who can also score it. At nearly 6-0 junior Kayleen Whall has considerable size and is a solid wing player. Leigha Tacey is underrated inside player who can alter shots and rebounds very well. This team can really defend which will help them come tournament time.
Fontbonne – Led by Alexis Peters who averaged over 19ppg last year this team who has moved down from Division 1 should be in contention. The other seniors are solid. They have considerable size in Nicole Derba and Amy Connolly and complimentary scorers in Ari Renwick and Katie King. Contributions off the bench will be the big question here.
Sharon – Sister combination senior 5-11 Liz and sophomore 6-0 Emilee Daley are extremely talented, athletic and can score quickly. Araianna Castillo provide them with a solid third scorer and 6-1 junior Elizabeth Wluka gives them some size inside.
West
Palmer – Returning four starters and with six of the top seven players returning from a team that went undefeated during last year’s regular season this team appear ready to finish with they started. 5-10 senior Alyssa Orszulak guard/forward averaged 16ppg and 7rpg a year ago. Seniors Katrina Caulfield gives them a solid post presence and Emily Dykstra is a proficient shooter and does a good job stretching the defense.
Central
Northbridge – A young team that may very well be a year way but led by junior Sarah Phelan, Katelyn Pryor and sophomore guard Keri Doldoorian this team could be factor this year in the central mass hunt.
Millbury – Last year’s central mass defending champion returns junior guard Julie Frankian and 5-10 junior forward Sydney Bloomstein and have a number of young talented players who can help.
Quaboag – Off to fast start led by two talented seniors in 5-8 Meghan Burns and 5-7 Olivia Jankins. 6-0 Sam McCann gives them an interior presence and is able to control the glass.
Other Top Players in Division 1
Morgan Lindberg Sr Bishop Feehan
Marissa Cicchetti Soph Bishop Feehan
Amy Pelletier Jr Bishop Fenwick
Lizzy Trainor Sr Bishop Fenwick
Michaela Cataldo Jr Notre Dame of Hingham
Lauren McCelland Sr Notre Dame of Hingham
Kerrie Bourque Sr Concord Carlisle
Brooke Cragan Sr Concord Carlisle
Carlene Kluge Jr Reading
Melissa Dalpozzo Soph Reading
Audrey Knowlton Soph Gloucester
Hannah Cain Jr Gloucester
Heather Cain Soph Gloucester
Sarah Palazola Soph Danvers
Kellie McDonald Jr Danvers
Alyssa Aguiar Jr Bishop Stang
Molly Grimes Sr Walpole
Brooke Waite Sr Walpole
Liz Malone Sr Walpole
Sam Mangano Jr Winchester
Shelby Santini Jr Winchester
Ann Marie Fransen Sr Belmont
Briele Butler Soph Belmont
Katie Lienbach Fr Belmont
Hannah Cain Jr Gloucester
Heather Cain Soph Gloucester
Katie Sousa Jr Hopkinton
Carly McIver Jr Marblehead
Hilary Collins Jr Medfield
Maggie Whelan Jr Nauset
Molly Grimes Sr Walpole
Samantha Curley Soph Milton
Brooke Waite Sr Walpole
Emily Dixon Sr Norwood
Kaitlin Hill Jr Bishop Feehan
Megan Otto Soph Scituate
Alison Mignault Fr Arlington Catholic
Ally Perry Fr Foxboro
Olivia Healy Fr Reading
Asia Mitchell Fr Oliver Ames
Morgan Lumb Fr North Andover
Alexis Chappell Jr Sabis
Alicia Carter Sr Easthampton
Jessica Mercier Jr South Hadley
Gabriella Felix Jr Commerce
Lexi Sells Soph Bishop Feehan
Ashlee Mousette Sr Hampshire
Brianna Del Valle Jr Belchertow
