FEBRUARY 13, 2010

INTERMEDIATE LEAGUE

Terriers 21 Waves 17

The Terriers had their work cut out for them against a fast and defensively tough Waves team.  Luckily the Terriers defense was in gear and ready to go.  Meagan Timmins was a Wave stopper and kept the Waves from getting on the beach in the first and third quarters.  Erin Walsh was another Wave breaker and controlled the top of the key to perfection.  The rest of the Terriers D was on with Emily Duquette grabbing 4 rebounds, Michelle Creedon ruling the boards again, Melanie Fleury pushing the ball out of the key, and Meredith Cahill keeping the paint clear of Waves. Offensively the Terriers had a hard time against the relentless Waves defense.  Marissa Conlin found her way to the hoop and the foul line for 9 points.  Amanda Brown popped in three for 6 points and Shannon Smith was good for 4 points.  Ashley Colarusso set herself up to get a dump off from Marissa for two points.  The Waves made the Terriers work for all the points and really put up a great fight.  Good game Terriers and Waves!

The Waves nearly pulled off a win but the Terriers proved to be too tough. Great passing by Kirsten Dick. Tayla Legrand was a rebounding force, and Mariah Wentzell set up great plays. Scoring for the Waves were Carlye Slavin with 8 points, Shalimar Hulme with 4 points, Melissa Markwarth with 3 points and Tayla Legrande with 2 points.

Cardinals 43 Cougars 30

The last time the Cardinals and Cougars met in Week 4 resulted in a total of 60 points. That game was the highest point total in the Intermediate League for the whole season. Next highest combined totals were 54, 49, and 48. These two teams knew that they could do better. So today they combined for 73 points (shattering the old record)!! The Cardinals started off the scoring due to good passing and making the right decisions. They also held the Cougars to only 2 points at the end of the first quarter. However the Cougars decided that they wanted to be part of the fun as well and started to drain their shots for the remainder of the game. Although the Cardinals had a lead for the entire game, the Cougars fought hard to keep the game within reach resulting in an entertaining game. Scoring for the Cardinals were Emily Velozo with 14 (career high??), Ariana Calouro with 12 (it took me the whole season but I finally spelled your name right!), Eva Barinelli with 6, Taylor Donahoe with 5, Toni Joy with 4, and Kayla Berube with 2. Kayla again led the team in rebounding and the team as a whole had their highest assist total of the season which shows the good passing.

After a rough first quarter the Cougars settled down and played the talented Cardinals team very tough. Jamie Ray (9 pts) led the Cougar's in scoring and had a great all around game. Molly Harrington (6 pts) and Delaney Chisholm (5 pt) were outstanding hitting some big hoops and playing very tight defense. Caleigh Finneral (6 pts), Amanda Lane and Sarah Baptista (2 pts) were great under the basket boxing out and grabbing several key rebounds. Mary Crowe, Jessica Lehmann and Chelsea Grant (2 pts) cranked up the defensive pressure and caused a bunch of turnovers. Samantha Teague was the Cougar's defensive player of the game. The great comeback effort kept this game close as the Cougars continue to improve their play every week.

WILDCATS 16 FALCONS 13

With a 16-13 victory over the Falcons, the Wildcats played an aggressive game both offensively and defensively. Scoring our first 2 points from outside the key in the first quarter was Corinne Doyle, followed by Janina Kennedy making a basket in the second quarter. Although she lost her voice, Lindsey Cossar scored 4 points and kept the ball under control along with Colleen Kelly, also scoring 4 points, with two steals. In the second, Janina did an excellent job covering the middle, and Ally Kelly also makes a beautiful pass to assist Janina. Scoring a basket in the third, Erica Dirk played an all-around great game, putting up many shots down low while being double-teamed. There was also an awesome chain of passes from Corinne to Audrey Casey and down the court to Erica. Defensively, Erin Davis had nice height for the ball and was very aggressive under the hoop, while Katie Dunlevy showed her fancy dribbling when she made an amazing under-the-legs move like a professional. Scoring 2 points in the fourth, Ally made a steal and shot a perfect lay-up. Janina received many rebounds and gave the team possession of the ball countless times. Colleen Kelly also made a nice pick-up from the ground and kept the ball under control. The Wildcats played a great game, and we are all thankful for our injured supporter of the team, Heather Doyle.

Scoring for the Falcons were Marissa Maciel with points, Hannah Benning with 4 points, and Jamie Burger and Elizabeth You with 2 points each.

HUSKIES 22 JAYHAWKS 16

Scoring for the Huskies were Jamie Fowler and Karalyn Gallela with 6 points each, Alysa Defruscia with 5 points, Samantha Parker with 3 points, and Kenzie Wyatt with 2 points.

Scoring for the Jayhawks were Meghan Braciska with 5 points, Lauren Sullivan with 4 points, Haley Pozzutto with 3 points, Cassie Froio and Nicole Petherbridge with 2 points each.

SENIOR LEAGUE

Wizards 34  Sonics 30

The Wizards remained in a first place tie with another clutch performance.  This time it was a 34-30 victory over the Sonics in what proved to be a very exciting and well-played game.  Abby Donoghue (8 pts) was the key offensively as all four of her baskets came at a critical juncture and gave the momentum back to the Wizards.  Jen Iannacci and Miss Cordwell paced the offense with 9 points each.  Sam Laferriere (6 pts) was once again the field general down the stretch and Julia Bodoni (2 pts) completed the scoring.  Hannah Culwell stepped up with an outstanding defensive effort holding the Sonics best scorer without a basket in the second half.  Jen Cobuccio and Sarah Barnes were all over the place and had several big steals.  Jen Joyce, Jen Maddaleni and Mariah Culwell all played well and came up with some big defensive rebounds.

The Sonics played a great game against the Wizards but was not able to close in the finale minute and lost with a final score of 30 to 34 in a game that was close to the end. Krista Mignon stole the ball several times and played a solid defensive game. Tess Wyatt played her best game of the year scoring a season high 6 points and grabbing numerous rebounds under the basket. Christine Kang was player of the game scoring eight points and controlling the boards on both sides of the court all while being injured. Marisa Harington (4pts) continued doing a great job bring up the ball and dropping baskets from the outside. Melissa Peters was the team high scorer with 10 points and continued to play the game with drive and determination. Shana Chartientz (2 pts) played a very physical game against a much taller team and was able to keep the pressure on the Wizards thru three quarters of play. Brittney Pachucki also injured played a strong defensive game and was able to make several key passes under the basket to help the team score. Nicky DePierro returned after a one month absence to support her team. Even though we lost the girls really stepped up and played a great game.

RAPTORS 30 JAZZ 25

The Jazz played a great game against the number one team, the Raptors, but came up short 30 to 25. All the girls played great defense against a very good offensive team. Entering the fourth quarter leading by 1 point, the Jazz just couldn’t get enough open shots to drop. In the end, the inside game of the Raptors was just too strong. Great team effort girls!

Scoring for the Raptors were Stephanie Champoux, Nicole Chaet and Emily Knoops, all with 10 points each.

MAGIC 38 SPURS 16

Defensive pressure was key for the Magic today, holding the Spurs to only 2 points in the second and third quarters. A steady offensive attack led by Meaghan Blaisdell (10 points), Kelly Quigley (8 points) and Shanell Nardone (8 points) sealed the win.

Scoring for the Spurs were Shannon McGlaughlin (7 points), Rachel Pendleton (4 points) Kelsey Bradley (3 points) and Jamie Cohen (2 points).

BLAZERS 35 PACERS 22

Scoring for the Pacers were Anna Piccolo, Caitlin Morris, Adrianna Brown, Michelle Hopkinson, and MacKenzie Pierce, all with 4 points apiece, and Ellen Woods with 2 points.

No information available from the Blazers.

JUNIOR LEAGUE

Liberty 19 vs. Sparks 11

The Liberty played the very talented Sparks and won with a final score of 19 to 11. Liberty and the Sparks had a battle of defense in the first quarter and ended in a score of 2 to 1 (Victoria Mirabito 1 pt) with the Sparks ahead by 1. The second quarter was Liberty’s time, scoring 8 points and only giving up 2, Liberty pulled ahead. Scoring for Liberty, Shannon Vasas 2pts, Paige McGaffigan 2 pts, Sara Catanzano 2pts, Cassia Burns 2pts. The first half was all about shutting down the offense of the Sparks. Mirabito, Catanzano and Jocelyln Stavros (2pts) did a great job playing man to man. Applying pressure at the top of the key was Gina Puccia, Niamh Cote, McGaffigan and Stavros. Mirabito and Catanzano both were excellent on defense. Lily Wyatt (2 pts) was great in the middle and helped out her first line of defense. Lisa Devito and Gigi Frisella also applied the pressure on defense, pulling out of position to trap the Sparks. Both Devito and Frisella got off a few shots, but came up short, however their tough defense was crucial in the first and third quarters. Burns was open every time for a pass and put up another 2 pts for her team. Vasas also created opportunities and chipped in another 2 and finally McGaffigan got 2 more providing Liberty with a nice lead and clinched the win. This win has put Liberty officially in first place. Congratulations girls on a job well done!!!

Scoring for the Sparks were Francesca Cocca ( 5 pts.) Adrianna Favreau (4 pts.) and Sarah Sullivan (2 pts.)

STORM 14 LYNX 13

The Storm led on in the 4^th quarter against a tough Lynx team. Defensive standouts were Shaele Esteveo and Sarah Yoken. Defensive player of the game was Sydney Burlamchi. Great passing by Kendyl Spinelli and Jessica Cacciola were the key to bictory for the Storm. Scoring for the Storm were Madison Wescott (8 pts.), Irene Houde (2 pts.), Stephanie Graffoe (2 pts.), and Nicole Lucia (2 pts.).

This week the Lynx got off to a very slow start, down 8-0 after the 1st quarter then 10-4 at the half. After the break the defense began to turn around. With 2:39 left in the 4th quarter down 14 to 6 the Lynx made a furious comeback led by the outstanding hustle on defense by Katie Garcia and Emily Woods. Garcia stole the ball and hit a driving layup with 6 seconds left to fall just short 14-13. Scoring for the Lynx were Rebecca Lewis 7 pts., Katie Garcia 4 pts., and Carolyn Verseckas 2 pts. Defensive players of the game were Katie Garcia , Emily Woods, and Miranda Hulme.

COMETS 8 MERCURY 6

It was a total team effort of all ten girls on the Comets as they posted their second win of the season in a nail-biter against a tough Mercury Team, 8-6.  Everyone dug in deep to contribute to the win and gave 100% throughout!  Allison Couillard was on fire as she netted 4 points for the team and played stong defense.  Olivia Powers also put up a nice shot for 2 points and Julia Noone played great under the net grabbing some key rebounds.  Emily Langone got on the board as she scored the game winning hoop in the 4th quarter and was a tough force on the floor chasing many loose balls.  Emily Burns kept up great pressure on defense denying some passes and Carla Tenaglia hustled on both ends of the court never letting up her guard.  Michelle Tenaglia did a great job pushing the ball up the court and made some super passes to her team.  Emily Milne(defensive player of the game) rose to the occasion this game and grabbed some rebounds and looses balls, then made a nice dish off to her teammates.  Caitlin Panessiti made alot of great passes on offense and posted tough under the net.  Michaela Svendsen played some heads up defense blocking many passes and pulled down some rebounds.   

 The Mercury girls lost another close one to the Comets 8 to 6.  Alexis Brincklow scored first to give the Mercury a slight edge in the first quarter.  Emily Walker and Kiley Barrett took some great shots but there seemed to be a lid on the basket in the second quarter of the contest.  Danielle Carrig's eyes were as wide as a frying pan when she scored a basket in the third quarter. Felicia Ragucci scored last for the Mercury in the fourth quarter but it was not enough.  There was great defense from both teams in the contest.  Julie Ozek and Ashley Turri each got a steal during the game.  Lauren Riccardi used her height to grab some great rebounds during the game.

Rockers 9 Mystics 8

Wow Rockers - you all came out with energy shooting out of your ears!  Although the Mystics started with a 6 to zip lead - the Rockers did not give up or slow down.  Hannah Maffeo had a beautiful block in the first quarter while playing great hands up defense.  Sara Contantino came up with with a couple of rebounds and along with Hannah played excellent defense down in the corners!!  Sara Bishop came up with a beautiful shot after receiving one of many perfect passes from Nicole Cobuccio.  Sara Letrouneau came up with a perfect steal. Amy Glover gave her all in the first two quarters taking the ball up court, reading the defense, and getting right by them w/ the help of her fellow Rockers.  Tatum Pecci took control with Julia Kelly up top, slowing down the Mystic guards.  Though Erica, Sara L. and Lizzie Markwarth certainly slowed the Mystic shooting down under the hoop, it was not until  Julia, and Erica Wynott each put up 2 points in the 3rd that the Rockers caught the Mystic. Jackie Marchant was back to her "hands in your face and give me that ball" defense - nice Jackie!!!  Finally as the 4th quarter was coming to an end and the score was now 8 to 6, Mystics in the lead,  Nicole and Julia worked their magic taking the ball down court and a few passes later Sara L tied the game.  Soon after with only seconds left Lizzie Markwarth was fouled and certainly made it count leading the Rockers to a 9-8 victory.  Aggressive offense and defense!! Nice Job!!!

 Another 1 point loss for the Mystics, that's 2 in a row. Michelle Maciel got us the slim 2 - 0 lead coming out of the 1st qtr. Sam Alman and Natalie Veloz each had 2 pts in the 2nd and gave the Mystics a 6 - 2 lead going into the the 3rd qtr. The Rockers came back to tie the game in the 3rd qtr at 6 - 6, and it stayed that way until 1 minute left in the 4th when Sam Alman drove to the hoop and got fouled. She then went to the line and nailed 2 free throws that gave the Mystics the lead, 8 - 6. The Rockers weren't going away that easy, they hit a nice 15 foot jump shot to tie the game at 8 - 8. Then with 7 seconds left they took a 9 - 8 lead by sinking 1 out of 2 free throws. These girls will continue to work hard to improve to get this team we're we want to be, in the winning column.

STARZZ 16 MONARCHS 4

Scoring for the Starzz were Samantha Mercurio (6 pts.), Samantha Surowiec (4 pts.) Emily Sessa (2 pts.) Rachel Figucia (2 pts.) and Samantha Schultz ( 2 pts.).

Scoring for the Monarchs was Kayla VonKahle with 4 points.

Tewksbury   20 North Reading  9
Adrianna Favreau scored a game high 7 points to lead the Redmen to victory.
Coming off a brutal loss against Billerica the Tewksbury girls 5th grade travel
team needed to come out strong against a shorthanded North Reading team to try
and take an early lead.  That's what they needed to do but not wanted they did
as they let the Hornets score 2 easy baskets to take an early lead.  The Redmen
didn't give up and started their come back early in this game.  They answered
with 3 baskets of their own to take a 6-4 half time lead.  Scoring in the first
half were Favreau, Samantha Mercurio, and Emily Sessa.  The first half defense
and boards was led by Sara Catanzano (2 pts) along with teammates Victoria
Mirabito, Paige McGaffigan, Julia Kelly (2 pts) , and Francesca Cocca.
Tewksbury came out on fire in the second half and moved the ball around well.
Their defense led by Samantha Surowiec, Sessa, Marissa Doherty, Katie Garcia (2
pts), and Mercurio kept North Reading to just 1 basket.  Catanzano, Favreau, and
Garcia controlled the boards and they were helped by the diminutive Doherty who
grabbed 3 rebounds in the second half.  With good passing by Tewksbury the
Hornets had no choice but to foul to try and stop the clock and change momentum.
This had no affect and the Redmen easily won 20-9.  The team is gearing up for
their last 3 games of the season and hope to win out to finish strong going into
March Madness.