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Select Hoops Blog.
Select Hoops Showcase Returns - Updated
February 15th, 9:15am
Select Hoops Showcase Confirmations – UPDATED!
The first round of invitations to the 2nd annual Select Hoops Showcase have been sent out and the early returns have been great.
The following star players are confirmed to be participating:
Boys:
Josh Condon from Sandwich
Tommy Megan from Sandwich
Nathan Balthazard from Barnstable
Brandon Fein from Braintree
Brendan Patterson from Westwood
Pat Collins from Marshfield
Jared Foster from Marshfield
James Mortimer from Sudbury
Mike Kenney from Sudbury
Mike Nelson from North Attleboro
Jeremiah Adams from Rochester
Justin Leip from Weston
Joe Brown from South Plymouth
Ryan Morrissey from South Plymouth
Will Weitzel from Newton
Jake Kakar from Lakeville
Patrick Acer from Marshfield
Nate Hollenberg from Newton
Girls:
Erin Hill from Martha’s Vineyard
Emily Chang from Newton
Maggie Ahearn from Marshfield
Cara Callahan from Franklin
Katryna Veasey from North Quincy
Elizabeth Abbott from Franklin
Aubrie Kutil from Franklin
Elyssa Hoffman from Sharon
Emily Freedman from Falmouth
Kaitlyn McCarthy from Easton
Kendra Delahunt from Hanover
Stephanie Flynn from Hanover
Bailey Peach from Dartmouth
Vanessa Edgehill from Franklin
Maura O’Neil from Norwood
Rileigh Avila from Dartmouth
———————-
February 7th, 9:00am
South Shore Girls League Score updates
6th Large
(14) Hanover 22, (15) Hingham 15
(10) Quincy 17, Marshfield 14
(1) Braintree 31, Scituate 25
6th Small
(24) Duxbury 31, East Bridgewater 12
(16) Canton 27, (17) Halifax 22
Hanson 10, Raynham 7
(12) Rockland 23, (18) Pembroke 19
East Bridgewater 9, Raynham 6
7th Large
Marshfield 37, Quincy 33
(3) Hanover 48, Hingham 26
(5) Braintree 42, Scituate 32
7th Small
Halifax 34, Canton 21
(14) Raynham 29, Hanson 23
(25) Pembroke 29, Rockland 10
(14)Raynham 18, (15) East Bridgewater 14
8th Large
(23) Marshfield 35, (11) Quincy 27
(3) Hanover 26, (22) Hingham 22
Braintree 33, Scituate 26
8th Small
(24) Duxbury 37, East Bridgewater 13
(16) Halifax 46, Canton 26
Hanson 42, (25)Raynham 36
(25) Raynham 39, E.ast Bridgewater 27
———————-
January 30th, 9:50am
South Shore Girls League Score updates
Big
6th grade
Hanover 32, Norwell 20
(10) Quincy 23, (23) Plymouth 18
(1) Braintree 22, Marshfield 13
Scituate 23, Weymouth 21
(1) Braintree 29, Norwell 11
(14) Hanover 25, (23) Plymouth 21
(15) Hingham 15, Weymouth 12
7th grade
(3) Hanover 40, (11) Norwell 27
Quincy 50, Plymouth 38
(5) Braintree 37, (12) Marshfield 25
(24) Scituate 40, Weymouth 16
(3) Hanover 52, Plymouth 13
(23) Hingham 40, Weymouth 21
(5) Braintree 38, (11) Norwell 29
8th grade
(3) Hanover 40, Norwell 19
(11) Plymouth 31, (10) Quincy 23
Braintree 37, (20) Marshfield 25
(12) Weymouth 35, Scituate 25
(3) Hanover 36, Plymouth 31
(19) Hingham 36, (12) Weymouth 26
Braintree 30, Norwell 16
(20) Marshfield 44, Scituate 32
Small
6th grade
(17) Halifax 27, (18) Pembroke 23
(16) Canton 20, Raynham 9
(25) Hull 32, Hanson 22
(12) Rockland 30, East Bridgewater 4
(16) Canton 29, Hull 27
(18) Pembroke 18, (24) Duxbury 15
East Bridgewater 16, Raynham 8
(12) Rockland 33, Halifax 17
7th grade
Halifax 28, (25) Pembroke 26
(14) Raynham 29, Canton 8
Hanson 37, Hull 32
(15) East Bridgewater 39, Rockland 13
Canton 40, Hull 32
(8) Duxbury 36, (25) Pembroke 15
(14) Raynham 33, (15) East Bridgewater 15
Halifax 20, Rockland 4
8th grade
(13) Pembroke 37, (14) Halifax 27
Raynham 37, Canton 18
Hanson 45, Hull 40
(15) Rockland 44, Hanson 21
Hull 40, Canton 35
(23) Duxbury 34, (13) Pembroke 24
East.Bridgewater 23, Raynham 34
(14) Halifax 47, Rockland 34
———————-
January 23rd, 2:50pm
South Shore Girls League Score updates
6th grade
(1) Braintree 27, (9) Quincy 14
Hanover 28, Scituate 19
(18) Hingham 24, Norwell 8
Plymouth 22, Norwell 10
Hanover 16, (16) Marshfield 11
(1) Braintree 29, Weymouth 9
(9) Quincy 29, Scituate 26
7th grade
(7) Braintree 39, Quincy 16
(3) Hanover 44, (18) Scituate 32
(12) Norwell 31, (17) Hingham 24
(12) Norwell 41, Plymouth 25
(3) Hanover 42, (10) Marshfield 20
(7) Braintree 42, Weymouth 9
(18) Scituate 40, Quincy 20
8th grade
(14) Quincy 51, Braintree 35
(3) Hanover 26, Scituate 6
Hingham 26, Norwell 13
(15) Plymouth 39, Norwell 29
(3) Hanover 33, (17) Marshfield 13
(16)Weymouth 38, Braintree 36
(14) Quincy 39, Scituate 24
———————-
January 17th, 9:20am
South Shore Girls League Score updates
6th grade
Plymouth 21, Scituate 17
(5) Quincy 30, Norwell 23
Hingham 15, (22) Hanover 12
(2) Braintree 26, Weymouth 10
Hingham 21, (5) Quincy 11
(16) Canton 25, East Bridgewater 5
(17) Rockland 26, Hull 25
(18) Pembroke 22, Raynham 2
East Bridgewater 25, Hanson 15
7th grade
Scituate 40, Plymouth 11
(20) Norwell 51, Quincy 28
(3) Hanover 32, (19) Hingham 19
(8) Braintree 36, Weymouth 9
(19) Hingham 33, Quincy 11
East Bridgewater 29, Canton 4
Hull 31, Rockland 4
(22) Raynham 35, (24) Pembroke 13
(23) East Bridgewater 29, Hanson 12
8th grade
(13) Plymouth 41, Scituate 21
(14) Quincy 37, Norwell 21
(3) Hanover 43, Hingham 21
(15) Weymouth 39, (23) Braintree 27
(14) Quincy 35, (11) Hingham 23
(20) Canton 30, (10) East Bridgewater 19
(22) Rockland 43, Hull 27
(24) Pembroke 34, Raynham 8
(21) Hanson 27, (10) East Bridgewater 19
———————-
January 16th, 5:50am
MLK Classic Recap
Boys Round 1:
Norwood 59, Framingham 56
North Attleboro 43, King Phillip 41
(18) Stoughton 86, Newton 37
Attleboro 68, Westport 45
Girls Round 1:
Boston 64, New Bedford 52
Rehoboth 37, (20) Canton 29
(6) Newton 46, Hopkinton 37
(1 – 7th grade) North Attleboro 43, Lakeville 14
Boys Round 2:
(1) Marshfield 41, Norwood 31
New Bedford 84, (18) Stoughton 70
(2) Sharon 55, North Attleboro 49
(8) South Plymouth 61, Attleboro 58
Girls Semi-Finals:
(1 – 7th grade) North Attleboro 44, Newton 38
Boston 45, Rehoboth 25
Boys Semi-Finals:
(2) Sharon 62, South Plymouth 40
New Bedford 68, (1) Marshfield 43
Girls Final:
Boston 69, (1 – 7th grade) North Attleboro 59
Boston proved to be too big and strong for the feisty North Attleboro 7th grade team. Boston took a 35-26 edge into halftime after they dominated the offensive glass in the first half.
Boston went on an 8-0 run to start the second half and never really looked back. North Attleboro made it interesting with a late game 3-point barrage, but the deficit was too large to recover from.
Boys Final:
New Bedford 63, (2) Sharon 55
New Bedford used its athleticism to jump out to a 30-17 halftime lead. New Bedford would ultimately push the lead to 20+ in the second half. Much like the girls final, Sharon hit a series of late 3-pointers, but it was too little too late for Sharon.
———————-
January 14th, 11:45am
Select Hoops Showcase and Elite 8 Tournament!
The date for the second annual Select Hoops Showcase has been set for Saturday, March 31st. Select Hoops will select the 25 strongest 8th grade boys and the 25 strongest 8th grade girls to compete in this event.
In addition to the showcase, Select Hoops is hosting an invitational “Elite 8” single-elimination tournament on that same day, Saturday, March 31st.
Select Hoops will invite eight teams from each of the following divisions to compete for the title of Select Hoops Champion:
6th Grade Boys
6th Grade Girls
7th Grade Boys
7th Grade Girls
8th Grade Boys
8th Grade Girls
The tournament will be invitation only, and will lead into the Select Hoops Showcase.
Please remember to nominate the best players in the area! Select Hoops will start sending out invitations soon.
———————-
January 11th, 9:49am
Games of the Week Results
Metro:
6th Girls: (5) Newton 33, (3) Milton 29
It was a nice win for the Newton 6th grade girls over a feisty Milton club. The preseason #1 team in the 6th grade girls bounced back after losing their last game before the break to Medfield, 30-29.
7th Boys: (4) Franklin 66, (5) Needham 37
A dominant win by Franklin in the Metro league. Franklin and Wellesley are the lone undefeated teams in league play.
8th Girls: (2) Wellesley 22, (4) Medfield 19
Wellesley just wins. They move to 4-0 on the season, but none of the games have been easy for coach Kim Benzan and her squad. Wellesley’s margins of victory this year: 3, 1, 4 and 3.
Cape:
6th Boys: (7) Franklin 37, (8) Dartmouth 34
Franklin is now 2-0 on the season versus Dartmouth to sweep the season series, but this one was much closer than the first game. Both teams are in the middle of the pack in the very tight Mayflower division.
7th Girls: (2) Falmouth 45, (6) Sandwich 37
Falmouth stays undefeated and remains the class of the cape league with an 8-0 record. Sandwich slips to 6-2, with both losses coming at the hands of Falmouth.
7th Boys: (1) Dartmouth v (10) Barnstable
Unreported
8th Boys: (7) Dartmouth 65, (10) Barnstable 38
Dartmouth routed Barnstable to improve to 6-2 on the season, to pull into a tie with South Plymouth in the Mayflower division. The two teams will square off next week in a battle for sole possession of first place.
South Shore Girls:
6th Grade: (6) Quincy 23, (8) Hanover 17
Quincy edged Hanover in South Shore action. With the win, Quincy improved to 6-1 and is in sole possession of second place behind Braintree. The two teams will square off on January 21st.
8th Grade: (3) Hanover 42, (5) Quincy 40
In the South Shore league, it’s Hanover in first place at 7-0 and five teams tied for second place with a 4-3 record. Quincy gave Hanover all they could handle, but Hanover remains unbeaten with the win.
———————-
January 10th, 1:00pm
South Shore Girls League Score updates
6th GRADE GIRLS
Quincy 23, Hanover 17
Marshfield 22, Scituate 18
Weymouth 33, Norwell 27
Plymouth 33, Weymouth 12
Braintree 35, Norwell 8
Quincy 34, Hanover 13
Hingham 15, Marshfield 11
Canton 23, Pembroke 19
Rockland 26, Raynham 6
7th GRADE GIRLS
Hanover 47, Quincy 25
Marshfield 24, Scituate 22
Norwell 35, Weymouth 10
Plymouth 28, Weymouth 22
Braintree 32, Norwell 22
Hanover 44, Quincy 15
Hingham 35, Marshfield 18
Duxbury 27, Hull 16
Duxbury 29, Halifax 16
8th GRADE GIRLS
Rockland 36, Raynham 29
Hanover 28, Quincy 20
Marshfield 35, Scituate 17
Weymouth 41, Norwell 20
Weymouth 38, Plymouth 32
Braintree 31, Norwell 28
Hanover 42, Quincy 40
Marshfield 28, Hingham 27
———————-
January 8th, 11:30am
MLK Classic
ATTENTION 8TH GRADE TEAMS:
M-Plex and Select Hoops are hosting its fourth annual MLK Day single-elimination Classic on Monday, January 16th. This year, this tournament is only available to 8th grade boys and girls teams. Seventh grade teams are invited to play up at their own risk.
The fee for the one-day tournament is $90. Games take place during the day. Teams can play up to three games in the day. Great value!
To register, visit www.themplex.com. If you have any questions, contact me at alexd@mansfieldsportsplex.com.
———————-
January 6th, 9:55am
Games of the Week
I hope everyone enjoyed the extended break for the holiday season. I know I did. I saw some good action over the break and got some e-mails keeping SH updated on how teams did.
Now it’s back to regular season action.
Here are this weekend’s games of the week.
Metro:
6th Girls: (5) Newton v (3) Milton
6th Boys: None
7th Girls: None
7th Boys: (4) Franklin v (5) Needham
8th Girls: (2) Wellesley v (4) Medfield
8th Boys: None
Cape:
6th Girls: None
6th Boys: (7) Franklin v (8) Dartmouth
7th Girls: (2) Falmouth v (6) Sandwich
7th Boys: (1) Dartmouth v (10) Barnstable
8th Girls: None
8th Boys: (7) Dartmouth v (10) Barnstable
South Shore Girls:
6th Grade: (8) Hanover v (6) Quincy
7th Grade: (2) Falmouth v (6) Sandwich
8th Grade: (5) Quincy v (3) Hanover
———————-
December 20th, 10:00pm
South Shore Girls League Score updates
6th GRADE GIRLS
(3) Braintree 25, (4) Quincy 21
(3) Braintree 30, Scituate 15
Scituate 24, Hingham 17
(4) Quincy 22, (17) Plymouth 19
Marshfield 21, (10) Weymouth 18
Marshfield 19, (17) Plymouth 16
7th GRADE GIRLS
(10) Braintree 38, Quincy 21
(17) Scituate 37, (16) Hingham 36
(11) Marshfield 45, Plymouth 14
Quincy 38, Plymouth 20
(10) Braintree 44, (17) Scituate 14
(11) Marshfield 35, Weymouth 12
8th GRADE GIRLS
(6) Quincy 38, Braintree 36
(15) Hingham 36, Scituate 12
(16) Plymouth 32, (9) Marshfield 13
(16) Plymouth 40, (6) Quincy 34
Braintree 34, Scituate 32
Weymouth 39, (9) Marshfield 36
———————-
December 20th, 8:50am
Games of the Week Results
6th Girls Cape:
(6) Sandwich 27
(8) Dartmouth 18
Both teams entered the weekend fresh off sweeps of some of the cellar dwellers in the cape league. Dartmouth outscored Rochester and Martha’s Vineyard 64-16 while Sandwich bested Nauset and Bourne for a combined score of 86-7.
“We are playing great team basketball since losing our first game against Sandwich,” said Dartmouth coach Jim Parnell. Parnell also cited that all his players are contributing
These two are familiar foes.
“Dartmouth is a strong opponent with good size and strength. We struggled against them last year but this year we have done better. It should be a very competitive game,” said Sandwich coach David Souza prior to the match up.
“Sandwich is fast and aggressive,” said Parnell, also before the match-up. “They are a very well coached team. One of the top teams in our league.”
Dartmouth opened the game on a 10-2 run, but Sandwich chipped away and took the lead in the second half of what was a competitive game.
“Even though we got off to a fast start, Sandwich stayed focused and played fantastic defense,” said Parnell.
Maggie Farley led Sandwich with eight points in the win, including a pair of clutch hoops down the stretch.
Dartmouth had balanced scoring, led by Rachel Pereira’s five points.
6th Boys Cape:
(8) Franklin 39
(10) Falmouth 45
Falmouth entered this contest fresh off a victory over Dartmouth for the first time. Nine players scored for Falmouth in the win.
“Franklin this week will be our biggest challenge of the year,” said Falmouth coach John Koss earlier in the week. “They are extremely well coached and don’t make many mistakes. It will take our best effort to keep this game close.”
They did more than keep it close. Trailing by one at halftime thanks to a Franklin 3-pointer at the buzzer, Falmouth came out in the second half with a very aggressive press that was difficult for Franklin to handle.
“We were able to get some good looks out of our press as the game went down to the wire,” said coach Koss.
Sammy Koss led Falmouth in scoring with 21 points. Gates Kelliher and Kevin Peters added 10 and seven points, respectively.
7th Girls Metro:
(1) North Attleboro 59
(4) Abington 37
Abington kept it close for a half against mighty North Attleboro, often times holding the lead. The top ranked team held a slight 21-20 lead going into halftime.
North made a big run in the third quarter behind a balanced scoring attack to put the game out of reach.
“We scored a bunch of points in a couple minute span to start the second half,” said North coach Matt Forbes. “Which was the difference in the game.
Abington was led in scoring by Jen Worden (18 points) and Leah Simmons (10 points).
North was fueled by its starting line-up.
7th Boys Metro:
(6) Needham 49
(7) Sharon 48
7th Boys Cape:
(1) Dartmouth 40
(5) Plymouth North 30
8th Girls Metro:
(2) Wellesley 45
(7) North Quincy 44
Wellesley escaped with a one-point victory over North Quincy.
Katryna Veasey and Gabriela Jerahian led North Quincy in scoring with 13 and 12 points, repectively.
“We had a little trouble w/ their full court press,” said North Quincy coach Jay Jerahian about Wellesley’s defense. “Looking forward to the rematch later in the year.”
8th Girls Cape:
(1) Franklin 53
(5) Martha’s Vineyard 22
Going into the game Martha’s Vineyard coach Maureen Hill knew it was going to be a tall task to beat mighty Franklin.
“All I have heard about Franklin is that they have no weaknesses, so I am looking forward to playing them,” said Hill. “I just hope we can keep our turnovers to a minimum, and make it a good game for them.”
Franklin has beaten teams this season by an average of 41 points.
———————-
December 15th, 2:15pm
Games of the Week
With the power rankings updated for the week, here are the games of the week for Saturday, December 17th and Sunday, December 18th in the Metro and Cape League.
Metro:
6th Girls: None
6th Boys: None
7th Girls: (1) North Attleboro v (4) Abington
7th Boys: (6) Needham v (7) Sharon
8th Girls: (2) Wellesley v (7) North Quincy
8th Boys: None
Cape:
6th Girls: (6) Sandwich v (8) Dartmouth
6th Boys: (8) Franklin v (10) Falmouth
7th Girls: (6) Dartmouth v (7) Sandwich
7th Boys: (1) Dartmouth v (5) Plymouth North
8th Girls: (1) Franklin v (5) Martha’s Vineyard
8th Boys: None
———————-
December 14th, 9:15am
Games of the Week Results
6th Grade Girls – Metro
(2) Foxboro 21
(9) Medfield 13
In a low-scoring game, Foxboro held Medfield to 13 points while managing to muster enough offense to get the win.
While the trio of Foxboro standouts Ashley Sampson, Lily Sykes and Nicole Gallagher did not have a great game, Jackie Brion stepped up.
“Jackie Brion played with a lot of energy,” said Foxboro head coach Mark Sampson.
6th Grade Girls – Cape
(11) Falmouth 31
(3) Martha’s Vineyard 15
6th Grade Boys – Metro
(4) Easton 33
(11) Southboro 59
Southboro won a highly anticipated contest against a very strong Easton team, 59-33.
After trailing 14-12 in the first quarter, Southboro picked up their pace of play at both ends of the floor and really dug in defensively only allowing 19 points the rest of the way.
Offensively, Southboro had a relentless attack. Both their athletic guards and tough post players worked together to defeat a very talented group from Easton. The scoring was very balanced for Southboro. The bigs had 29 points, and the guards contributed 30 points in the victory.
The schedule continues to be challenging for Southboro (2-0) as they travel to Mansfield next week.
6th Grade Boys – Cape
(1)Sandwich 48
(3)Franklin Panthers 45
The Sandwich vs. Franklin Panthers match-up lived up to its billing. The game started out very fast with Sandwich making three quick layups and Franklin answered with back-to-back 3-pointers to tie the game at six two minutes in.
Sandwich then went on a 15-0 run for the next 10 minutes. Franklin regrouped and ended the half strong making the halftime score 34-19, Franklin.
Franklin new they had to dig in on defense to recover from the 16-point half time deficit.
The second half started as fast as the 1st half. Sandwich scored six unanswered points to put Franklin in a 22-point hole three minutes in. After a Franklin time out, Coach Tim Rodgers challenged his boys on the defensive end of the floor and they responded.
Franklin caused Sandwich to turn the ball over on many back to back trips and Franklin started attacking the Sandwich zone which enabled Franklin to cut the deficit to ten.
Then there was a five-point swing in favor of Franklin while taking only 10 seconds of the clock. That cut the Sandwich lead to five with about four minutes to go.
Franklin got as close as three points and had a chance at the end of the game for a long-range shot but it never materialized.
Marsters and Miller had 12 and 11 points, respectively, for Sandwich and Paul Mahon led the Franklin team with eight points but more importantly led the defensive charge for the team in the second half.
7th Grade Girls – Metro
(3) Franklin 41
(8) Medway 42
Medway hung on for a very narrow win over Franklin, 42-41.
Shannon Aviza and Kaelyn Beach were Medway’s high scorers but it was the entire team who contributed to the win.
“It was back and forth the whole game,” said coach Don Gignac. “There was no real pivotal moment.”
Medway improved to 2-0 in metro west play with the win.
7th Grade Girls – Cape
(6) Sandwich 14
(2) Falmouth 30
Falmouth continues to roll through cape league play and has improved to 4-0 after beating North Plymouth and Sandwich over the weekend.
“In the sandwich game we got out to a quick start and never looked back,” said Falmouth coach Jim DeCecco. “Our defense was solid, our shooting was terrific and passing was the key, hitting the open player.”
7th Grade Boys – Metro
(5) Weston 50
(9) Sharon 54
Overtime
Sharon jumped out to 13-0 lead and then took a 31-23 lead into the half. Weston came back in the third quarter to tie the game at 36 and the teams were knotted up at 47 at the end of regulation.
Ricardo Ripley hit a big three for Sharon and hit two crucial free throws in the overtime to lead a balanced scoring attack. Ripley finished with 10 points. Sebastijan Skoko added nine points, and Josh Rotman and Devon Mann had eight points apiece.
7th Grade Boys – Cape
(6) North Plymouth 42
(8) Barnstable 33
8th Grade Girls – Metro
(3) Newton 38
(6) Medfield 44
Medfield used a strong fourth quarter to capture the victory.
“We played a poor fourth quarter,” said Newton coach Jesus Rodriguez. “We held Medfield to five points in the third quarter. We broke down in the fourth quarter and gave up 18 points and missed some key free throws.”
8th Grade Girls – Cape
(1) Franklin 51
(13) Bourne 25
8th Grade Boys – Metro
(3) Sharon 40
(2) Needham 39
The close outcome of this game was to be expected seeing as though these two teams have had close games in the past and are both ranked in the top three in the SH area.
“I was very happy with our collective effort both on offense and defense as all 13 players contributed,” said Sharon head coach Marc Filipkowski. “Sharon had 11 players score ranging from 2 to 8 points per player. More importantly, we played great team defense primarily playing a 1-3-1 zone with an occasional half court trap. Holding a team like Needham to only 39 points on their home court is a testament to every member of our team buying into our ‘defense first’ philosophy.”
Sharon led by as many as eight points in the fourth quarter, but a couple of timely 3-pointers closed that gap to one-point with about 30 seconds to play.
“We were fortunate to escape with a win again a great Metro West opponent,” concluded Filipkowski.
8th Grade Boys – Cape
(4) Dartmouth 61
(10) South Plymouth 49
Dartmouth jumped out to a 12-0 start, but South Plymouth came roaring back to take a 26-19 advantage into halftime. Dartmouth controlled the second half on both ends to get the 61-49 win.
“It was a hard fought game by both teams,” said Dartmouth coach Jim Holding. “South Plymouth is a well-coached team by an experienced coach.”
The key to the game was Dartmouth’s full court pressing attack in the second half.
“About halfway through the second half their press just finally wore us down,” said South Plymouth coach Kevin Brown.
Matt Craig led Dartmouth with 32 points. Joe Brown paced South Plymouth with 18.
South Plymouth is excited to get another crack at Dartmouth,
“The good news for South Plymouth is we get another shot at them January 15th,” said Brown.
———————-
December 12th, 11:50pm
South Shore Girls League Score updates
6th GRADE GIRLS
(4) Braintree 48 (12) Plymouth 29
(12) Plymouth 23 Norwell 20
(5) Quincy 21 (8) Marshfield 15
Hingham 20 (8) Marshfield 8
(15) Hanover 21 (17) Scituate 17
(15) Hanover 22 Norwell 15
Weymouth 24 (17) Scituate 18
(4) Braintree 34 Plymouth 18
Pembroke 24 Hanson 15
Rockland 30 Canton 19
7th GRADE GIRLS
(4) Hanover 33 (7) Norwell 12
Marshfield 28 (13) Hingham 27
(16) Scituate 46 Weymouth 16
(7) Norwell 37 Plymouth 7
Marshfield 30 (15) Quincy 18
(4) Hanover 41 (16) Scituate 18
(22)Pembroke 32 Hanson 28
Canton 22 Rockland 8
8th GRADE GIRLS
(5) Hanover 33 (14) Norwell 10
(7) Marshfield 34 (12) Hingham 27
Weymouth 38 Scituate 25
(16)Plymouth 40 (14) Norwell 30
Quincy 53 (7) Marshfield 44
(5) Hanover 49 Scituate 9
(24) Pembroke 49 Hanson 39
Rockland 31 Canton 14
December 9th, 11:35am
Games of the Week – Previews
———————-
6th Grade Girls – (2) Foxboro v (9) Medfield
Foxboro enters the season with the deepest roster of guards in all of Massachusetts.
The athletic and multi-talented trio of Ashley Sampson, Lily Sykes and Nicole Gallagher spearheads that contingent.
“My key players are Ashley, Nicole and Lily,” said head coach Mark Sampson. “They’re key parts of our press, all play outstanding defense, and can handle and push the ball. They’re my key scorers too.”
And it doesn’t end there. There are a handful of other talent players that can step up on any given weekend to give Foxboro an extra boost.
Foxboro won the Mass Premier preseason tournament and lost in the semi-finals to Stoughton in the Stonehill preseason tournament.
In the first week of metro west play, Foxboro beat Westwood, 37-11. This week they are in the blind about their opponent.
“We haven’t played Medfield yet and I don’t know anything about them,” said Sampson. “They haven’t posted their score so I don’t know how they did against Walpole last week.”
Medfield bested Walpole last weekend, 26-23.
6th Grade Boys – (4) Easton v (11) Southboro
Southboro has opened its season on a 7-0 hot streak that includes 3-0 sweeps at both the Milton and Hopkinton preseason tournaments. In its first Metro West game of the season, Southboro convincingly disposed of (18) Medfield 65-29.
“Our boys have really focused on playing defense early in the season and the results have been positive leading the team to an early 7-0 record,” said Southboro head coach Mark Zides.
Southboro has a great talent per square mile ratio as it makes the leap into the D1 ranks against some of the bigger towns in the area.
“We are excited to play in D1 this season versus some of the top teams in Massachusetts,” said Zides. “We are the ‘smallest’ town competing in D1 in MA with approximately 9,800 people in the town of Southboro. The boys look forward to playing some of the top teams from top towns like Newton, Brockton, Easton, Mansfield, et cetra. Many of those towns are double to 10 times our size.”
Southboro will take on one of the premier sixth grade teams around in Easton.
“This week, Easton will be a challenge,” acknowledged Zides. “Bill does a great job with their team and we look forward to a competitive game on Sunday.”
7th Grade Girls – (2) Falmouth v (14) North Plymouth
Falmouth opened its cape league schedule with wins over Dartmouth and Yarmouth/Dennis.
“We had a pretty good weekend winning two games,” said Falmouth coach Jim DeCecco. “Our defense is our strong suit so if we play as planned we should be alright (this upcoming weekend.”
On Falmouth’s slate is Sandwich and North Plymouth.
“Sandwich is a well coached team with talent so that could make it tough, but we will be ready,” added DeCecco. “North Plymouth is a new team in our league this year so we just have to come out hard and adjust as we play. Should be another competitive weekend.”
7th Grade Boys – (8) Barnstable v (6) North Plymouth
Barnstable enters the season with some stability and continuity in the line-up, for these boys have been playing together since third grade. However, this weekend Barnstable will be without its starting center Will O’Day. This will be a blow to Barnstable because he is their top rebounder and second leading scorer.
Filling O’Day’s shoes will be athletic forward Dave Benoit.
“We believe he will rise to the challenge as he always does,” said Barnstable coach Lance Chevalier. “He has speed and strength that most forwards cannot match.”
Barnstable looks to play a fast pace game, utilizing its athletic ability and basketball IQ.
“Our team is fast,” stated coach Chevalier. “Our point guard Isaiah Chevalier takes great care of the ball and uses his speed to score and play tenacious defense. Tahir Taylor is our other starting forward who has tremendous savvy under the net and can score big numbers. Keaton Bergal is our starting 2-guard and plays great defense and scores a lot of points. Devin Harris is our 3-guard and has great speed and an accurate out side shot. He is always one of our best scorers.”
It doesn’t end with the starters. The bench boasts some great talent as well. Sean Coppin and Will Cooke are versatile players that can play multiple positions. Chris Stiles also is a boost with his defense, toughness and work ethic.
Barnstable opened its cape league schedule with a sweep of Lakeville and Tiverton, RI. Barnstable combined for 130 points in the two games while cruising to victories.
This weekend won’t be so easy for Barnstable.
“North Plymouth is a very well coached team and hustles 100 percent of the time,” said Chevalier. “The key to this game is staying out of foul trouble and getting rebounds. They have a good point guard who has size and speed. We need to stop him from getting to the hoop and force him to pass or take the outside shot. They like to go to the hoop for the easy baskets.”
7th Grade Boys – (9) Sharon v (4) Weston
Sharon versus Weston this weekend will be a battle between deep and balanced squads.
Sharon is coming off a victory against Wayland, 52-42. Weston opened its season with a close margin of victory over Newton, 41-38.
These teams sound like mirror images of one another and Select Hoops is looking forward to the outcome of this tilt.
“Everyone contributes and plays a key role,” said Sharon coach Todd Usen. “We are a team of 12 athletes who rely on their athleticism to make it tough on opponents.”
“We are a team that is extremely balanced and thrive when we play unselfishly and with team defense,” said Weston coach Mark Murphy.
Both coaches recognize that this is going to be a tightly contest game and will have to focus and play hard to leave with a victory.
“Weston is an extremely resilient team that never quits and always works hard,” said Sharon’s coach Usen. “As we learned last season, these kids can never be taken lightly.”
“The Sharon team is very physical and superbly coached,” said Weston coach Murphy. “If we play to our potential, I expect a real battle.”
8th Grade Boys – (3) Sharon v (2) Needham
In the metro west 8th grade boys ranks, it doesn’t get any better than a match up between Sharon and Needham. These two familiar foes will take the court early this season to see who gets a leg up on the race to the D1 championship.
Sharon enters the game 6-0 on the season, including preseason tourneys, and fresh off a 15-point win over Southboro in week one of metro play.
Needham got a test early in MW play, and escaped with a 49-46 victory over Ashland.
Needham will look to rely on its center Kelechi Ekeh and guards Andrew Bronstein and Alex Dorian for the bulk of their production.
Sharon boasts one of the deepest rosters in the state, and will look for contributions from any given player on the roster.
“We are different than many Metrowest teams,” said coach Marc Filipkowski. “Our key contributors can be any of our 13 players. This is not just a cliché. We prove it every week by having different players step up and lead us either with scoring, rebounding, great defense, or unselfish ball distribution.”
“In fact, we are fortunate enough to have the ability to change our starting squads each week and go with our best five at crunch time, which is directly related to performance in that game,” added Filipkowski. “Often, a different set of players is on the court in crunch time each week which is a testament to the depth and strength of our roster.”
These teams are familiar with one another and each know they’re in for a battle.
“We have the utmost respect for Needham,” said Filipkowski. “They beat us twice last year in Metro West. Once in the regular season and also in the Metrowest D1 Championship game. They are well-coached and have terrific balance between their outside guard play and interior play. They seemed to get better as the season progressed last year. They had some very impressive wins in the playoffs including the title game against us.”
“We beat them in the finals of division one Metro West,” noted Needham head coach Rob Bronstein. “They are very tough and this should be a great game.”
To avenge the losses from last season, Sharon will need to clamp down on defense.
“Our commitment and focus is on defense,” said Filipkowski. “When we hold opponents to less than 55 points, we have a very high winning percentage because we tend to score in the 60s with different players leading us each game.”
8th Grade Boys – (4) Dartmouth v (10) South Plymouth
Both of these teams are coming into this contest with sweeps in the first week of cape league action.
Dartmouth was undefeated during last year’s regular season until South Plymouth knocked them off in the play-offs so this isn’t just your normal regular season game in the CL.
“Dartmouth is very tough going undefeated last year during the regular season until we knocked them out of the playoffs,” said South Plymouth coach Kevin Brown. “So there is a good rivalry building.”
South Plymouth has received great early season contributions up and down the roster.
“Point guard Ryan Morrissey has started off strong averaging 13 points a game,” said Brown. “Forward Joe Brown is averaging 14.5 points a game and center Jake Jobe is averaging 10 points. We have 10 skilled players and our speed is tough to match up against playing full court man only.”
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December 8th, 11:15am
Games of the Week
With the power rankings updated for the week, here are the games of the week for Saturday, December 10th and Sunday, December 11th in the Metro and Cape League.
Metro:
6th Girls: (2) Foxboro vs. (9) Medfield
6th Boys: (4) Easton vs. (11) Southboro
7th Girls: (3) Franklin vs. (8) Medway
7th Boys: (5) Weston vs. (9) Sharon
8th Girls: (3) Newton vs. (6) Medfield
8th Boys: (3) Sharon vs. (2) Needham
Cape:
6th Girls: (11) Falmouth vs. (3) Martha’s Vineyard
6th Boys: (1) Sandwich vs. (3) Franklin
7th Girls: (6) Sandwich vs. (2) Falmouth
7th Boys: (6) North Plymouth vs. (8) Barnstable
8th Girls: (13) Bourne vs. (1) Franklin
8th Boys: (4) Dartmouth vs. (10) South Plymouth
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December 7th, 10:00am
South Shore Girls League Score updates
6TH GRADE GIRLS
(8) Braintree 31, Hingham 8
(8) Braintree 37, Hanover 14
(7) Quincy 34, Weymouth 22
(7) Quincy 22, Scituate 18
(9) Marshfield 24, Norwell 3
7TH GRADE GIRLS
(11) Braintree 31, Hingham 17
(5) Hanover 34, (11) Braintree 28
(5) Hanover 46, Plymouth 22
(18) Norwell 35, Scituate 29
(18) Norwell 37, (20) Marshfield 18
(7) Duxbury 39, Hanson 18
(7) Duxbury 42, Rockland 6
Hingham 45, Plymouth 20
8TH GRADE GIRLS
(6) Hanover 33, Plymouth 24
(6) Hanover 33, Braintree 20
Hingham 43, Braintree 30
(12) Quincy 38, (18) Weymouth 27
(12) Quincy 57, Scituate 38
Plymouth 40, Hingham 33
(8) Marshfield 42, Norwell 41
(20) Rockland 32, (14) Duxbury 30
(14) Duxbury 34, Hingham 14
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December 7th, 8:36am
Game of Week Results
6th Grade Boys – Cape
(2) Sandwich 44
(11) Barnstable 23
6th Grade Boys – Metro
(4) Foxboro 38
(3) Newton 35
In an early season match up featuring the cream of the crop in 6th grade boys’ metro, Foxboro traveled to Newton and left with a slight edge, 38-35.
It was a tightly contested battle. Newton took a six-point edge at halftime, 24-18. Foxboro’s mixes of defenses held Newton to only 11 second half points.
“We struggled to adjust to their various defenses,” said Newton coach Brian Rooney. “As a result, we turned the ball over a lot and failed to get enough good shots. In addition, Foxboro handled our pressure defense pretty well.”
Seven different players scored for Foxboro. Joe Morrison led the way with 10 points in the win.
For Newton, Harry Weitzel led the scoring charge with eight points. River Yan added seven points.
6th Grade Girls – Cape
(13) Falmouth 19
(16) Sandwich 34
Sandwich opened up its season with a convincing victory over Falmouth, 34-19. Sandwich led the entire game and received contributions from the entire roster. Nine girls scored for the host team, with Sara MacFarland leading the way with 10 points.
6th Grade Girls – Metro
(1) Newton 39
(12) Norwood 25
Norwood kicked off its season by hosting number-one ranked Newton and hung strong with them for a while. The game was tied at eight points with four minutes left in the first half, and then Newton ran off 12 unanswered points.
“They are an excellent team with one of the best players in the state at our age level,” said Norwood coach Al Becker of Newton and its best player Veronica Burton.
“At times we were OK against them, but not for 32 minutes,” added Becker.
Julia Higgins led Norwood in scoring with eight points. Katie Mulholland provided help off the bench in the defeat.
7th Grade Boys – Metro
(3) Wellesley 50
(1) Brockton 43
7th Grade Girls – Cape
(8) Dartmouth 22
(3) Falmouth 27
Dartmouth and Falmouth battled in a game of runs this past weekend. Dartmouth used a late surge to pull away to a 27-22 victory.
Falmouth jumped out to an early eight-point lead only to have Dartmouth come back and capture a 17-12 lead. Falmouth then bounced back to go on the final run pushing the score to 27-20.
“(the game) was a little rough all around,” said Dartmouth coach Dave Cadorette.
“Defense on both teams was very intense,” said Falmouth coach Jim DiCecco.
7th Grade Girls – Metro
(1) North Attleboro 40
(9) Walpole 12
North Attleboro continued its dominance over this age level with a convincing opening victory at Walpole, 40-12.
North’s trapping and pressing defense were the keys to the victory. It will be a long day for whichever team draws the short straw and has to play North that particular weekend.
8th Grade Boys – Cape
(10) Barnstable 47
(14) Sandwich 56
Sandwich jumped out on Barnstable early to take a 15-2 lead. Barnstable fought back to tie the game up at 26 at halftime.
In the second half, the two stellar cape teams continued to battle back and forth until Sandwich was able to pull away late.
“We came out strong in the second half, but the gap closed several times until a few key defensive plays and timely shots put it out of reach late in the game,” said Sandwich coach Daniel Megan.
“Give Sandwich credit, they played a good game and shot the ball well,” said Barnstable coach Roy Balthazard. “We are looking forward to playing them again soon.”
Barnstable’s Griffin Burke led all scorers with 18 points. Eric Holzman chipped in with 10 points in the loss.
Josh Condon’s 16 points and Tom Megan’s 12 points and solid point guard play led Sandwich.
8th Grade Boys – Metro
(5) Brockton 56
(12) North Quincy 85
It is rare to see a team score in the 60s in travel hoops, never mind in the 80s, but North Quincy opened up its season lighting up the scoreboard for 85 points.
“(We played against) a real well coached, sound and efficient North Quincy team that executed and didn’t miss many shot,” said Brockton coach Scott Roberts.
“We jumped on them early and they were never able to recover,” said NQ coach Bob Evans. “They’ll be a different club when we play them at their house in the last game of the regular season. In the meantime for us, we have to keep working every single day to get better to compete at a high level in this league.”
North Quincy’s Tyshawn Moore led the way with 24 points and 29 rebounds. Jack Loughnane paced NQ’s scoring with 25 points. Scott Mele added a double-double in the win. Quinlan Evans, Will Ortiz and Dhaaky Drake all made solid contributions in the win.
Without star player Dalvyn Charles, Lamar Pringle was the standout for Brockton.
“It was a learning experience for us,” said Roberts. “Fifty percent of our roster is new and will take some time before we can compete at the level we expect.”
8th Grade Girls – Cape
(4) Dartmouth 32
(1) Franklin 45
The Franklin girls continue to buzz through the cape league with an opening season win against their closest competition Dartmouth, 45-32.
“Dartmouth played very well,” said Franklin coach Steve McCue. “Their girls played hard and are well coached.”
“We have a special group of players that play team first,” added McCue.
8th Grade Girls – Metro
(2) Wellesley 26
(9) Westwood 23
In what Wellesley head coach Kim Benzan described as a “defensive battle,” Wellesley escaped an early season test on the road versus Westwood, 26-23.
Caroline Sullivan, Emma Ivey, Katie Williams and Katie Benzan shouldered the scoring load for Wellesley. Katie Nelson, Gabby Clifford, Caroline Ward, Lucy Acuna and Nicole Frontero provided contributions on the glass and on the defensive end.
- Alex
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December 3rd, 3:45pm
Preview: 8th Boys – (14) Sandwich
We previewed Sandwich earlier in the preseason, but have checked in with them again in anticipation to their opener this weekend against (10) Barnstable.
Barnstable and Sandwich squared off already in a preseason tournament and Barnstable was victorious by two points.
Coach Daniel Megan used the preseason to prepare his team for the regular season and doesn’t assess it based on wins and losses.
“We went .500 in the preseason, but played some very strong teams,” said Megan. “We focused on a lot of line changes, working in some new players as well as fine tuning our defense. The kids have improved their passing ability, now we need to combine that with a bit more patience.”
Coach Megan likes what he sees from his team, and has received contributions from all of his players.
When asked about his key players, Megan replied, “In terms of key players its tough. We have a very balanced team and a star for us can be one of any 10 players depending on the day! I still treat this as preparation for High School, making sure everyone has adequate opportunity to improve their skill through game play. That said, Josh Condon continues to improve as our center. He’s gotten stronger and even with his height is fast up the court. Tommy Megan remains strong at the point as a ball handler and shot threat but can now share those duties with Mike Migliore who has shown particularly strong defensive skills as well. Robbie Lennox is another that has shown great improvement in his low post game and remains our best rebounder. Cam Yadesernia remains one of the most dangerous shooting guards in the league.”
Sandwich has the potential to be dangerous in the CL.
“This team can beat any team in our league,” said Megan. “I hope this year we can have more consistency in our play and with another year of maturity under their belts better handle game situations when we’re fighting back. I think the kids are finally understanding that basketball can be game of streaks and that you need to maintain focus and attitude to come out on top more often in those close battles.”
- Alex
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December 3rd, 3:30pm
Preview: 6th Girls – (12) Norwood
Thanks to a familiar roster for the past three years, coach Al Becker hasn’t had to waste valuable practice time getting the team acclimated to one another and has been able to implement new plays to be prepared for the 6th grade rule changes. (Zone defense being allowed.)
The 6th grade division 1 metro is pretty stacked, but Becker has his team prepared.
“This will be the second year this group has played Div. 1 and they understand the challenge — they are also hard workers,” said Becker.
Norwood went 2-0 in its opening jamboree with wins over Abington and Westwood. In the Stonehill tournament, Becker tinkered with lineups and worked on things and beat Hanover and Beverly in the process. Norwood dropped games this preseason to (8) Braintree and North Andover.
Kaylin Reen and Megan Giambanco will be asked to shoulder the load handling the ball for the Mustangs. Julia Higgins will likely be one of the better frontcourt players with her athleticism and height. Other roles on this squad are to be determined.
“One of the things we’ve focused on so far this season is getting involvement and positive contributions from all 10 players,” said Becker. “Our starting five will likely change each week depending on who earns those spots.”
Norwood has to compete with the Foxboros, Mansfields and Newtons of the world on a weekly basis, and will look to make some noise in D1 Metro.
Like any team, the individuals on it must continue to improve for the betterment of the whole.
“We will always measure our success on how well the players develop as a team, and with their individual skills,” said Becker. “Last year, we saw a lot of improvement at different times, and overall we were a better team in March. It doesn’t always translate to wins and losses, but we know we are playing the best teams each week at our age level, and that is what competition is about for us. Working each week on skills and team building will help us continue the momentum we started three seasons ago.”
- Alex
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December 3rd, 3:10
Preview: 7th Boys – (1) Brockton
Brockton enters opening weekend as the number one ranked 7th grade boys’ team in the Select Hoops coverage area.
In the preseason, coach Ulyen Coleman has been focusing on strength, conditioning, shooting and team defense.
Brockton has a handful of stud players including: Ulyen Coleman, an excellent three-point shooter, Shyeim Hicks, a versatile player that coach Coleman calls their “best all around player,” Ghared Boyce, an extremely quick defensive weapon, and Jakigh Marcelin who is a great all around player.
Coach Coleman confirmed our ranking of Brockton when he closed by saying, “We will be an extremely talented team.”
- Alex
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December 3rd, 2:40pm
Preview: 8th Boys – (12) North Quincy
Despite being undefeated in three close games thus far this preseason, Coach Bob Evans knows his team has a long way to go if it wants to make any post season noise.
“We played in the Milton Tournament on Thanksgiving weekend, winning all three games by close margins,” Said Evans. “Our play was inconsistent. Our defense has to improve.”
North Quincy has a handful of playmakers.
“Our leader is Jack Loughnane, he does it all for us on the court. I wouldn’t trade him for anyone else in the state,” said Evans. “Scott Mele is a tough match up for any one, he can score in multiple ways. Quinlan Evans is a multi-talented point guard. Brendan McDonald and Mike McNelly provide a good outside/inside combination. Tyshawn Moore can be a double/double player against anyone.”
North Quincy has a large roster and carries 15 players and Evans cites that unless they all start regularly making practices they may be disappointed with the outcome.
“(We have to build on last year’s success) on the practice court,” said Evans. “My players have to understand that you get better little by little, playoff games in March are being won or lost right now. Presently, we have a long way to go.
- Alex
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December 3rd, 2:15pm
Preview: 7th Girls – (3) Falmouth
Falmouth kicks off its regular season with a Cape League tilt versus Dartmouth this weekend. They may be stepping into every game with a bull’s-eye on their backs being the highest ranked CL team in the power rankings.
This team carries nine players and receives contributions from all of them.
This preseason has been filled with energy from Jim Dicecco’s group. They have played against some 8th grade teams to gear up for the slate of CL games.
The team concept is stressed on this squad.
“The goal is to try to get each player to develop and expand on their skills,” said DiCecco. “Making sure everyone is involved and bringing the team concept to fruition.”
Look out, Cape League. This team is nine strong and going to be tough to beat.
- Alex
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December 3rd, 1:00pm
Preview: 6th Boys – (3) Newton vs. (4) Foxboro
Both Newton and Foxboro will be tested right off the bat in their Metro West season as they square off versus one another in the opener.
Newton has gone undefeated so far in preseason at the Stonehill and Milton tournaments, beating ranked teams (6) Mansfield, (7) Stoughton and (13) Lakeville along the way.
All things considered, Foxboro’s preseason has gone pretty well. They have yet to have a full compliment of players due to fall sports and the injury bug.
All teams will have to adjust to the rule changes in 6th grade with teams allowed to implement zone defenses, and Newton and Foxboro both cited that as an obstacle in the early going.
Newton’s deep roster will be a problem for many teams because Newton receives equal contributions from all players on the roster.
“Our strength is our depth,” said coach Brian Rooney. “We have 11 players that contribute. On a given day, any kid could lead us in scoring.”
Foxboro will be led by a trio of players. Josh Morrison is an athletic forward with great anticipation skills. Mike Dunn is wing that can shoot and is coming off a year of AAU ball. Dave Hassett is a versatile combo guard that can impact both ends of the court.
Newton will look to make this a track meet with its full court pressure and fast break attack, while Foxboro will look to control the tempo with its half court offense.
- Alex
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December 2nd, 8:30am
Opening Week Key Match-ups
After a few weeks of some great preseason tournaments all over the state, it’s time for the real thing! League action gets under way this weekend.
There have been a lot of questions about how the power rankings are formulated and how often they change. They change weekly and it has to do with how the teams perform in their respective league.
Here are the games of the week in Metro West and the Cape League:
6th Grade Boys:
(4) Foxboro at (3) Newton
(2) Sandwich at (11) Barnstable
6th Grade Girls:
(1) Newton at (12) Norwood
(13) Falmouth at (16) Sandwich
7th Grade Boys:
(3) Wellesley at (1) Brockton
7th Grade Girls:
(9) Walpole at (1) North Attleboro
(8) Dartmouth at (4) Falmouth
8th Grade Boys:
(5) Brockton at (12) North Quincy
(10) Barnstable at (14) Sandwich
8th Grade Girls:
(2) Wellesley at (9) Westwood
(4) Dartmouth at (1) Franklin
With all these key matchups early in the season, there could be major power rankings shake up immediately!
Good luck to all teams playing this weekend.
- Alex
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November 20th, 9:15am.
7th Grade Girls: (2) Norwood vs. (9) Walpole
Norwood – Two of the top 10 ranked 7th grade girls teams took the court on Saturday morning in the Norwood Jamboree with Norwood playing host to Walpole.
In the first quarter, once Norwood started rebounding it was off to the races for the Mustangs. The hosts pushed the ball well and created a lot of turnovers with their full court man-to-man pressure.
After the first quarter Norwood held a 14-4 lead led by Ally Copponi’s four points and Megan Reen’s three assists.
Walpole made a surge in the second quarter behind a 9-0 run which cut the deficit to three, 16-13. Norwood took a 20-13 lead into half time. Reen led Norwood with four points and four assists. Krista Bradley and Copponi each added four points.
In the low scoring third quarter, Bradley accounted for six of Norwood’s eight points and Norwood held a 28-17 edge entering the fourth quarter.
In the final frame, Norwood went into “don’t lose” mode and took the foot off the gas offensively and lost some of their rhythm. Walpole went on a 7-0 run to cut the lead to 28-24 in the final minutes of the game. However, the lead was too much to overcome for Walpole and Norwood escaped with a 30-24, scoring its only points of the quarter on a game-sealing lay-up by Bradley.
Bradley led Norwood with 12 points. Reen and Copponi added four points apiece.
6th Grade Girls notes:
• (1) Newton survived an early season scare from (11) Franklin. The feisty Franklin bunch lost the defending Metro West champions, 24-22.
• An hour and a half after Franklin lost a heartbreaker, they had to play (10) Walpole. Walpole’s fast pace tempo was too much for Franklin and Walpole cruised to an easy 34-21 victory behind the strong play of strong point guard Bridget Lanchester. Lanchester dictated the pace by pushing the ball with the dribble and advancing with the pass while finishing at the basket with both hands.
• (12) Norwood and (20) Westwood had a defensive battle to round out 6th grade girls action. Norwood edged Westwood 21-16.
- Alex
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November 11th, 2011. 11:16pm.
Preseason Tourney Time: Braintree Fall Shootout
It’s early, but teams are itching to play. Some of the best girls teams in the SH area playing this weekend in the Braintree tournament.
In the 6th grade division, (7)Quincy is aligned to be on a collision course to meet (8)Braintree in the championship game. (8)Braintree has to go through formidable opponents (HM)Hingham and (HM)Weymouth to advance. The championship is at 10:20am at Braintree High School.
The 7th grade division is the most competitive. That pool is a who’s who of good teams for this area, which is rare to see this early in the season. The two teams with the best record will square off in the final at 2:50 at East Middle School. The teams in the pool are (4)Franklin, (5)Hanover, (6)Norton, (12)Newton, (14)Westwood, (18)Norwell, (HM)Scituate, (HM)Hingham and Braintree.
The 8th grade division has its share of talent as well with (3)Newton, (6)Hanover, (12)Quincy, (18)Weymouth, (HM)Hingham and (HM)Plymouth. The top two teams will meet in the 8th grade final is 4:00 at East Middle School.
Good luck to all teams playing this weekend.
If you have a tip of any elite teams playing this weekend, e-mail me at info@selecthoops.com.
- Alex
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November 9th, 2011. 1:10pm.
Season Preview Series: Martha’s Vineyard 8th Grade Girls
The Martha’s Vineyard 8th grade girls’ basketball team enjoyed a very successful 2010-2011 campaign and is looking to build on that this season.
The island team finished 23-6 included a second place finish in the Cape league, a tournament crown in the Sandwich March Madness tourney and a runner-up finish in the St. Patty’s Day tourney in Kingston, MA.
“My goals for the season is for us to play as a team, play great defense, and hopefully make it back to the championship game for the Cape League,” said head coach Maureen Hill.
Hill is excited about the growth of her team. “All of our starters are back, and taller and stronger so it should make for an interesting season.”
Of those starters, a lot will be asked of point guard Mya Houston, center Sam Hargy and wing player Erin Hill.
- Alex
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November 4th, 2011. 4:16pm.
Season Preview Series: Sharon 8th Grade Girls
Coming off a disappointing 2010-2011 campaign, the Sharon 8th grade girls will look to bounce back this winter.
Sharon was in the D2A division last year and played primarily D1 teams. Thanks to Metro West realignment, Sharon will be playing a D2 schedule, and should improve on their 4-8 finish.
“We had a disappointing season last year with injuries and playing a D2A schedule,” said head coach Eric Hoffman. “We expect a much improved record and a strong playoff run.”
The catalysts for that run will be Elyssa Hoffman and Alyssa Piazza.
Elyssa Hoffman will be asked to guide the team from the point position, and move off the ball when needed. Piazza will play center, and is a strong offensive force and will be asked to clean the glass on both ends.
Coach Hoffman has high hopes for his team and thinks they should have success in D2 of the MW league.
“In Metrowest D2 our goal is to win at least 8 games and make the championship game.”
- Alex
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November 3rd, 2011. 11:57am.
Season Preview Series: Marshfield 8th Grade Girls
After going undefeated in the South Shore League last season, Marshfield head coach Bob Ahearn knows the likelihood of repeating that feat could be low.
“I do not expect to go undefeated, but hope the girls get better, have fun and win some games,” said Ahearn.
Marshfield finished 18-0 in the South Shore League and finished 5th in the state tournament.
To have repeated success, the returning key players must play to their potential.
Maggie Ahearn returns as the team’s leading scorer and rebounder. She is coming fresh off a fall AAU season with Bay State Magic Elite and she’s added five inches since last winter and stands at 5’11”.
Micaela Pitts returns as the starting point guard. She played her AAU ball with the Shamrocks. Shooting guard Elizabeth Coffran returns as the second leading scorer. Tori McDonough returns as a staple on the defensive end.
“My philosophy is to get these girls ready to play basketball in high school,” said Ahearn. “I push these girls to play AAU if they can.”
Marshfield will enter every SS league game as the favorite, with opponents excited to play them.
Ahearn sees the bigger picture and will focus more on development for high school and take the accolades and victories as they come.
“My focus is on fundamentals, skills and drills,” said Ahearn. “If we win games too, that’s great.”
- Alex
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October 31st, 2011. 9:59am.
Season Preview Series: Watertown 8th Grade Girls
Although they would prefer to fly under the radar and play the role of underdog, Watertown was undeniably efficient last year.
They finished 8-4 in the Metro West league and that was good enough for third place in the regular season. They lost to Newton in the semi-final of the MW play-offs by one point.
In addition to playing in the MW league, Watertown finished undefeated in the Middlesex League with a record of 11-0.
“We hope to improve on last year, but know it will be a challenge,” said head coach Warren Tolman.
The formula for reaching that goal starts on the defensive end. “If we play good defense, we can play with anyone,” said Tolman.
Watertown gets equal contributions from all its players, with no superstars.
“Our goals are to improve, to have fun, to play as a team and to work hard,” Tolman added.
- Alex
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October 26th, 2011. 6:00pm.
Season Preview Series: Newton 8th Grade Boys
One of the most consistent teams over the past three years has been the Newton 8th grade boys’.
As 4th, 5th and 6th graders, Newton took home the Metro West title.
Last year Newton was tripped up in the MW play-offs and was not able to four-peat. However, the resilient team was able to bounce back to win the state tournament for the third straight year.
If they want to win the MW league again and four-peat in the state tournament, a lot will fall on their “Big Three.”
Austin Burton will be back to be the floor general. Nate Hollenberg is back as a top swing player. Will Weitzel returns as the center. All three will need to continue to improve for Newton to wear the MW crown again.
Newton will be fun to follow on their quest for their fourth straight state tournament.
- Alex
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October 21st, 2011. 3:35pm.
Season Preview Series: Stoughton 8th Grade Boys
If there is one team that is knocking on the door of being elite in the metro west league 8th grade boys division this year, it’s Stoughton.
The number 8th SH ranked squad fields an athletic squad with depth.
In 2010-2011, Stoughton finished with a 7-4 league record and placed fourth in the play-offs. The previous year, they finished 8-3 and in third place.
Coach Stephen Andrews’s expectations are high and set his team’s goal on winning the whole thing.
And why not? Stoughton won a pair of Mass Premier tournaments and knocked off #2 SH ranked Needham in the regular season last year before falling to them by 4 points in the play-offs.
Stoughton returns a slew of contributors in Nick Quattrucci, Clay Andrews, Alijah Rue, Drayton Tisdale, Brandon Teixeira, Joshua Chuba, Malyke Ross and Lester Riley.
Coach Andrews welcomes sizable newcomers Maurice Dingle and Josh Williams onto the team this year.
Stoughton will be a fun team to watch all season and are poised to make noise in D1 MW this winter.
- Alex
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October 20th, 2011. 3:15pm.
Season Preview Series: Marshfield 8th Grade Boys
No 8th grade boys’ team enters this season with a bigger bull’s-eye on its back than Marshfield.
They enter the season holding the SH preseason number one ranking after an impressive 2010-2011 campaign in which they went 39-1.
Marshfield went on to win over a handful of tournament including the Mass Premier Invitation Tournament, Marshfield Thanksgiving Tournament, MLK Classic, Fundamental Hoops March Madness and the South Shore Boys Play-Offs.
The only loss of the season came in the Fundamental Hoops Christmas Tournament in Lowell, MA.
Coach Joe Acer wants the players to grow their individual skills and mesh as a team.
“Our goals are for the boys to keep improving over the course of the season, to support each other and play team oriented basketball and to be excellent representatives of their families and our town,” said Acer.
The Marshfield team received contributions from all 12 players last year and expects to do the same this year.
It is tough to top last year’s season for Marshfield, but we here at SH look to follow their growth.
“Coach Masterson and I have coached these players for the last four seasons and are looking forward to our boys final year of travel competition before high school,” Acer concluded.
- Alex
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October 18th, 2011. 2:40pm.
Season Preview Series: Sandwich 8th Grade Boys
In the competitive Cape Cod League, Sandwich 8th grade boys will try to assert itself as one of the best teams and improve on its 4th place finish last winter.
Sandwich finished with a 10-4 record in the league and won the Middleboro tournament, while playing well in the South Plymouth and the Sandwich tournament.
“We should be very solid this year, picking up a few new players that add speed while not sacrificing height,” said head coach Dan Megan. “My expectations as always are for the kids to play to their ability.”
This team has a good core of returning players. Tommy Megan will be back to be the floor general for the team. Josh Condon who will look to establish the paint as center along with frontcourt teammate Adam Billard.
The team has added a couple new players: Mike Migliore, a point guard who coach Megan called “a strong perimeter shooter,” and Brian Wahle who can contribute with his speed and defense.
“For this team this year, it’s about capturing a little more chemistry,” explained Megan. “They have the talent and I think they have matured. If they can play hard as a team they will be tough to beat.”
With high school only a year away, Coach Megan’s objectives are to be competitive with an eye for the future. “My goal is to prepare the kids for their high school tryouts next year. While I think we can compete for the league championship, our record and tourney wins come second to making sure they have the skills to make their high school teams.”
On the court, a point of emphasis for Sandwich will be on the defensive end. “If we want to improve anything, it is defense,” said Megan. “We gave up too many points last year via lazy defense.”
Sandwich will be poised to build on a good season last year and seem to have the tools and talent to play with any team in the league.
- Alex
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October 11th, 2011. 1:16pm
Season Preview Series: Sharon 8th Grade Boys
The Sharon 8th grade boys’ team enters the 2011-2012 Metro West season with high expectations and a roster full of players that make basketball a top priority. Of the 13 players on the roster, all of them play basketball year round in off-season town travel leagues and AAU.
Sharon finished with an overall record of 25-10, which includes MW league play, tournaments, MW play-offs and the state tournament.
In the MW league, Sharon finished third with a regular season record of 8-4. They put together a nice run in the play-offs to finish runner-up for the third consecutive year.
In the state tournament, Sharon advanced to the championship but fell to Newton for the second straight year.
Sharon also won the Muscato Holiday Classic Tournament in Easton for the third time in four years.
“We will play a similar schedule this season,” said head coach Marc Filipkowski. “My goals and expectations are the same as always – to maximize my player’s individual fundamental skills and how they perform as a team.”
The roster has 11 returning players including guards Jordan Mello-Klein, Alex Dubrow, Andrew Filipkowski, Coby Tippett, Tyler Smith, forwards David Roelke, Matt Lowerre, Daniel Bender, Eric Ross and centers Michael Zola and Joey Dowler. New players to the squad are forward Bryce Smith and guard Wes Woodson.
Sharon has been successful for many years, and this could be year to get over the hump and take down the MW league title and even the state tournament.
“Bottom line, it’s all about attitude, effort and performance,” added Filipkowski. “Since fourth grade my overriding objective has been to prepare the boys to play high school basketball – which is only a year away.”
The head coach concluded, “The team is anxious to get started and is looking forward to a terrific season.”
- Alex
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October 7th, 2011. 1:20pm
Season Preview Series: South Plymouth 8th Grade Boys
After finishing fifth (lost tie breaker) in the regular season of the Cape League last winter, South Plymouth went on an impressive run in the play-offs knocking off regular season champions Dartmouth and fourth place Sandwich before falling in the championship to Nauset.
In addition to finishing runner-up in the CL, South Plymouth won three tournaments: Rhode Island Amateur Basketball Club Travel Christmas Tournament, The South Plymouth St. Patrick’s Tournament, and the Kingston February Vacation Tournament. They also finished second in the Bourne Busnego Tournament.
With the loss to Nauset in the CL championship, it marked the fourth straight year that South Plymouth has finished second in the league. Coach Kevin Brown and his team are aware that it’s now or never time.
Help may be on the way in the form of 6’3” Nick Manmmone who just moved into town from Ohio. He will be a much-needed addition to a front line that is annually among the shortest in the CL.
Add Manmmone to the already existing core of point guard Austin Hanlon, wing Dillon Slattery and forward Joe Brown and that could finally get South Plymouth over the hump and its first CL crown.
- Alex
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October 6th, 2011. 2:38pm
Team previews: coming soon!
Some teams got a jump on the travel season by holding its try-outs early in the fall. Select Hoops is going to get a jump on the coverage by posting some team previews starting this week.
Select Hoops is dedicated to being the premier media hub for the MetroWest, Cape, South Shore and Patriot travel leagues in Massachusetts.
Check back frequently for select team previews.
-Alex
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September 17th, 2011. 12:28pm
Joe Downes subtly shining at Elite 75
Hoop Mountain and New England Recruiting Report are hosting the Elite 75 exposure event for the New England’s best freshmen and sophomore male basketball players. Two SH Showcase alumni are standing out in the event.
In arenas like this, as an objective observer it is easy to get caught up in the flash and highlight type plays. Joe Downes from Sandwich, MA, just plays the game the way it’s meant to be played. He runs the floor correctly, makes the extra pass and attacks when it’s there. He possesses the skills that can get lost in an all-star type atmosphere.
Steven Daley, Westwood MA, is also here but I have yet to see him in action.
- Alex
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August 16th, 2011. 4:20pm
After the championship game, M-Plex held an all-star game for the standout players in the 6th and 7th grade recreational league, and it required overtime to determine the winner.
The game was neck and neck throughout the entire game. Both teams were tied up at 20 at halftime and ended regulation knotted up at 36.
The red team, led by Megan Reen (7th grade, Norwood – 8 points) and Carli Koffinke (7th, Franklin – 14), held a one point edge with 14 seconds left when the blue team called timeout. When play resumed the blue team was poised and made extra passes to get Ashley Sampson (6th, Foxboro) a good look from 15 feet and she buried it at the buzzer for the win, 39-38.
Christina Bonfiglio (7th, Westwood) led blue in scoring with 13 points. Marissa Fontaine added six points.
-Alex
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August 16th, 2011. 3:43pm
Megan Reen (7th, Norwood) followed up a great double-header performance a week prior with a stellar championship game while leading her team to the title of the M-Plex 6th and 7th girl rec league. Reen scored 16 points in the 43-27 win. Abbie Kurtzer (6th, Norton) added 10 points and Kelly Johnson (7th, Somerset) chipped in with seven.
Ashley Sampson (6th, Foxboro) and Christina Bonfiglio (7th, Westwood) scored 14 and 13 points, respectively, in the championship loss – which added up to the team’s scoring total.
-Alex
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August 9th, 2011. 4:11pm
Megan Reen (7th grade, Norwood) put her team on her back by scoring 28 points in two games on Monday night in the M-Plex 6th and 7th girls rec league play-offs. Reen’s team entered the night in last place, but after beating the fourth and first place team back-to-back, Reen’s team will be playing in the championship on Monday night, August 15th.
Christina Bonfiglio(7th grade, Westwood) has been more of a facilitator for her team all season, but that all changed on Monday when she put her team on her back to defeat the green team. Bonfiglio scored 18 points in a very impressive performance. Sixth grade standout Ashley Sampson(6th, Foxboro) added 11 points to help Bonfiglio and their team to the victory.
The championship game will be held on Monday, August 15th at 6:00pm at M-Plex followed by an all-star game featuring all the best players in the league.
-Alex
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August 3rd, 2011. 5:22pm
Although it is summer and the uncertainty of having consistent rosters exists, some of the SH area’s top teams are playing very well in their respective leagues at Mass Premier.
For what its worth, here are some of the SH area’s top ranked teams current records at MPC.
6th Grade Girls:
(2) Foxboro 7-0
(8) Braintree 5-1
(5) Mansfield 4-2
(24) North Attleboro 4-2
(11) Franklin 3-3
(25) Norton 2-4
(10) Walpole 1-5
6th Grade Boys:
(14) Brockton 5-1
(8) Franklin 5-1
(9) Easton 3-1
(7) Stoughton 4-2
(4) Foxboro 4-2
(6) Mansfield 3-3
7th Grade Girls:
(14) Westwood 6-0
(4) Franklin 4-1
(6) Norton 4-2
(11) Braintree 3-3
(19) Medfield 2-4
7th Grade Boys:
(6) Franklin 5-1
(9) Mansfield 4-1
(12) Sharon 4-2
(17) Easton 1-5
8th Grade Girls:
(20) Mansfield 5-1
(8) Westwood 4-2
(10) Hopkinton 2-4
8th Grade Boys:
(3) Sharon 6-0
(22) Franklin 1-4
-Alex
Twitter: @AL_D_FOR_3
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August 2nd, 2011. 5:07pm
A handful of the brightest young stars in the SH area have been shining in the M-Plex Monday night league for 6th and 7th grade girls. The regular season ended last night.
Carli Koffinke (7th grade, #4 Franklin) locked up the scoring title with a 14 point performance. Although they lost the game, her Red team secured 1st place for the play-offs. Koffinke finished with 94 points in six games for a 15.7 average.
Megan Reen (7th grade, #2 Norwood) had a dominant night distributing the ball to her teammates and finishing on a variety of creative shots in the paint. Reen led her team with 14 points last night and finished the season with a 14.7 average.
Ashley Sampson (6th grade, #2 Foxboro) was stellar all summer and finished the regular season with a great 17-point performance. Sampson finished well with both hands and has a knack for making great decisions in transition.
Bridget Lanchester (6th grade, #10 Walpole) is one of the most well rounded players in the league. In the regular season finale she led her team with 13 points, with nine of those coming from behind the 3-point line.
Looking forward to a competitive first round of play-offs next Monday.
-Alex
Twitter: @AL_D_FOR_3
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August 1st, 2011. 3:45pm
We are excited for the re-launch of Select Hoops with a new look for the 2011-2012 season. Some new wrinkles to the site include:
SH Blog – This blog will be constantly updated with all things related to basketball with a focus on middle school aged boys and girls MA travel/AAU basketball.
Tournament Listings – For the past five years we have listed winter travel basketball tournaments in MA and RI. For this first time this fall, we are listing AAU tournaments in MA, RI, CT and NH. And it’s free!
Travel Team Power Rankings – Last year we debuted our 8th grade power rankings for boys and girls teams that play in the Metro, Patriot, Cape and South Shore leagues. This year, we are expanding those rankings to include 6th and 7th grade teams as well.
Showcase Nomination – Last year we had our inaugural SH Showcase at The M-Plex in Mansfield, MA. It featured the 25 best 8th grade boys and 25 best 8th grade girls in the SH coverage area (listed on home page) in an all-star game that was held in late March. This season the Showcase Nomination page will always be accessible for coaches, parents and spectators to nominate noteworthy 8th graders.
- Alex
Twitter: @AL_D_FOR_3
