Led by one of the top scorers in Massachusetts, Eagle-Tribune Super Teamer Sam Pfeil, Methuen girls basketball has lofty goals for the 2023-24 season.
“We’re looking to go on a run for the Merrimack Valley Conference Division 2 championship, the (Commonwealth Motors) Christmas Classic championship and make a Division 1 playoff run,” said coach Ryan Middlemiss.
There’s plenty of reason for excitement for the Rangers, who return two starters and five varsity players from the 2022-23 squad that went 12-9 and won a Division 1 tournament game.
Leading the way is Pfeil, the 5-11 guard/forward who has committed to play for Southern New Hampshire University.
A two-time Eagle-Tribune All-Star and four-year starter, Pfeil averaged 21.1 points — including four 30-plus point games — and 10.7 rebounds last winter.
“Our team is full of positive attitudes and a boatload of energy, which should make for a fun season!” said Pfeil. “All of the coaches and players have bought in, so we are looking forward to a great season. We lost a couple valuable seniors, so we are young. But we should be able to put up a good fight in the MVC.”
The other returning starter is 5-foot-9 guard/forward Thyanais Santiago, a shut-down defender and All-MVC second team pick a year ago.
The other varsity returnees are the guard trio of Rhaelyn Gutierrez, Isabella Medeiros and Mackenzie Corrigan.
“We have a lot of optimism going into the season,” said Middlemiss. “Sam is poised for another great season, and we have a great surrounding cast that should compliment each other well. Rhaelyn Gutierrez has been dialed in and should have a strong season, and sophomore Jasalyn Mora should have a huge impact on the MVC this year.”
Central eyes return to top
A year after some uncharacteristic struggles — going 9-13 but still advancing to the Division 1 Round of 16 — Central Catholic looks to be back in the championship mix this winter.
The Raiders have four starters back in the fold, and won the Methuen Summer Girls Hoops League championship.
Central’s top returning scorers are 6-foot senior guard Shea Montague (10.8 ppg) and three-spot superstar and junior guard/forward Kerri Finneran (9.9 ppg), both All-MVC second-team picks a year ago.
The other returning starters are senior guard Abby Yfantopulos and junior guard Addison Beers. A very experienced class or returning lettermen is led by Sam Guertin, who scored 26 points in the Methuen Summer League final.
“The team put a lot of work in on their own and together in the offseason, and therefore we all have high expectations,” said coach Casey Grange. “As always, we are trying to get a little better every day, so we are peaking at the right time.”
North Andover looks to build on success
A year after advancing to the Division 1 quarterfinals, where it gave Andover a run for its money (50-43 final score), North Andover is looking to carry that success into this winter.
The Scarlet Knights graduated the program’s all-time leading scorer, Eagle-Tribune Super Teamer Hannah Martin (23.0 ppg), but return No. 2 scorer and Eagle-Tribune All-Star Sydney Rogers (7.8 pgg), fellow starter multi-sport standout Janie Papell and four other varsity veterans.
“From top to bottom, we have a well-rounded team,” said coach Jessalyn Deveny-McNamara. “We have a solid group of experienced upperclassmen mixed with young athleticism. We look forward to being competitive in every contest.”
Loss, optimism for Lawrence
It was an offseason of excitement and disappointment for Lawrence High.
The Lancers opened eyes with a run to the Methuen Summer League title game. But they were then dealt a massive blow, when two-time Eagle-Tribune All-Star Tyanna Medina — who was third in the in scoring at 22.0 points a game last fall — transferred to Kimball Union.
“We’re licking our wounds from the loss of Tyanna Medina,” said coach Suzanne Lessard. “But these girls have game. They’ve worked hard to better themselves. They’re up to the challenge. I’m confident that they will compete.”
Returning to lead the Lancers is sophomore center Yeira Davila, who was named All-MVC second team last spring (10.0 points a game).
Lawrence will also look for key contributions for the senior trio of Kelsie Martinez, Savannah Santos and Arianna Vigneiro.
“Kelsie has become quite strong with handling the ball and this will be her best season,” said Lessard. “Savannah was our second leading scorer in summer league, and learned to handle the ball and make cuts to the basket. Arianna is our best defender and Yeira will a force to be reckoned with.”
New generation for Andover
It is truly a new world for Andover High.
The defending Division 1 champs graduated four starters, including two-time Eagle-Tribune MVP Anna Foley (16.3 ppg) and two-time Eagle-Tribune Super Teamer Amelia Hanscom (12.9 ppg).
What the Golden Warriors do return, though, is Eagle-Tribune All-Star point guard Michaela Buckley, an elite distributor and defender. Also back is sixth player Ella Vidoni, who scored 11 points in the state semifinals and excelled on defense in the title game.
“The Lady Warriors are excited for this upcoming season,” said coach Alan Hibino. “The girls are working hard and building day-by-day. There is always more work to do. Every second counts!”
Spencer leads young Haverhill
Haverhill will have a new look, returning just two players from last year’s varsity rotation, having graduated Eagle-Tribune All-Star Haley Phillips.
One Hillie with plenty of varsity experience is returning starter and four-year varsity player Sydney Spencer. The 5-foot-11 forward is also a varsity lacrosse and cross country athlete.
The other varsity returnee is 5-10 sophomore Diamond Bellard.
“I can’t ask for more so far from a very young team,” said first-year coach Doug Ryan, a former longtime Methuen boys assistant. “Sydney Spencer is showing great leadership, leading our young players. We want to get better. I expect us to make some huge strides throughout the season.”
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