The second preview of the year takes a look at an always tough, and always entertaining Division III. 

 You have your Lakes Region teams, your Monadnock Region teams and even a North Country team. There have been years where you have just a select few who you know is a lock for SNHU, but this year seems to be different.  

 Last year, the Division III championship went to Monadnock led by player of the year Caitlyn Boucher and Gwen Simpson. The Huskies were down nearly the entire game to the fourth-seeded and upset-minded Fall Mountain, but the seniors got it done on the big stage at SNHU. 

 The 2019 class in Division III was a tough group to see go for many teams in the division. Names like Caitlyn Boucher, Mariah Chamberlin, Zoe Utton, Amelia Thomas, and Gwen Simpson have come and gone. 

 One word that describes Division III this year is depth.

 Teams are not built around one key scorer, many have three, four, or even five players who have the potential to get into double figures every night. “Every team has a hole, no team is through and through perfect,” said one Division III coach.

 Playing roles and showing up every night will be the key to consistency, and could be a factor into how the final standings end up come February.  

 Now, without further ado, here is the pre-season Top Ten for Division III. 

Today’s preview is brought to you by our friends and partners at Concord Orthopaedics with locations in Concord, Derry, Windham, and New London.

 

Division III Predicted Order: 

1. Conant 

2. Fall Mountain 

3. Hopkinton 

4. Newfound 

5. White Mountains 

6. Monadnock 

7. Newport 

8. St Thomas Aquinas

9. Gilford 

10. Campbell  

 

Teams just outside the Top Ten: Inter-Lakes, Berlin, Raymond

 

 After losing a heartbreaker in the semifinals at SNHU last season, Conant and head coach Brian Troy are looking to redeem themselves. At 17-2, the Orioles were the number one seed heading into the tournament and looked poised for a championship run. Preventing that picture-perfect ending from happening was the fourth-seeded Wildcats of Fall Mountain who upset the Orioles by just a point, 45-44.  

The Orioles lose all-state first-team center Mariah Chamberlain to graduation. Chamberlain was a force to be reckoned with, but with a core group returning, there should be no drop off in success for Conant. 

 This year is different for Conant. “We’re a new team this year, a lot of younger girls,” said Troy. One senior, one junior, four sophomores, and freshmen fill out this year's roster for Troy. “The attitude and culture have been so great with this group. "

 Leading this young group is junior Elizabeth Gonyea. She was the leading scorer for the squad a year ago at 18.4 ppg. “She is one of those players that can do it all for you,” said Troy.

 Gonyea was a first-team all-state player as a sophomore and is looking to have the same type of impact this season. In the words of Troy, Gonyea is “looking to carry this thing further.” With an elite skill set, she will look to man the ship and push Conant over the hump this time around. “She is arguably one of the best-skilled players in the state and a nightmare matchup for most opponents,” said Troy. 

 Right alongside Gonyea will be lone senior Silas Bernier. “She has a great skill set that compliments Liz." Bernier has been to the Final Four the last three years, and Troy hopes that her play can get Conant back a fourth straight visit to SNHU. “She is such a great leader, holds every player accountable,” said Troy. “Silas is the player you can look to when things are going wrong.” Bernier will be the glue that holds Conant together this year when the going gets tough and keep everyone in check throughout the season. 

 Teagan Kirby will be another piece for the Orioles with her great athleticism and ability to get to the basket. Freshman Bryn Rautiola and Emma Tenters will look to find their footing on this team and have the potential to make an impact down the line. Rautiola is a skilled guard that fits the system perfectly and Tenters will look to fill the void of Chamberlain. 

 “We can’t look too far into the future. We are going to take it one day at a time,” said Troy. With solid shooting and a strong transition game, the Orioles are primed for another year at the top of the standings. “I think we are going to be a fun and exciting team to watch. We will be a young team, but I think they’re ready to step onto the stage.” 

 After falling short of a championship just a season ago, head coach Matt Baird-Torney and Fall Mountain look to return to the big stage once again this year. The Wildcats shocked the division pulling off the upset in the Final Four over top seed Conant.

 Baird-Torney has a group that will keep Fall Mountain amongst the top of the division once again. 

 “This will be a first for me, a group of no seniors,” said Baird-Torney. All state first-teamer Zoe Utton and 6’0” center Kendal McAllister have moved on through graduation and now the Wildcats will have to fill the void of a gifted scorer and a rim protector presence in the paint.  

 This roster starts with sophomore Avery Stewart. A second-team all-state recipient a year ago, Stewart looked like one of the best players on the court during last year's championship game as a freshman. “She is a gifted athlete,” said Baird-Torney. With Utton gone, Stewart becomes the number one option for the Wildcats. “I expect her to pick up right where she left off,” said Baird-Torney. Stewart is one of the best slashers in all of the division and with a jump shot that is lethal, Stewart is easily one of the top players in the division as only an underclassman.  

 Junior Sophie Bardis returns to the lineup after earning all-state honorable mention honors a year ago. “She looked calm and collected as a sophomore, that hasn’t changed as a junior,” said Baird-Torney. Bardis was more of a pass-first point guard last season, but this year Bardis is starting to look for her own shot. “She is commanding our offense and is easily our most efficient shooter,” said Baird-Torney. Bardis will be a primary scoring option this year while also making plays for others throughout the year.  

 The goal for the Wildcats is to get back to SNHU. “We would like to see a similar run to last year,” said Baird-Torney. Seven players on the returning roster got a taste of the playoffs last year. “We aren’t relying on a player like Zoe every night, anyone can step up on a given night,” said Baird-Torney. Fall Mountain will use a mix of experience and depth to make a run at the title once again this year.  

 Hopkinton looks to return to the top tier of the division this upcoming season. Head coach Pat Roye and company look to bounce back from a quarterfinal exit at Newfound as a six seed last season. 

 The Hawks had a bit of a light preseason due to players having long fall seasons. “Our soccer team won the whole thing, field hockey went deep, the kids have had no time off,” said Roye. A key loss for Hopkinton is Amelia Thomas to graduation. An all-state second-teamer a year ago, Thomas provided size and scoring for Hopkinton. 

 The lone size for the Hawks this year is forward Katie Meserve. Meserve was stellar last season as a junior, earning all-state honorable mention honors. In her senior year, Meserve looks to make an even greater impact. With the absence of Thomas, Meserve becomes an easy target for double teams down low this year. “What stands out about Katie is what she brings to the table with her speed,” said Roye. Meserve does a tremendous job of getting up and down the floor in transition and even as the trailer for easy baskets. “We do our best getting her involved by getting up and down quickly,” said Roye. 

 Another focal point for the Hawks offensively is junior Maurgan McGrath. A 43 percent shooter from behind the arc as a sophomore, McGrath comes into the season as one of the most lethal shooters in all of Division III. “Opponents will look to lock her up from beyond the arc,” said Roye. Getting an open look will take a lot of work if opposing defenses pick her up from the opening tip, but McGrath will find a way to fill the box score every night. 

 Ellie Owen returns for the Hawks and will look to once again be a consistent defensive stopper. Juniors Kally Murdough and Brooke Carlson will be essential role players for Hopkinton and will look to provide the Hawks with depth. 

 Hopkinton will try and have a repeat performance on the defensive end this year as they held opponents to the least amount of points per game in all of Division III. “We have always been a defensive program. I see our offense being very well-rounded this year,” said Roye.  

 “I like us,” said Roye. Early on the team has been moving the ball well. “It looks like we are going to focus on sharing the ball this year,” said Roye. 

 Hopkinton will need its youth to be ready by midseason, but the experience is there for this group. “I think we will have a good idea by mid-January where we fit,” said Roye. With tenacious defense and an unselfish offense, Hopkinton looks poised for a run at SNHU. “I think wherever we end up, we will be a team that is tough to prepare for.”  

 Newfound returns three starters after a Final Four a year ago. Head coach Kammi Williams returns for her second season at the helm. A 1,500 point scorer and 1,000 career rebounder in Ashlee Dukette will be a tough hole to fill, but Williams and company are ready for the challenge. 

 The Bears are led by sophomore Paulina Huckins. Huckins earned all-state honorable mention honors as a freshman. Sickness has kept Huckins out of practice early on, and Williams has only had a handful of practices with her so far. Huckins was the second-leading scorer on the team a year ago, and this year she will step into that first option. “What makes her so outstanding is that she is a big who can move. It is an advantage when you have a center that is agile,” said Williams. With Huckins at full strength, she can propel the Bears to a successful season. 

 Junior Bailey Fairbank returns to the lineup as the point guard for the Bears. So far, Fairbank has been out with injury, the hope is that she is ready to go for opening night. “Bailey provides great stability and can run the offense very well,” said Williams. Fairbank will be key when she is back healthy in helping Newfound find open looks on the offensive end. 

 Junior Tiffany Doan provides high energy and is the spark plug for the Bears in the eyes of Williams.  

 Three freshmen will be rotation pieces from day one for Williams. Forward MollyLu McKellar will provide size and aggressiveness as an agile and quick backup for Huckins. 

 Malina Bohlmann will be an offensive weapon for the Bears. With the ability to create her own shot, Bohlmann will be called upon to provide scoring in key stretches. 

 Mattison Douville brings a great basketball IQ and shooting touch to the table. All three freshmen will see minutes this year for Newfound. 

  “We have the ingredients to have a great season, but it is how we bake it in the oven that matters,” said Williams. With a magnitude of offensive weapons, Newfound will be hard to gauge for opposing teams. I don’t know where the points will come from, every night will be a different story,” said Williams. “I would rather get eight or ten from multiple rather than 25 from just one player.” 

 With a mix of youth and some experience coming back from last year's Final Four team, Newfound is primed for another deep playoff run. 

 White Mountains comes into this season looking to improve on what was an impressive 14-4 season last year. The Spartans gave Fall Mountain all they could handle, but gave up a big run late to the Wildcats, falling 44-30 in the quarterfinals. 

 Not returning this year will be Lexi Welch, the vocal and emotional leader of the Spartans during her four years with the team. A newcomer to White Mountains girls basketball is their head coach Ian Boyko. After a good run with the JV boys team at White Mountains, Boyko steps onto the stage with a great roster returning. 

 “It has been a good start,” said Boyko. With a solid core of last year's starting lineup coming back, Boyko is looking forward to picking up where this team left off last season. 

 The starting point for this team is senior forward Aviara Challinor. An all-state honorable mention a season ago, Boyko believes Challinor is ready to make even more of an impact this year, especially defensively. “She is probably one of the best defensive players in the division,” said Boyko. “She has great hands, quickness, and is so good in transition.” Boyko views Challinor as “the kind of player that can disrupt any opponent defensively.” Challinor will be a focal point on both ends of the floor for the Spartans. 

 Junior point guard Lily Kenison is back in the lineup for the Spartans and provides great scoring and playmaking ability. “She is very good at controlling the pace for us, she sees the floor so well,” said Boyko. A key for the Spartans success will be put on the shoulders of Kenison. “We are going to need Lily to make the right decisions for us,” said Boyko. If Kenison can make the right reads for both her teammates and herself, the Spartans will be a tough team to defend. 

 All-state honorable mention MaKenzie Treamer returns along with her crafty offensive skillset. “She can do a lot of things on the offensive side of the ball,” said Boyko. It is Treamer’s defense that Boyko thinks will be important for White Mountains to be successful.  

 Forward Jaycee Murray and guard Alyssa Fryman round are two solid options for the Spartans. “Both are keys on defense, both play hard, they fight even when they are undersized,” said Boyko.   

 Forward Kelsey Graham brings a great offensive skill set and will be used to spread the floor offensively. Morgan Doolan is also another weapon for the Spartans, as she provides great athleticism. 

 “We are looking to be one of the best defensive teams in Division III,” said Boyko. With a defensive mindset and good experience returning, the Spartans are on the hunt to get over the quarterfinal hump that stopped them last year.  

 “We are going to have a bullseye on our back,” said Monadnock head coach Brian Allard. The defending champs come into the season with an “older, yet some could say we are inexperienced,” kind of team. Allard steps into his first season with the Huskies. “Each time we go out it has gotten better and better,” said Allard. 

 Key loses for the Huskies include Division III Player of the Year Caitlyn Boucher, second-team all-state guard Gwen Simpson, and all-state honorable mention Colby Sanders. All three were essential factors in lifting Monadnock over Fall Mountain in last year's state championship game. Allard will do his best to find production that will shadow their absence.  

 Senior Carly Ayotte was a starter on last year's state championship time and was used as a defensive specialist last season. She found herself guarding the likes of Zoe Utton in last year's championship, and she will look to provide the same kind of defensive impact this season. “I think you will see more offense from her this year,” said Mallard. The Huskies will need as much offensive production as they can get from Ayotte. 

 Sophomore Grace Furze was a spark off the bench that helped lead Monadnock to their second state championship in three years last season. Her 8 points as a freshman in the state title game last season gave many people the impression she would be an impact player in her sophomore year. Furze will be a weapon at Allard’s disposal, as she will add to the depth that Allard is looking to build as the season goes along.  

 “I think we are going to be an evenly balanced scoring team,” said Allard. A new system can take time to adjust to, and with Allard being a new coach for this group, he is also adjusting to them as well. “My goal is by mid-January is to get us to where we need to be.” 

 Monadnock is the champion until someone knocks them off. With a new group and new system, the Huskies have the potential to be the sleeper team that no one wants to face in March. “We want to be one of those teams that are in the mix come playoff time,” said Allard. Seeding is not a concern for Monadnock, just make the tournament and go from there. 

  “For us, we need to be ourselves and not have the worries of what we did a year ago. This is a new team with different talent, but they can still be successful if we play together,” said Allard. Allard has his squad ready to keep Monadnock in the conversation of title contention.  

 Last year was the first year in quite some time that Newport missed the tournament. Head coach Ross Dole thinks he brings back an older and more mature group this time around. Last season, the Tigers finished at 7-11, a mark that was disappointing in terms of their standards.  

 “So far, I am pleased with how things have gone as far as teamwork and chemistry. We put an emphasis on all of that this year,” said Dole. Chemistry can be a key in terms of earning victories throughout the season. 

 All-state honorable mention Selena Coronis will be a key loss in terms of production, but Dole thinks he has a roster that will put in the work to get back to the playoffs this year. “I think we will be competitive this year,” said Dole.  

 Senior Alexis Quimby and juniors Eliza Bates and Greysan Beaulieu are the top guns for this group.“I have seen more court knowledge from those three, a lot have played varsity ball when they were young,” said Dole. That experience and knowledge will come in handy late in the season when the going can get tough. 

 “Practices have been competitive, everyone is playing hard against each other,” said Dole. With a top-heavy schedule against teams like Hopkinton, Conant, and Fall Mountain, Dole is looking for his team to dig deep and stay competitive with those tough squads. “If we can get a win against some of them we will be in good shape,” said Dole. 

 At the end of the day, Dole goes back to chemistry and teamwork as key factors for a successful season. “It will make us or break us at the end of the day. They have been a great team to coach so far,” said Dole. The Tigers will look to rebound from last season and make their way back to playing meaningful basketball in March. 

 St Thomas Aquinas head coach PJ Sanborn returns the same roster from last year’s 7-11 team. The Saints stormed out of the gates last year and won six of their first seven games. Then came the injury bug. “When our seniors went down with an injury last year, we only won one game the rest of the year,” said Sanborn. 

 Last year was a disappointing year with the roster that St Thomas Aquinas had built up, but with a core of last year's roster back, the Saints are ready to execute this time around. 

 Senior Maddie Predaris is a player who will provide experience and leadership. Juniors Sarah Leahy and Morgan Pulliam will be hounds on the defensive end. “Lahey will be an anchor on the defensive end. Pulliam is a great ball reader,” said Sanborn. 

 The defense will be the number one factor in St Thomas Aquinas having a successful season. The second factor is health. “If we stay healthy who knows what we can do,” said Sanborn. “I hope we can make an impact in the playoffs.” 

 If the injury bug stays away and the Saints have the right defensive mentality, they can be dangerous. “This team plays for each other, they like to stick together,” said Sanborn. Sanborn has a quality group ready for redemption. 

 Hall of Fame Gilford head coach Rick Forge is looking for his team to improve on an 8-10 record from last season. “We are a young group in terms of game experience, we have a long way to go,” said Forge. 

 The Golden Eagles return three starters from last year’s squad. The big returnee is second-team all-state shooting guard Shelby Cole. Cole had a tremendous junior season and was the focal point of the Gilford offense. “Shelby will lead the way for us,” said Forge. Cole is on track to hit the 1,000 point milestone, but she will have to get through double teams to do so. With a lot of the attention turned to Cole, the younger players will have to step up. “I have a promising group of sophomores,” said Forge. 

 The Golden Eagles got into the tournament last year but fell just short to a tough White Mountains team, 44-33. This year, the goal is to get back into postseason play and see what happens from there. 

 “We will have to play a little more aggressive than we have in the past,” said Forge. With a lack of size, the Golden Eagles will have to lean on smart and aggressive play to control opposing bigs.  

 Gilford is a Lakes Region team, but the only Lakes Region team they play all season is Belmont both home and away. The rest of the Golden Eagles schedule consists of 16 different opponents, as the face the likes of top teams in Conant, Monadnock, Fall Mountain, and Hopkinton. “The tough schedule may help us down the road,” said Forge. 

 The Golden Eagles will be battle-tested come the end of the year. “I think we can find a way to get enough victories to get into the tournament,” said Forge. Cole is primed for a big season, and Gilford is ready for another run into the tournament. 

 Campbell is looking to get back into the top ten mix this season. Head coach Sean Hogan joins the Cougars this year after coaching on the boys’ basketball side for many years. “This is a great group,” said Hogan. 

 Hogan has implemented a new philosophy of play throughout the first few weeks of practice. “They have embraced the changes. We want to get up and down, defend baseline to baseline, move faster and harder than ever before,” said Hogan. 

 Senior Caedran Sullivan returns as an experienced player for the Cougars. Karleigh Schultz, Riley Gamache, and Victoria Allen are also returning players that Hogan is looking forward to working with. “We’re trying to figure things out as we go,” said Hogan. 

 Campbell is anxious to get the season started. There will be ups and downs with lumps along the way, but the Cougars are looking to improve on their 8-10 record from a season ago. “It’s a good group of kids that have worked hard, everyone is excited about a fresh start,” said Hogan. 

 With a new coach and a group embracing a hard-working philosophy, good things lie ahead for Campbell. 

 Scott Currier takes over at Inter-Lakes and looks forward to getting things rolling. “I feel fortunate that I have a group of girls that are really coachable,” said Currier. The Lakers had a solid season last year at 12-6. Julia Gintof led the way and earned second-team all-state honors. Gintof has since graduated, and Inter-Lakes is looking to build off a successful year while finding a way to fill Gintof’s production.  

 The team consists of four seniors, one junior, four sophomores, and one freshman. “It is a strange mix, but we are balanced,” said Currier. Taylor Ambrose returns from injury this year and Currier sees her providing solid contributions. “She is a dedicated player,” said Currier. 

 Senior Reagan Buhrman has been a vocal leader from day one. “She is very athletic and a very hard worker,” said Currier.  

 Senior Mollie Durand will take over the ball handling duties once again this year. “She brings such good leadership to this team,” said Currier. 

 Currier has been impressed with freshman Molly Moynihan early on. “She is super quiet, but as a freshman, she has done well,” said Currier. “Basketball is a passion for her.” Moynihan has great potential and as a center she will surprise some opponents this year. 

 “This is still new to me,” said Currier. It is hard to set goals for a team that is still getting familiar with each other. “I think a realistic goal to set is getting back to the tournament,” said Currier. Inter-Lakes will bring a good work ethic along with great potential to the table. The Lakers are on the hunt for the tournament to start the year. 

 Head coach Don Picard is back for another season to coach Berlin girls basketball. Known for his success with the Berlin boys basketball program, Picard is one of the smartest and best coaches in all of the division. Picard will do his best to produce a team that plays to its strengths night in and night out. 

 There are only four returning players from last year's team that lost by just a point in the opening round to Belmont as the ninth seed.  

 All-state honorable mention point guard Kaylee Peare returns for her senior season. “She has looked really good early,” said Picard. “She has done a good job of moving the ball and getting teammates involved.” Peare will be asked to provide a good chunk of the scoring throughout the year. Peare has the ability to propel Berlin into the top ten, but depth and strong play from the entire team will be the deciding factor. 

 Junior Makenna Balderrama returns and is poised for a breakout season. “She was our leading rebounder a season ago. She provides with a decent post presence,” said Picard. During the regular season, Balderrama corralled in 18 rebounds in a win over Belmont. Balderrama suffered a concussion late in the year and was forced to miss the playoff meeting against the Red Raiders, a game that the Mountaineers lost. 

 Senior Libby Picard will provide good depth and leadership this season. A new addition to the Mounties is senior Madison Cordwell. Cordwell used to play basketball and this past fall was a first team all-state field hockey player. She will provide good energy for Berlin. 

 You can never count out a Don Picard coached team. “In those close games, who knows what we can do,” said Picard. The Mountaineers have the pieces to get back to the playoffs once again this year, but it is a matter of where they fall seeding wise and their ability to pull out the close games. 

 Jeff Hamilton is excited about the potential of his Raymond team this year. “It's been pretty good so far. Lots of positive energy, the girls are working hard,” said Hamilton. The Rams are coming off a 9-9 season in which ended at the hands of Inter-Lakes in the first round, 40-38. 

 The big loss for Raymond is Kiana Sherman. There is more youth on this years squad then there are upperclassmen on this years squad. 

 A key returner is junior Kathryn LaCasse. “She is the glue that keeps our team rolling,” said Hamilton. Hamilton views LaCasse as “the energizer bunny” for Raymond. “She plays defense, grabs rebounds, and does everything you want a player to do.” 

 If everyone buys in and plays their individual roles, Raymond is in good position to get back into the playoffs. Seniors Emaleigh Boucher and Erin Roderick will be key pieces in weathering the storm that can be a high school basketball season. “They have been such good leaders,” said Hamilton. 

 Raymond starts the year off with a tough Fall Mountain squad. “The season is like a hill, we need to get to the top of the mountain,” said Hamilton. “We don’t have to get there right off, but by February 15th we want to be the best we can be.” 

 Raymond will go out and compete every single night. “This is my 11th year coaching, I haven’t felt this kind of energy and excitement since my first year,” said Hamilton. The Rams have a group that will lean on its depth and leadership to get them back into the tournament. 

 

Pre-Season Player of the Year: 

Elizabeth Gonyea of Conant

 

Pre-Season All State First Team: 

Elizabeth Gonyea of Conant 

Avery Stewart of Fall Mountain 

Shelby Cole of Gilford 

Paulena Huckins of Newfound 

Katie Meserve of Hopkinton 

 

Pre-Season All State Second Team: 

Sophie Bardis of Fall Mountain 

Aviara Challinor of White Mountains  

Maurgan McGrath of Hopkinton 

Silas Bernier of Conant 

Kaylee Peare of Berlin 

 

Players to Watch: Makenna Balderrama of Berlin, Lily Kenison and MaKenzie Treaner of White Mountains, Teagan Kirby and Emma Tenters of Conant, Ellie Owens of Hopkinton, Carly Ayotte and Grace Furze of Monadnock, Bailey Fairbank of Newfound, Alexis Quimby, Eliza Bates and Greysan Beaulieu of Newport, Reagan Burhman, Mollie Durand, and Taylor Ambrose of Inter-Lakes, Kathryn LaCasse of Raymond, Sarah Lehay and Morgan Pulliam of St Thomas Aquinas, and Karleigh Schultz, Riley Gamache, and Victoria Allen of Campbell.