The Division II Final Four features two intriguing matchups with four of the best teams in the division has to offer left standing. 

 Bishop Brady was one of the highest-scoring teams in the state this season. Their fast pace of play got them past a good Sanborn team in the play-in game and now they await a Pelham group that has been a bit of a surprise this year. 

 The senior leadership that already existed within the Pythons paired with the emergence of freshman Jasmine Becotte was the perfect combination. Pelham survived a thriller against Hollis-Brookline in the quarters and should be neck-and-neck with Brady in the semifinals. 

 Game 2 is a rematch of 2019's championship game between Kennett and Hanover. Kennett played a more Division IIII heavy schedule, but it can't be left unnoticed that the Eagles have won 14 games in a row. They will face a Hanover team that has two of the best players in the division in Melissa Whitmore and Stella Galanes and are a team that is deep and fully locked in this season. 

 Our semifinal scouting report is brought to you by NHTI. Click on any of the banner ads on our homepage to visit the NHTI homepage, a terrific option for students looking to earn a degree or transfer to a four-year college! 

  We let five coaches share their thoughts on how they think each matchup will play out and give their picks on who they see advancing to Sunday's final.   

Bishop Brady vs. Pelham 

Bishop Brady Team Page 

Pelham Team Page 

 "Both teams you absolutely have to play well for all 32 minutes.  They can put a game away in a matter of minutes or comeback in a matter of minutes," said one coach. "Your team is going to feel this match up afterward win or lose." 

 The pace of this game may determine who comes out on top of this one. "If Bishop Brady gets out and running, Pelham will have a tough time," said one Division II coach. "If Pelham controls the ball and finds their options down low, that should give them a good opportunity in the game." 

 Offensively for Bishop Brady, everything runs through point guard Ami Rivera. " Even in the off chance that her shot is not falling, she will create easy offense with her defense and transition buckets," said one coach. 

 "Ami is a player that should be able to overpower their guards getting to the rim," said another coach. 

 "She can do it all. She is small but plays tall," said one coach. She takes and makes threes and can drive and finish against any big in the state."  

 Rivera has also been in these situations before and has proven to show up in the clutch. "Ami's ability to come up with big-time plays in big-time games," said one coach. "She has a flair for the dramatic and a great basketball IQ."

 Rivera is the focal point, but Brady also has four other scorers on the floor in Libby Hicks, Isabella Rivera, Halle Laramie, and Riley Marsh who can all shoot the ball at a good clip. 

 Many coaches see Hicks as the x-factor for Brady. 

 "If Libby can hit from outside, she makes it tough for defending teams who are trying to limit Ami, Isabella, and Halle," said one coach. 

 What Hicks brings defensively is also a major key for the Giants. "Libbey Hicks has the ability to shut down an opponent's best player," said a Division II coach. "If she can slow down Jasmine Becotte or Tallie Carney, Pelham will have to find their points elsewhere."

"Ami Rivera and Libbey Hicks are the two players that make the Brady team go," said another coach. 

 Hicks does it on both ends alongside Isabella Rivera, and both are matched up with the opposing team's two best scoring options. 

 Pelham on the other hand has a bit more depth and a team that is more defensive-oriented. 

 "Pelham is a balanced team that can get scoring from both its offense and its defense," said one coach. "They have a nice balance with experienced upperclassmen in Tallie Carney and Meg Molettieri and a very talented underclassman in Jasmine Becotte." 

 "Team defense is the advantage Pelham has," said one coach. "They communicate and rotate extremely well. They also have a huge advantage down low with Molettieri and Becotte."

 Becotte has taken the division by storm and has emerged as the Python's best scoring option. "She's a tough match-up," said one coach. "She is long and athletic on both sides of the ball.  

 The x-factor for the Pythons is senior Tallie Carney. 

 "Tallie Carney needs to have a good game for Pelham as she is their floor general and will have to help keep the ball," said a Division II coach. "She will also need to find ways to score at the rim." 

 "Carney is the key to the success of the Pythons," said another coach. "If she can get the ball up the floor and distribute to Molettieri and Becotte Pelham is hard to stop." 

 Brady is a team the relies on shooting, and if they are on they certainly have a shot of beating anyone who is left standing. If there is a defensive team that can slow Brady down, it's Pelham. 

 "I think Bishop Brady's pace will be an issue for Pelham," said one coach. "If they are hitting their shots at a neutral court, Pelham doesn't have enough firepower offensively. If Pelham can control the pace and be able to stick in their pack-line if Brady is cold, that will be their opportunity to win." 

So, who wins this one?

 "I am choosing Bishop Brady as I think they are guaranteed at least one burst of scoring that might be too tough to overcome.  If they have two or three of these then it will be really tough for Pelham to win.  Would not be surprised to see either team in the finals." 

 "I think Bishop Brady will find themselves in the finals. They have a pace that is tough to match and a lot of offensive weapons."

 "Pelham. Defense travels. If Pelham can keep Brady off of the offensive glass and contest three-point shots they win in a close one, 55-52." 

 "Bishop Brady. Amy Riviera is the reason why." 

 "Brady. One word...Ami." 

 

Kennett vs. Hanover 

Kennett Team Page 

Hanover Team Page 

 After two opening-week losses to Laconia, Kennett has been as hot as any team in the division. Having Maddie Stewart back and healthy has been the most important component to the Eagles' success. 

 They are set to face the best team in the division and one of the best teams in the state in Hanover. 

 Both of these groups have been powerhouses the last few seasons so it is no surprise to see both back in the Final Four. 

 "Hanover is possibly the most complete group in New Hampshire Basketball," said one coach."They have great post play and guard play. They can run and they can execute in the half-court. Defensively they can press you and shut down your best players."

 The Mauraders have a "double-headed monster," as described by one coach, in Stella Galanes and Melissa Whitmore. 

 "Galanas' speed and ability to shoot and space the court will cause defensive issues for Kennett who plays man to man with a pack-line mentality," said one coach. "Melissa Whitmore has a balanced inside/out offensive repertoire that will cause fits for Kennett." 

 Both are first-team level talents that do a great job running the show for Dan O'Rourke's squad. 

 One player who may be a game-changer for Hanover is senior Charlotte Johnson. 

 "Melissa Whitmore and Stella Galanes will be a tough offensive tandem to handle, but don’t be surprised if senior Charlotte Johnson leads this team through the semifinals," said a Division II coach. "She is a huge influencer on the defensive and offensive end."  

 The Eagles had a weaker schedule, but head coach Larry Meader has been preparing his group for this moment. 

 "Kennet does a great job creating quality possessions on the offensive side of the ball, looking to attack the rim both in transition and in the half-court," said one coach. 

 Maddie Stewart was sidelined with an ACL injury last season and that saw Kennett go out in the first round to Sanborn. 

 The Eagles' offense is much more dynamic with Stewart back in the lineup. 

 "Stewart has a combination that allows her to attack forwards from the perimeter, guards down on the block, and the scoreboard without a conscience," said one coach. 

 Stewart's unique ability is what has lifted Kennett back to the level where they were two seasons ago. "For Kennett to win they will need Stewart to be the scorer she has been all year." 

 Freshman Sydney Shaw has come along nicely this season and will be a big reason why Kennett wins this game if they are to do so. 

 "She will need to help shoulder the load of handling the ball if Kennett wants to be able to handle Hanover's ability to pressure the ball in the full court," said one coach. 

 They will also need Sydnie Chin to continue to be the defender that she has been all season and limit the likes of Galanes and the other Hanover guards. The weakness for Kennett will be defending the inside.

 "Hanover is a tough match-up for any team but I think that Kennett guards will be able to play with Hanover," said another coach. "However, I’m not sure that anyone will have an answer for Whitmore or Jane Lackley" 

 Lackley has shown she can show up in the big moments and is a very quiet third option for Hanover. She has the ability to score in double figures on a nightly basis.  

 The Mauraders' depth allows them to have five scorers on the floor at any time. 

 The coaching matchup between Meader and O'Rourke has been a fun one to watch over the years and Thursday night will be no different. 

 "Larry and Dan do a great job with their programs," said a Division II coach. "Their understanding of both their own team and opponents' strengths and weaknesses will be on full display and their teams will be well-prepared." 

 So, who wins this one? 

 "Hanover. I believe their ability to shoot the ball behind the arc and their tempo will lead to victory." 

 "Hanover. The most complete team in the state. They can do it on the defensive and offensive ends of the floor with 8-9 different players. Hanover wins 62-42."