The long holiday break is over and the real season begins now with non-stop basketball for the next two months. 

 These next few weeks will feature a lot of stepping-stone or measuring stick games for a lot of teams, and we will soon start to see how each division is shaping out as we head toward the midway point. 

 Today we will take a look at all four divisions and break down the top ten teams and one spotlight team outside of the group for each division.

 Today's column is brought to you by our friends and partners at MaxWay Performance!

 

Division I

Division I Standings and Scoring Leaders

Gold Level Coaches/Programs: Kevin Gibbs of Bedford, Greg Cotreau of Manchester Memorial, Scott Blake of Spaulding, Rick Oliver of Salem, and Rob Darrell and Freddy Rivera of Concord

1. Bishop Guertin: It has been a very balanced attack for a Cardinals team averaging 70.3 ppg. Meghan Stack (15.3 ppg) is back to looking like her old self and Hannah Lynch is back in the rotation that is already deep with Catelyn Wheeler (13.3 ppg), Olivia Murray (12.0 ppg), and Brooke Paquette (10.3 ppg) demanding as much defensive attention as they do. Even Brooke Muller (9.7 ppg) is starting to come into her own as a backup big this year. We know what this group can do, but they get a chance at a statement win tomorrow night against Pinkerton. 

2. Bedford: Through three regular season games the Bedford starters have played about three halves of basketball. The strength of schedule will increase over the next few weeks but this team has been dominant to start. Teams continue to not have an answer for Lana McCarthy (18.3 ppg) and Kate Allard (13.7 ppg) is having a strong start to her sophomore season. The depth this group has with the likes of Lyla Stein, Sydney Grogan, Ava Dubois, Annie Zink, and Grace Wolf is what brings this team to another level than they were at last year. 

3. Pinkerton: The Astros had a bit of a scare Tuesday night against Spaulding but that was without all-state forward Liz Lavoie (21.0 ppg), who has been as impressive as can be to start the season. Syd Gerossie (12.5 ppg) has held down the fort as a playmaker but stepped up scoring-wise Tuesday night with 14 points. Freshman Brooke Benz (8.8 ppg) has looked as advertised thus far and has played a big role in the low post for this group. 

4. Portsmouth: We saw right before that this group struggled a bit in their 60-35 loss to Bishop Guertin. The key to that loss was getting beat heavily at the free throw line, once BG has an advantage there it is tough to beat them with the scoring they have. That game was possibly a bit of a wake-up call, but this team is still a contender. Avery Romps (13.5 ppg) is off to a terrific start to her junior year and Margaret Montplaisir (8.8 ppg) and Maddie MacCannell (8.2 ppg) have been solid. Savannah Emery is still shaking some early rust off but once that happens that changes the outlook for this team a bit. 

5. Exeter: The Blue Hawks are for real folks. This team really impressed on opening night with a loud 61-56 win over Londonderry and has been rolling ever since. They were neck and neck with Pinkerton right before the break and have a big test with Bedford next Tuesday. They can attack you with their depth and ability to dictate the pace for all four quarters most nights. Emma Smith (17.8 ppg) has taken her game to the next level with her ability to get to the basket at will and live at the free-throw line some nights. Ali Campbell (9.6 ppg) is a great spark plug scorer and Hailey Harrington (6.8 ppg) and Rachel Ludwig (6.4 ppg) both have had their moments so far this season. 

6. Goffstown: Ava Winterburn has been (23.2 ppg) near unstoppable through three games. The Grizzlies survived a scare Tuesday night to Winnacunnet 39-38 and needed two free throws from Winterburn to come away victorious. Maggie Sasso (9.2 ppg) and Ava Ruggiero (8.0 ppg) have been good to start, but this team will need more contributions from others when the stronger teams in the division start to show up on the schedule. They get the Cardiac Crusaders of Manchester Memorial tomorrow night in what always seems to be a good game. 

7. Manchester Memorial: As I said on the podcast last week, this group just finds ways to win. The Crusaders sit at 4-0 and while all four haven't been the prettiest, they still find themselves undefeated with a chance to make it 5-0 at Goffstown Friday night. Madison Pepra-Omani (15.2 ppg) is back to her old self and filling up the stat sheet more than she ever has. NyAsia McKelvey (8.5 ppg) has been the consistent double-double threat that this team has needed. For Memorial, it will come down to defense in most of their games this year. They won't overwhelm you offensively, but they can disrupt you a whole lot more defensively. 

8. Concord: The Crimson Tide are off to a 3-1 start and the return of Aidah Smalley (15.3 ppg) has been a real difference-maker for this team. For an offense that lost the likes of Elizabeth Blinn last season, Smalley has returned and been a go-to scoring option. Delaney Duford (9.3 ppg) has set the tone on the defensive end and has added quality scoring through four games. They've had to scrape their way through their last two wins, 

9. Spaulding: It has been a fun rollercoaster ride for the Spaulding Red Raiders so far this season. They started the year off with a come-from-behind win over Windham, then dropped a head-scratcher to Salem, beat a quality Dover team, and then led at the half over Pinkerton before falling 53-46 at home. A 2-2 start is great for this group. Scott Blake has his squad buying in to play team basketball and the results have paid off with wide-spread scoring across the board. 

10. Dover: This Dover group already has the makings of an upset specialist come playoff time. They have a go-to scorer in Lily Nossiff (16.6 ppg) and quality role players that fill in the gaps for the Green Wave. While they have lost two straight, both games have been competitive and against quality opponents in Spaulding and Exeter. A trip to Londonderry against a team that is desperate for a win will be another chance for Dover to keep moving in the right direction. 

 

Spotlight Team of the Week: Londonderry 

A 1-3 record does not reflect the talent this team posses, more so the schedule they have played so far. Early season games against Portsmouth and BG won't do you any favors. 

With Keene, Dover, and Salem coming up, the Lancers at best should hope to come out of that 2-1 and get back on track. 

Freshman Sam Sullivan (13.0 ppg) has been one of the best players every time she steps on the floor this season. If she can continue to score as she has and Jordan Furlong, Kate Sloper, and Shannon Ball start to find a rhythm, the Lancers will find themselves back in the mix as we head toward the midway point of the season. 

 

Division II

Division II Standings and Scoring Leaders

Gold Level Coaches/Programs: Phil Davis of Bow, Dan O'Rourke of Hanover, Courtney Cheetham of Derryfield, Brian Gray of Sanborn, Larry Meader of Kennett, Bob McNutt of Merrimack Valley, and Bob Murphy of Hollis-Brookline

1. Bow: The Falcons have been dominant to start the year, with their average margin of victory at nearly 30 points per game, and that is coming from more of a defensive first minded team. Lyndsey LaPerle (9.0 ppg), Juliette Tarsa (8.8 ppg), Alex Larabee (8.2 ppg), and Bella LaPerle (6/7 ppg) bring the intensity on both ends and do a great job setting the tone for the rest of the group. Things will ramp up next with Hanover and Milford on the schedule, but Bow is rolling right now. 

2. Kennett: The Eagles picked up a great 57-44 win over Laconia at home and continue to be impressive to start the year, averaging 57.0 ppg. Kaylee McLellan (12.8 ppg), Kaley Goodhart (12.5 ppg), and Sydnie Chin (12.0 ppg) have been a three-headed monster offensively and make it tough for opposing defenses to take one of them away. Catherine Chick (5.0 ppg) and Samantha Sidotit (5.2 ppg) give great minutes on the low post and make this team even tougher to defend with the great shooting they have on the perimeter. 

3. Laconia: Laconia had been rolling until their 13-point loss to Kennett, and that loss won't move them much with the resume they have so far. Macy Swormstedt is making life tough for opposing defenders averaging a division-best 22.3 ppg. Madeline Mousseau (9.7 ppg) has emerged as a reliable scoring option and Mekhia Burton (14.5 ppg) remains a double-double machine. The Sachems will see Kennett in a few weeks and we may just be there for that one. 

4. Hanover: Life without Stella Galanes has gotten off to about as good a start as you could ask for if you're Dan O'Rourke. At 3-0, the Bears have taken more of a score-by-committee approach, and while the games have been tighter than anticipated, they have found ways to win. Sydney McLaughlin has flourished as the lead guard and Amina Ajwang is having a really good season through three games. 

5. John Stark: Besides their lone loss to Bow, The Generals are off to a strong 3-1 start. Elanor Giradet is looking like the all-state player she was a season ago and Abby Duclos has come on as a go-to scorer on the wing. 

6. Pembroke: The Spartans' offense hasn't skipped a bit coming off of last season's Final Four run. Hailey Steinmetz (13.2 ppg) has stepped in right away as a freshman and essentially filled the void that Ashley Stephens left behind and Annelise Dexter (14.2 ppg) has picked up right where she left off as a sophomore. Taylor Renna (8.5 ppg) is giving this group consistent scoring as well. Pelham comes to town tonight and is a big opportunity for this team to grab another statement win.

7. Milford: The Spartans have shown that last season was no fluke and that this group is here now and for the next few years. LuLu Maguire and Bailey Johnson have picked up a bulk of the scoring on most nights, but the surrounding pieces of Claire Cote, Elianna Nassy, Avery Fuller, and Kate Hansen have had their fair share of contributions this season as well. Milford will get their first big test with Hollis-Brookline next Tuesday. 

8. Pelham: Jasmine Becotte (20.0 ppg) has set the tone offensively for the Pythons and has been the key component to their 3-0 start. Down the stretch, someone else, or even multiple players, will need to be relied upon for more scoring. A trip to Pembroke Friday night is an opportunity for a statement win for a group looking to jump up the standings. 

9. Merrimack Valley: The Pride won't beat you with one or two scorers, it is a total team effort with this team, and seems to be a different player that steps up every game. Whether it is Hadleigh Sargent, Kayla Smith, Nora Navoy, or Annika Horne, this team can attack you in multiple ways. This team prides itself on the defensive end, and that will be its recipe for success going forward. 

10. Hollis-Brookline: A 4-1 start will all be tested on Friday night when Hollis-Brookline travels to Kennett. A win would be great, but I am looking to see how close the Cavaliers can keep this one, can they compete with the best in this division? Camryn Dunn has been great to start the year and Cheynne Colbert continues to control the boards and affect shots at the rim. 

 

Spotlight Team of the Week: Oyster River

Randy Kinzly has done a great job in year one at Oyster River. The Bobcats are off to a 4-1 start and are looking like a playoff team early on. Bishop Brady this Friday is a good test for a team looking at playoff contention this season.

 

Division III

Division III Standings and Scoring Leaders

Gold Level Coaches/Programs: Scott Currier of Gilford 

1. Conant: It doesn't seem like anyone can slow this team down. We will talk a bit more in-depth about their matchup with Concord Christian, but that may be the only other team to truly challenge them in the regular season. 

2. Concord Christian: I said the Kingsmen needed a marquee win, and boy did they get it convincingly, 50-30 over Monadnock. It has been complete domination for Concord Christian so far in Division III. Sarah Muir (17.4 ppg), Emma Smith (14.2 ppg), and Lilli Carlile (10.6 ppg) have paced this team offensively and the defense has been just as sound so far, only allowing 18.4 ppg.

3. Stevens: The Cardinals have had a great week with quality wins over Kearsarge and Newport. Alyssa Paquette has returned to the lineup and for once this season Stevens has been fully healthy and looking like a contender. Kiley Bundy (16.0 ppg) has had a terrific start to the season facilitating the offensive attack for the Cardinals. 

4. Hopkinton: Hopkinton has established an identity on the defensive end through five games and Shaylee Murdough (9.4 ppg) has come into her own as a scorer in her sophomore season. They can beat you with a variety of options, Maddie Carmichael (8.6 ppg) and Elise Miner (7.8 ppg) just to name a few, and really make you work with the way they spread the ball around. 

5. Kearsarge: The Cougars picked up their best win of the year so far, 34-32 over Monadnock on Tuesday. They have competed with the top four teams in the division, and have a chance for redemption against Hopkinton tonight in a game we cover. 

6. Monadnock: Offense has been the concern for this group and has really dwindled them in their current two-game losing streak. While the scoring has been spread out between Breanne Lawrence (9.2 ppg), Bailee Soucia (8.4 ppg), and Shaylee Branon (8.0 ppg), someone needs to take the reigns and be a 12-15 ppg scorer for the Huskies. 

7. Prospect Mountain: The Timberwolves sit at 5-0 and have cruised on the offensive side of things. The schedule gets tougher in the coming weeks, but this is a group that can throw buckets at you, with three 13-plus per game scorers in Sophia Capsalis (15.2 ppg), Ella Smith (13.2 ppg), and Ella Misiaszek (13.0 ppg). 

8. Gilford: The Golden Eagles had a grind-it-out win over St. Thomas Tuesday night in a game we covered and they continue to dictate pace and play defense on a nightly basis. Ryan Guyer (6.5 ppg) had her best performance of the season with 15 points in the recent win and is yet another scoring option for Scott Currier's squad. 

9. Winnisquam: The Bears offense continues to put up numbers with Lauren MacDonald (19.6 ppg), Caidyn Carter (10.8 ppg), and Mackenzie Phillippy (9.5 ppg) clicking on all cylinders over Winnisquam's three-game winning streak. With Newfound and a much-anticipated matchup with Prospect Mountain on deck, this could be a good chance for Winnisquam to make a real statement. 

10. St Thomas: The Saints have a good inside-out game offensively that can get this group with great height and outside shooting a variety of looks. St Thomas had dropped three straight before a win against Inter-Lakes last night, but they are in need of a quality win. 

 

Spotlight Team of the Week: White Mountains

The Spartans went into the break losers of three straight but picked things back up with a 34-28 win over rival Berlin. 

They take on Gifford Friday and it is certainly a big game in terms of confidence and keeping in the right direction. 

Ainsley Savage (14.8 ppg) is off to a terrific start this season and Jaylin Bennett (8.6 ppg) is picking up a good chunk of the scoring for the Spartans. With Ava Simpson (6.8 ppg) still finding her form, things just have not clicked yet. 

If they can get everyone playing together and playing well at the same time, White Mountains can start to gain momentum. 

 

Division IV 

Division IV Standings and Scoring Leaders

Gold Level Coaches/Programs: Duane Call of Colebrook, Derek Tremblay of Mount Royal, Dawn Weeks of Farmington, Tim Haskins of Groveton, and Dale Prior of Littleton

1. Littleton: While Christmas tournaments don't count towards regular season records, the Crusaders took down both Littleton and Groveton and continue to look like one of the team's to beat in Division IV. Addison Hadlock (11.4 ppg) has been at the center of everything this group does on both ends of the floor, and Addison Pilgrim (9.9 ppg) and Lauryn Corrigan (8.0 ppg) have provided the consistent scoring Dale Prior was looking for coming into the season. They'll get Colebrook for real next week, and will be a game to keep an eye on. 

2. Colebrook: The Mohawks haven't gotten much home cooking as of late, but have a nice two-game home stretch with Littleton and Sunapee next week. We haven't seen a breakout game just yet from Ariana Lord, but that should be incoming with the quality of opponents they will take on. Emma McKeage has started to find herself offensively and Haley Rossitto continues to be a great secondary punch for the Mohawks. 

3. Groveton: The Eagles are yet to play any games since the holiday break but have a great week ahead with a trip to the Regional and Newmarket making the trek up to Groveton. Things have fallen into place nicely for this group early on with Marissa Kenison (18.0 ppg) and Delaney Whiting (11.0 ppg) leading the charge. They'll need their A-game next week, but if they continue to defend and score at the rate they have they have a good chance to remain unbeaten. 

4. Portsmouth Christian: PCA has shown early that they can really score the basketball. Despite their stumble against Littleton, the Eagles are averaging 51.7 points through six games. Tonight will be a grind-it-out kind of game with Newmarket. If their offense can get an early lead this is a game they can run away with, but if the Mules control the pace this could be tight. 

5. Newmarket: The Mules are ready to bounce back after the loss to Epping before the break. Tonight is an opportunity to show they can shut down one of the best offenses in the division. This game will be about pace, and if Newmarket can control that and keep it in the 30s, potentially 40s, they can earn a big win at home. Lena Nicholson (14.0 ppg) as always will be a factor but she will face probably the best defender she has seen all year in Hannah Dion. We will also get a matchup of two premier freshmen in the division in Ava Buchanan of PCA and Amaya Beckles of Newmarket. A lot of storylines heading into tonight's matchup.

6. Sunapee: The Lakers seem to be back at full strength and have won two in a row. Division III Newport next week is a good opportunity to be challenged and potentially get extra points that will certainly be crucial down the stretch. When Elizabeth Tschudin is controlling things offensively, good things are happening for Sunapee. A trip up to Colebrook next week will be a great test for this group, especially on a court as small as the Mohawks'.

7. Epping: A bit of a head-scratching loss to Mascenic (HUGE win for the Vikings by the way) who was previously unbeaten knocks the Blue Devils down a few spots. Consistency, especially on offense, will be the calling card for Epping this season. 

8. Hinsdale: Hinsdale remains undefeated and gets Franklin Friday, who they barely snuck out a win against on opening night, and Sunapee next week as well. How they come out of this two-game sample will tell us a bit more about where this group is and what they can do this season. 

9. Woodsville: A narrow loss to Littleton before the break and a loss to rival Blue Mountain lost week has the Engineers sitting at 3-3. If they can take advantage of the schedule they have ahead they can make a big jump up the standings. 

10. Farmington: The Tigers have started to find a formula for success as of late. They're winners of two straight and could make that three in a row with a game against Mount Royal on Friday and then Newmarket next week should be a great test for this group. Having Madison Ricker (11.3 ppg) healthy has been a game changer, and Makayla LaPanne (7.8 ppg), Jaelyn Prosper (7.4 ppg), and Anna Cardinal (6.4 ppg) have done a nice job of keeping things evenly distributed offensively. 

 

Spotlight Team of the Week: Moultonborough

The Panthers are 2-4, but a 53-44 loss right before the break to Groveton was a bit of an eye-opener. They were my pre-season #8 because of the depth they have, but this is still a bit of a younger and inexperienced group. 

Katherine Velie (15.0 ppg) has been a bright spot for this group, and Sadey Sherkanowski (7.7 ppg) and Kat Gleeson (6.5 ppg) have been good leaders and calming presences on the floor.

A trip to my hometown Gorham is a great opportunity for this group to continue their winning ways and possibly build some momentum.