Today we will take a look at how the matchups line up for the Division II Tournament that kicks off tonight. 

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

 

#9 Merrimack Valley vs. #8 Pembroke

Merrimack Valley Team Page 

Pembroke Team Page 

Box score from the first matchup

 

If Merrimack Valley wins it will be because: They are able to hold Pembroke to under 50 points and control the pace. If they can keep this one slow and let their defense do the majority of the work then the Pride could be in good shape. Kayla Smith and Hadleigh Sargent will need to have a similar offensive output to what they put together in the regular season, but their defense as always will be the reason they have a chance to win.

If Pembroke wins it will be because: The Spartans can have an explosive quarter or two that proves to be too much for MV. Annelise Dexter has been on a tear as of late and Taylor Renna and Kaitlin Arenella are proving to be consistent scoring options. When the Spartans are getting two or three players scoring double digits on a nightly basis they are a tough out.

 

The pick: The Spartan's offense may be too tough to contain, I will go with Pembroke in a good one.

 

#13 Bishop Brady vs. #4 Hanover

Bishop Brady Team Page 

Hanover Team Page 

Box score from the first matchup

 

If Bishop Brady wins it will be because: They turn this into a shootout from the opening tip and get the necessary stops they need to keep a lead. This group had a tough February, but if shots are falling they have a chance to hang around early. Megan Pellerin and Payton Bryson have proven to be nightly double-digit scorers and will need to do that and more tonight.

If Hanover wins it will be because: The Bear's defense, especially at home, limits Bishop Brady from behind the arc. This is a seasoned group that has championship experience. Sydney McLaughlin will be the best player on the floor tonight and the supporting cast around her know how to hit open shots, and with the pressure, McLaughlin will see they will have a lot of looks.

 

The pick: Hanover takes care of business at home.

 

#12 John Stark vs. #5 Laconia 

John Stark Team Page 

Laconia Team Page 

 

If John Stark wins it will be because: Abby Duclos can out-perform Macy Swormstedt and the Generals control the glass. Not having Eleanor Giradet has hurt John Stark, but Avery Geaumont has stepped up in her absence. This is a team that hasn't been able to capture their signature win this season, but this could be it if they play their cards right.

If Laconia wins it will be because: Macy Swormstedt controls the tempo and Mekhia Burton can be successful in the paint against a big John Stark frontline. This group is battle tested and the emergence of Madeline Mousseau as a secondary on the wing was something Laconia was hoping would happen coming into the season. Ashlyn DeLuca and Renee Bergeron are veterans at this point in their careers and know what it takes to win in the playoffs.

 

The pick: Laconia. The Sachems have more of a scoring punch and enough presence inside to contain the Generals.

 

#15 Souhegan vs. #2 Kennett

Souhegan Team Page 

Kennett Team Page 

 

If Souhegan wins it will be because: They find a way to throw Kennett off early. The Sabers have played a very tough schedule but have also played a lot of opponents really tough. A big Kate Canavan performance would certainly be needed, but maybe Souhegan can hang around in the first half and make it a bit interesting.

If Kennett wins it will be because: Their size proves to be too much and their shots from the outside are falling early. This is a team that is experienced and can attack you in a variety of ways. Kaley Goodhart, Kaylee McLellan, and Sydnie Chin can all hit shots and take defenders off the dribble and Catherine Chick and Smanatha Sidoti are as tough as they come inside. If they see a mismatch in any area of the floor they can take advantage of it.

 

The pick: Kennett is a true contender and that will remain true with a trip to the quarterfinals. 

 

#10 Oyster River vs. #7 Hollis-Brookline 

Oyster River Team Page 

Hollis-Brookline Team Page

 

If Oyster River wins it will be because: The Bobcats take Hollis-Brookline out of the game early by getting stops and hitting timely shots. Oyster River has been a prominently offensive-minded team, especially in their wins and they will need a good amount of it, especially on the road. Riley Drapeau, Vivian O'Quinn, and Gabrielle Deane have all had their fair share of big performances, but they will need all three of them in rhythm on the road. This team can spread you out and has capable shooters with any lineup they play. 

If Hollis-Brookline wins it will be because: Their offense comes to play for four quarters. In the 52-49 regular season loss to Oyster River, the Cavaliers were outscored 29-16 in the second half. Sometimes their offense can go through dry spells, so they will need a full 32 minutes on that end. Cheyenne Colbert will need to control the interior and one or two of Camryn Dunn, Daniella Allanach, or McKenna Dunn will need to have a double-digit performance.

 

The pick: HB has a bit more experience in the postseason and will be hungry for revenge. I'll take the Cavaliers home.

 

#14 Plymouth vs. #3 Pelham

Plymouth Team Page 

Pelham Team Page 

 

If Plymouth wins it will be because: They play the best game of their season. Kayley Merrifield would need to have a big-time scoring performance on the road to keep up with the high-scoring Pythons. 

If Pelham wins it will be because: Pelham gets out to an early lead and keeps the foot on the pedal. This team can come at you with instant offense, and Jasmine Becotte is one of the main reasons why being one of the toughest players in the state to stop. Grace Riley, Sophia Joncas, and Abby McFarland have all gotten involved on that end of the floor as the season has progressed and has made Pelham a well-oiled machine.

 

The pick: The Pythons are for real and will get to the quarterfinals. 

 

#11 Derryfield vs. #6 Milford

Derryfield Team Page 

Milford Team Page 

 

If Derryfield wins it will be because: They take care of the basketball and keep this game in the high 30s. The Cougars can take you by surprise sometimes, hence their 36-33 loss to fourth-seeded Hanover a few weeks ago. Tia Ferdinando will be called upon to hit shots consistently, but if they can keep this a low-scoring slow-paced game Derryfield can give themselves a chance on the road.

If Milford wins it will be because: Their pressure speeds Derryfield up and the Spartans get easy baskets in transition. Milford does a good job capitalizing on turnovers and scoring in transition. Defense is their strong suit and was a huge reason for their 14-4 regular season. They can also hurt you with a variety of options. Lulu Maguire, Avery Fuller, Bailey Johnson, Claire Cote, Elianna Nassy, the list goes on for the Spartans. It seems like a different player steps up every night for this group and makes them tough to defend when shots are falling. 

 

The pick: Milford. The Spartans have made the leap this year and look like a team who can make a run.