Today we take a look at the eight quarterfinal matchups that are being played Friday and Saturday in Division I and Division II. 

 Our column today is brought to you by our friends and partners at Great Bay Community College!

 

Division I 

Final Division I Standings, Scoring Leaders, & Gold Level Coaches

Division I Bracket and Box Scores

 

#9 Concord at #1 Bishop Guertin 

Box score from first meeting

If Concord wins it will be because: They are able to break the BG pressure and take care of the basketball for 32 minutes. If the Crimson Tide can get the ball over mid-court cleanly, there are open looks to be had at the back end of the zone pressure. It will take a team effort, and Delaney Duford, Aidah Smalley, and the entire Concord roster will need their best performance in this one.

If Bishop Guertin wins it will be because: They get out in transition early and often and build a sizeable lead by halftime. This team can score 6 points in the blink of an eye, and if shots are falling early this group should be in good shape. The offensive firepower this group possesses 1-7 is tough to match for anyone in this division. If Brooke Paquette, Catelyn Wheeler, Meghan Stack, and Olivia Murray are going early they will be tough to come back on.

 

The Pick: The Cardinals cruise to the semifinals.

 

#5 Pinkerton at #4 Goffstown

Box score from first meeting

If Pinkerton wins it will be because: Liz Lavoie has a 35-plus point night and they hold Ava Winterburn to 15 or less. No Syd Gerossie in this one will hurt, especially on the road, but Lani Buskey will have this group ready to go. Kaylee Dupuis will be thrust into a secondary scoring position tonight, but she has proven to be reliable on that end.

It will all come down to defense and containing Winterburn, something they weren't able to do in the regular season finale. They should have a different look to throw at her and with that, the Astros are hoping for a different result. 

If Goffstown wins it will be because: Ava Winterburn continues to do what she does and Maggie Sasso and Ava Ruggiero continue to play at a high level. When all three are clicking, which they have been the last few weeks, the Grizzlies have been as tough as they come to stop. Keying on Liz Lavoie will be their focus and if they can do that they should have a good chance at home.

 

The Pick: The Grizzlies go back to the Final Four for the first time since 2020 with a commanding win at home. 

 

#10 Londonderry at #2 Portsmouth 

Box score from first meeting

If Londonderry wins it will be because: The role players hit their open shots. We saw in their first round at Windham everyone in the starting five get involved. 13 points from Brooke Eacrett, 9 points from Reagan Anderson, 9 points from Jordan Furlong, and 9 points from Shannon Ball to go along with 11 points from Sammie Sullivan who was held to just one field goal all night was an encouraging sight. 

They will need a big performance from Sullivan, but if the confidence carries over the Lancers can give themselves a chance. 

If Portsmouth wins it will be because: Their depth proves to be too much. The Clippers can attack you in so many ways and they aren't afraid to go down the rotation to get contributions. Maddie MacCannell and Margaret Montplaisir present a size that may be too much for Londonderry to handle, and if they can limit second chances and get easy points down low Portsmouth will be in good shape. 

 

The Pick: The Clippers have one goal and mind and they will get a step closer with a win over Londonderry. 

 

#11 Manchester Memorial at #3 Bedford 

Box score from first meeting

If Memorial wins it will be because: They can keep this one close early and limit second-chance opportunities. At times their offense can get stagnant, especially against a team like Bedford, so their defense will have to keep this game within 8-10 points. Bedford is arguably the best offensive-rebounding team in the division, so keeping them off the glass and limiting them to one shot is a must. 

Madison Pepra-Omani will need a signature performance in this one to give Memorial a chance late. If they find a way to grab momentum.

If Bedford wins it will be because: Their size proves to be too much. Lana McCarthy is already a glaring mismatch, but when Kate Allard is attacking the basket she opens up easy shots on the perimeter and driving lanes for others. In the first meeting, the Bulldogs feasted off second chances, and if that is the case again they should be able to control this one. 

They will want to put Memorial away early if they can. You never want the Cardiac Crusaders lurking around...

 

The pick: Bedford by 12.

 

Division II 

Final Division II Standings, Scoring Leaders, & Gold Level Coaches 

Division II Bracket and Box Scores

 

#8 Pembroke at #1 Bow

Box score from the first meeting

Box score from the second meeting

If Pembroke wins it will be because: The Spartans are able to put double digits on the board each quarter. This team can beat you with their offense, and they will need a lot of it going up against one of the best defensive teams in the state. Annelise Dexter found a rhythm in their second matchup and will need one of her best performances of the year to give Pembroke a chance. 

If Bow wins it will be because: They speed the game up and keep Pembroke in the 30-35 point range. The Falcons can score when they need to, but they are much happier keeping a team under wraps for four quarters. Sidney Roberge will certainly be seeing a lot of Annelise Dexter and should be up for the challenge.

If Bow can dictate tempo can create turnovers early they will be in good shape on their home floor.

 

The Pick: The Bow undefeated run continues.

 

#5 Laconia at #4 Hanover 

Box score from the first meeting

If Laconia wins it will be because: Laconia plays consistently for four quarters. A 14-6 deficit to start was the difference in their first matchup. If Macy Swormstedt is creating for herself and others and Mekhia Burton makes it a goal to dominate the interior, the Sachems have the pieces to go on the road and get this done.

If Hanover wins it will be because: The Bears are able to control pace and make this game about defense. Syndey McLaughlin has been terrific scoring the basketball this year, but it will be about what Hanover can do to limit possessions to one shot and keep this somewhat low-scoring. Hanover has won in different ways this season, and a second game with Laconia will certainly take a different game plan to come out on top. 

 

The Pick: This one is going to be close. Both are capable Final Four teams, but I will give Hanover the slight edge at home.

 

#7 Hollis-Brookline at #2 Kennett 

Box score from the first meeting

If Hollis-Brookline wins it will be because: The confidence from the first game carries over. The Cavaliers led Kennett all the way up to the 4th quarter, only losing by 5. When this offense is in sync, they can compete with any team left standing. They know what it takes to beat this team, but on the road, this could get a bit tougher. 

Cheyenne Colbert can match up with Catherine Chick and Samantha Sidoti, but she will need help on the inside. If Camryn Dunn, Daniella Allanach, and McKenna Dunn can all contribute on the offensive end Hollis-Brookline will be in this one.

If Kennett wins it will be because: The Eagle's defense can limit Hollis-Brookline early. A deficit on the road may be tough to come back from, especially against an experienced team like Kennett. The three-headed monster of Kaley Goodhart, Kaylee McLellan, and Sydnie Chin have enough firepower to keep pace with Hollis-Brookline and give Kennett control of this game in the first half. 

 

The pick: This will be a fun rematch. I think the Eagles find a way to slow down HB and get to the semifinals. 

 

#6 Milford at #3 Pelham 

Box score from the first meeting

If Milford wins it will be because: The Spartans don't fall behind early and turn Pelham over. Milford could take the approach of letting Jasmine Becotte have to beat them single-handedly or force everyone else to hit shots. The confidence should be high for this team going in on the road, as beating Pelham back in January was the best win this program had seen in quite some time. 

If the Spartans can get spread around scoring like they have all season that will be a huge plus, but they may need a big-time performance out of someone like LuLu Maguire to set the tone and help secure a win.

If Pelham wins it will be because: Someone other than Jasmine Becotte has a double-digit performance. Becotte is due for a 20-point night on most occasions, but especially with the pressure Milford can provide if someone like Grace Riley, Sophia Joncas, or Abby McFarland can get you 10-12 points that could be the difference in this game. 

 

The pick: This is a toss-up game. I'll go Pelham at home but in a tight one.