Thursday Thoughts returns for year five of girls' basketball coverage and our first column of 2024. 

 We will rank and break down the Top 10 teams in all four divisions each week.

 *There will be no column next week but we will return the following week and for the rest of the season

Today's column is brought to you by our friends and partners at White Mountains Community College!

 

Division I

Division I Standings and Scoring Leaders

Gold Level Coaches/Programs: Kevin Gibbs of Bedford, Greg Cotreau of Manchester Memorial, Ricky Oliver of Salem, Scott Blake of Spaulding, Frank Girginis of Alvirne, Kaylene Rogers of Exeter, and Steve Largy of Goffstown

1. Bedford: It is not a surprise to see the Bulldogs off to a 4-0 start. They have won by an average of 48.2 points through four contests and are getting scoring from a variety of options. Lyla Stein (12.0 ppg), Lana McCarthy (13.0 ppg), and Kate Allard (16.2 ppg) are all scoring in double figures and leading this team in the right direction.

2. Londonderry: The Lancers already have two signature wins to their name against Portsmouth and Bishop Guertin in a game we covered. This a championship-level team but also one that is still coming into their own with the underclassmen they have in primary roles. Sammie Sullivan (19 ppg) is picking up where she left off from last season and fellow sophomore Brooke Eacrett (16 ppg) looks to have taken a real step forward as a secondary option. Freshman Gemma Murray (11.5 ppg) has looked like the real deal through four games.

3. Pinkerton: We knew the Astros could score the basketball, but a 57-point first half in a 75-23 win over Spaulding certainly solidified that narrative. Liz Lavoie leads the division in scoring at 26.3 ppg and the return of Alex White helps compliment this group, especially defensively, where the Astros are allowing just 35.3 points per game.

4. Portsmouth: The Clippers nearly pulled off the comeback against Londonderry with a 25-point fourth quarter back on December 19th but fell just two points short. That is not a loss for this group to hang their heads about. They have been in these types of games before and know that a loss like that will help in the long run. It has been a balanced scoring effort for Portsmouth with Margaret Montplasir (16.7 ppg), Avery Romps (14.7 ppg), and Maddie MacCannell (9.7 ppg) leading the way on that end. They have a feisty Salem team coming to town on Friday night and a big matchup on the road with Pinkerton next Tuesday.

5. Salem: Salem is a dark horse no more. A 57-43 win over Goffstown on Tuesday felt like a statement win for the Blue Devils. Lillian George (13 ppg), Lindsay Goetz (9.8 ppg), and Gabriella Mosto (9.5 ppg) all have had their fair share of moments this season and have Salem looking like a real threat. The biggest factor in Friday's game against Portsmouth will be the size advantage the Clippers have. Does Ricky Oliver have something up his sleeve to slow Portsmouth down and keep them off the boards? We know they can hurt you from deep as well, so this will be a real test for Salem. This will be a score to keep an eye on.

6. Keene: The Blackbirds were a bit of a sleeper coming into this season but early on have made some real noise. A 60-52 win over Concord is their best win to date through four games. Sophomore Harper Zalaski (14.5 ppg) has taken the leap as a sophomore and Ivy Keating (13.5 ppg) and McKenna Nelson (10.0 ppg) both bring a scoring punch for Keene. A measuring stick game with Londonderry on Friday will tell us where this team stands in the division.

7. Goffstown: Maggie Sasso (20 ppg) has stepped up to the challenge for Goffstown and is being the aggressive first option Steve Largy thought she would be. Their opening night win over Bishop Guertin set the tone for the Grizzlies but the loss to Salem on Tuesday was a bit of an eye-raiser. Getting consistent scoring outside of Sasso was the glaring issue in that game and is something Goffstown is still searching for early on. Meredith Winterburn (6.5 ppg) and Keeligh Capps (5.5 ppg) are likely candidates to step into those secondary scoring roles.

8. Windham: The Jaguars are winning in different ways and have done so in close fashion. Three of their five wins have come by five points or less, but regardless Windham has found a way to come out on top and sit at 5-1. Meghan Husson (11.3 ppg) has been a consistent scoring threat alongside Lilah Boucher (9 ppg). The Carboni sisters Kate and Paige have been a factor on the defensive side. The athleticism of this team is something they can hang their hat on and will play a role in winning games throughout the year.

9. Bishop Guertin: The Cardinals have had one of the more difficult schedules to start with Goffsotwn and Londonderry handing them two losses, something this program isn't used to having this early in the year. Things won't get easier with Pinkerton and Division II Concord Christian up next. This is a team that is fairly new with one another and still developing an identity. Thalia Drapeau (7.5 ppg), Holly Dufoe (7.3 ppg), Bella Fayad (6.7 ppg), Ayla Regan (6.3 ppg), and Maddi Long (6 ppg) all have the ability to break out and get you double digits on a nightly basis. Once things start to click BG can make a run, but they will be tested these next two games and how they respond will be telling.

10. Dover: Lilly Nossiff (16.2 ppg) has picked up right where she left off last season and freshman Avery Littlefield (10.4 ppg) has provided the secondary scoring punch the Green Wave needed coming into this season. A favorable portion of the schedule awaits Dover these next two weeks, something they will hope to take advantage of to get in a rhythm before a difficult stretch in the second half of the season. 

 

Division II

Division II Standings and Scoring Leaders

Gold Level Coaches/Programs: Dan O'Rourke of Hanover, Brian Gray of Sanborn, Larry Meader of Kennett, Bryan Wall of Oyster River, Bob McNutt of Merrimack Valley, and Rebecca Carlile of Concord Christian

1. Concord Christian: CCA has been nothing short of dominant since joining Division II, winning their first four games by a margin of 37.75 points. The marquee win early on was over fellow contender Laconia and was a statement to the rest of the division that the Kingsmen are certainly for real. Emma Smith (20 ppg) and Lilli Carlile (16.8 ppg) have produced as expected, but the biggest development has been the play of Kayden Rioux, who is averaging a career-best 11.8 ppg and impacting the game on both ends of the floor. The tests continue as they take on Division I Bishop Guertin and Hanover next week.

2. Hanover: The Bears have taken care of business up to this point but their schedule starts to get a bit more competitive over the next few weeks with a trip to Bedford, Bow at home, and a road game at Concord Christian. Sydney McLaughlin (21.2 ppg) has been on a different level to start the year and is looking like a Player of the Year candidate. She is a player who will be ready for the challenge these next few weeks, and if someone like Allie McBride (5.2 ppg) or Claire Starosta (5.0 ppg) can take another step forward that could be beneficial for Hanover.

3. Pembroke: The Spartans grinded their way to a 42-35 win over rival Bow to remain unbeaten on Tuesday night. This had been an electric offense through their first three games, but showing they can win these tight slowed-down games is a big plus. Annelise Dexter's (17.2 ppg) size is a factor on the offensive end. She has the ability to shoot over defenders and started to show that on Tuesday. Kaitlin Arenella (12 ppg) being a creator off the dribble and hitting the three consistently is a big development moving forward for this group.

4. Laconia: The Sachems rebounded from their loss to Concord Christian with a 46-30 win over defending champion Kennett. Macy Swormstedt (18.8 ppg) looks like even more of a complete player and the word is Mekhia Burton (11.5 ppg) has started to expand her range a bit, making this pick-and-roll combo even more dangerous.

5. Oyster River: The Bobcats can score with the best of them, averaging 64.8 ppg through four contests. Whether it is Viv O'Quinn (20.5 ppg), Caitlin Klein (11.5 ppg), Riley Drapeau (9.2 ppg), or Wren Horne (9.2 ppg), this team can hurt you from beyond the arc or inside.

6. Derryfield: Hello Derryfield! The Cougars added to their resume with a win over Milford on Wednesday and currently sit at 3-1. Bre McCabe (14.2 ppg) has been an impact player right away and is a solid pairing alongside Tia Ferdinando (12.3 ppg). Derryfield is much more comfortable at the Division II level and are showing so early on.

7. Milford: The Spartans sit at 4-1 and had won four straight before dropping a 50-40 contest to Derryfield. It doesn't look like LuLu Maguire (14 ppg) suited up for that contest so that certainly played a factor with their leading scorer not on the floor. Regardless, this group can speed you up and thrive in transition. Shea Hansen (12 ppg), Eliana Nassy (9.8 ppg), and Avery Fuller (9.4 ppg) all continue to contribute on a nightly basis and make Milford a team to be reckoned with.

8. Bow: At 2-2, the Falcons have proven they can hang around with most anyone in the division. The determining factor for this group is what they get on the offensive end outside of Juliette Tarsa (15.2 ppg). Sophomore Ella Trefethen (5.2 ppg) started showing flashes in their loss to Pembroke on Tuesday. If she is willing to attempt the three-point shot more frequently that will play to her speed and ability to get to the basket even more.

9. John Stark: The Generals have rattled off three straight after an opening night loss to Bow. Timberlane should be a good challenge for this group as the Owls have been an interesting team to follow early on. John Stark can spread you out with Eleanor Giradet (12.8 ppg) on the inside and a number of threats on the wing who can hurt you from deep. Offensively they have found a groove and will need to show up for this next stretch with Merrimack Valley and Laconia on the docket next week.

10. Merrimack Valley: The Pride have won three straight after starting the year with close loses to Pembroke and Hanover. Their come from behind win over Kennett was one that proved this group is going to be a tough out every night. Kayla Smith (14.5 ppg) has looked like an all-state forward early on and Sydney Bailey (9.8 ppg) is providing a good scoring punch for MV. This team thrives off their defense, so to be getting this kind of offensive production is a huge plus. They take on Derryfield this Friday in what could be one of the tighter games we have seen this season.

 

Division III

Division III Standings and Scoring Leaders

Gold Level Coaches/Programs: Kevin Giannino of St. Thomas Aquinas, Ed Tenney of Kearsarge, Scott Currier of Kearsarge, Don Picard of Berlin, and Mike Mahoney of Hopkinton

1. Hopkinton: In a division that is as wide open as any, Hopkinton has looked like the top dogs through five games. With wins over Monadnock, Conant, and pre-season #1 Kearsarge, the Hawks have passed all the big tests early on. Shaylee Murdough (10.2 ppg) has looked like her all-state self, but the biggest difference for this team has been the addition of Keegan St. Cyr, who leads the team in scoring at 12.6 ppg. A rematch with Kearsarge at home on Friday should be another good one.

2. Winnisquam: The Bears are one of the more electric offenses in the division at 55.8 ppg. Lauren MacDonald (22.6 ppg), Caidyn Carter (11.6 ppg), and Victoria Kelly (10.6 ppg) are all getting into double figures on a nightly basis, and on the defensive end this group can get stops when they need to, evident in their win over St. Thomas earlier this year. A road trip to Prospect Mountain next Tuesday provides a chance for this team to play against another group that likes to get up and down.

3. Stevens: Kiley Bundy leads the division in scoring at 22.8 ppg and is a big reason why the Cardinals sit at 6-0. Bella Bovel (5.2 ppg) does the dirty work for this group holding opposing guards in check and pairing nicely in the backcourt with Bundy. A defensive-minded team like Monadnock will be an interesting matchup for Stevens next Monday.

4. Kearsarge: Even though they aren't at #1, this is still a group right in the mix at Division III. Hopkinton is a team that has had the Cougars number the last few years, but they have a chance to get over that hump Friday on the road. The Hawks have size, but a player like Tessa Marinello (15.7 ppg) will need to be aggressive in the rematch. Adara Boucher (10.3 ppg) is having a breakout season and is providing strong two-way play.

5. St Thomas Aquinas: The Saints improved to 5-1 with a win over Gilford on Wednesday night which proved to be a good test for St. Thomas. Genna Bolduc (12.7 ppg) has been dynamic for this group alongside Emma von der Linden (10.7 ppg) inside and Emma Toriello (9.7 ppg) making the jump Kevin Giannino expected her to. This is a well-rounded team that is already beginning to look like a threat.

6. Gilford: Ryan Guyer (9.6 ppg) is playing at an all-state level for the Golden Eagles and while this team sits at 3-2, you can feel a big-time win on the way for this team. Olivia Keenan (9.4 ppg) brings a good two-way presence that allows Gilford to push in transition as much as possible.

7. Prospect Mountain: Prospect Mountain will again be in the mix in Division III. Sophia Capsalis (14.7 ppg) and Aijah Thoroughgood (9.7 ppg) have paced this team offensively. When this team is playing fast they are at their best. They have a chance to avenge an early season loss to Winnisquam next Tuesday in what should hopefully be a better showing for the Timberwolves.

8. Conant: The new-look Orioles find themselves at 3-3 on the year, with two of their three wins coming within three points or less. Hannah Manley (10.7 ppg) and Amriel Lucier (8.3 ppg) have both flourished in a more increased role offensively while Bella Hart (6.2 ppg) continues to be a do-it-all all-player for Conant.

9. Monadnock: The Huskies are going to be the team that is a thorn in everybody's side all season long. They will take close losses, win a game or two they aren't supposed to, and be a defensive-minded group that can compete with most anyone. Regan Kidney (11.2 ppg), Marlee Carrol-Clough (11 ppg), and Cainen Avery (9.6 ppg) have all come on more offensively this season while Shaylee Branon (7.2 ppg) continues to be a steady and veteran option for Monadnock.

10. Campbell: The Cougars travel to Prospect Mountain on Friday and host Conant on Monday (a game we plan to be at), two games that will show us where Campbell falls in the mix of contenders. There isn't a true go-to scorer for this team, rather they spread you out and can hurt you in a variety of ways. Abigail Guerrette (8 ppg) has made an impact offensively and is one of many who can hurt you in the Cougar lineup.

 

 

Division IV 

Division IV Standings and Scoring Leaders

Gold Level Coaches/Programs: Derek Tremblay of Mount Royal, Joseph Williams of Holy Family, Meghan Averill of Newmarket, Tim Haskins of Groveton, and Dale Prior of Littleton

1. Groveton: The Eagles are scoring and defending at an even higher level than they may have last year. Groveton has held teams to just 19.7 ppg through six contests and will need that defense to carry when they travel to Littleton on Friday. Delaney Whiting (16.1 ppg) has looked even better than the first-team all-state player she was a season ago and Aspen Clermont (10.4 ppg) has welcomed more touches and opportunity on the offensive end this year.

2. Littleton: The Crusaders returned the most depth of anyone in the division and that has shown in their undefeated start. Scoring the ball at a high level was the downfall of this group last year, but Addison Pilgrim (13.4 ppg) looks a lot more comfortable this season and Addison Hadlock (11.4 ppg), Lauryn Corrigan (9.2 ppg), and JuJu Bromley (8.4 ppg) all returned much more confident on the offensive end. A big-time matchup with Groveton, who got the best of the Crusaders in their holiday tournament, could be a preview of what is ahead in Division IV.

3. Woodsville: The Engineers sit at 6-1 and gear up for a big showdown at Profile on Friday night. Makayla Walker (12.6 ppg) has excelled as a sophomore running the offense and Paige Royer (10.7 ppg) has been one of the best inside presence in the North Country. Katie Houston (7.7 ppg) has been a capable scorer as well for this group that is continuing its winning ways from the end of last season.

4. Profile: The Profile Patriots are for real folks. A 53-50 win on the road at Colebrook helped solidify an already great 6-1 start. Woodsville comes to town this Friday and should be a good test to see if this run can continue. Morgan Presby (11.4 ppg) has really stepped into her own this season and has become another offensive threat alongside Mya Brown (10.0 ppg), Evie Burger (8.8 ppg), Kyah Knight (8.7 ppg), and Maddie Koehler (6.7 ppg), making for a team that can spread you out and hurt you in different ways.

5. Newmarket: The Mules sit at 5-1 and as always are getting teams to play at their tempo and make it a defensive-minded game. Kiara Rugora has burst onto the scene and leads Newmarket in scoring at 12.7 ppg. Rugora is a good one-two punch with Amaya Beckles (7.4 ppg) as it gives the Mules two creators on the wing. Things have seemed to click since their opening night loss to Mascenic. They will need their A-game to slow down Ava Buchanan and PCA on Friday night.

6. Colebrook: The Mohawks find themselves at 4-2, but it has been a rollercoaster ride getting there. They dropped a 53-50 game to Profile right before the break and narrowly escaped with an overtime victory on the road at Gorham. The biggest positive out of all of this has been the emergence of Niome Nadeau (16 ppg) and Lexi Santamaria (13.2 ppg) as scorers. Everyone knew what Haley Rossitto (17 ppg) would be able to produce coming into this year, but have two other double-digit scorers on your team will affect how opposing teams gameplan for Colebrook.

7. Mascenic: Mascenic is once again that pesky team no one will want to match up with later in the year. They have key wins over Newmarket, Hinsdale, and Division III Newport that have propelled them into the Top 10. Skye Lambert (11 ppg) has provided both offense and the ability to take opposing players out of the game when needed. The Vikings will be heard from a lot this season.

8. Farmington: The Tigers went into the Christmas break on a two-game skid, but brought Division II Kennett all the way down to the last possession before losing in The Bash 28-27 Championship. This should certainly boost the confidence of a team that feels they can make some noise in Division IV. Freshman Zoey Johnson (9.8 ppg) is already looking like an impact player and a healthy Madison Ricker  (7.8 ppg) has brought a steadiness to this group.

9. Holy Family: Holy Family has already eclipsed last season's win total by three games as they sit at 4-2. They have won four straight and head to Wilton-Lyndeborough on Friday for a test against a playoff-level opponent. Ryenn Pedone (10 ppg) has been a welcomed addition to the team and has gotten them to a new level.

10. Franklin: The Golden Tornadoes are making a name for themselves at 4-3. A win over Farmington right before the break was an eye-opener and has given this group a lot of confidence heading towards the second half of the season. Kourtney Kaplan is second in the division in scoring at 20.9 ppg, with Lily Cornell also scoring 13.2 points a night as well. Franklin will have a chance to avenge an opening night loss to Hinsdale on Friday and look to make it four wins in a row.