Our third semifinal scouting report of the year is here to breakdown the Division I Final Four. 

 The coaches are the ones who help put this together, giving us some of the best insight we get on these four teams since they are the ones scouting and game-planning for them all season long.

 We had three coaches breakdown both matchups and all four teams using blind quotes.

 Brought to you by our partners The Sports Medicine Team at Core Orthopedics!

 

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, Steve Largy of Goffstown, Lani Buskey of Pinkerton, and Jimmy Flynn of Dover

 

(4) Portsmouth vs. (1) Bedford

Box score of the first meeting: Bedford 56, Portsmouth 50

 These teams will be seeing each other in the semifinals for the fourth year in a row in what should be a terrific game. 

 "This could be the best game of the tournament," said one coach. 

 "If Portsmouth gets off to a better start than their regular season bout and is able to make it a halfcourt game, this one promises to be a battle of the titans."

 "This will be a great game between two very disciplined programs that will not beat themselves. On both sides of the ball, neither team will make many mistakes, and they will capitalize on every opportunity that you give them."

 The first and only meeting between these two this year started out as a game of runs. 

 "I think Portsmouth turned a lot of heads in that they went down 21-3 after one quarter and were able to come back and make it a game. I think these two teams are about as evenly matched as they come."

 "A rematch of a game that saw Bedford jump all over Portsmouth early and then the Clippers almost claw all the way back into it. Both of these teams have the ability to go on crazy runs and score in bunches, but they do it in very different ways," said another coach. 

 These may be two of, if not, the most experienced teams left, especially the Clippers who start five seniors.

 "Portsmouth’s strengths is that their entire starting five has been to the semifinals every year. They know nothing else. I think they will be hungry to have a different result this time around." 

 The Portsmouth defense was noted by all three coaches. 

 "Portsmouth suffocates teams with their halfcourt pack line man-to-man defense to which they are incredibly well-suited with their length and the way they are able to matchup one through five."

 "Portsmouth will look to take advantage of turnovers in the halfcourt and hit shots from all over in transition with multiple threats from the outside. The Clippers are also one of the few teams in the state that can matchup physically with Lana McCarthy as Maddie MacCannell is another dominating presence on both ends," said one coach.

 "They haven't hung their hat on the offensive side but that doesn't mean that they can't score. If they get hot, they have enough shooters to spread the floor and keep themselves in the game," said another coach.

 The MacCannell-Lana McCarthy matchup could be a deciding factor in this one. 

 "I think the MacCannell vs McCarthy matchup is the one to watch. What hurt Bedford in the regular season match up was the foul trouble that McCarthy got in. If MacCannell can get McCarthy in foul trouble and get her on the bench, Portsmouth can win this game."

 "The same can be said on the other side. MacCannell needs to be able to play McCarthy straight up. If she gets into foul trouble, Portsmouth doesn’t really have anyone else who can defend her," said one coach.

 "Maddie MacCannell and Avery Romps will need to limit Bedford's elite duo, while impacting the game on offense themselves. This will be a tough 30 plus minute night where both are asked to do a lot both sides of the ball. Keeping them out of foul trouble and fresh will be essential to having good matchups for McCarthy and Allard."

 "With the exception of the other Final Four teams, they haven't given up more than 43 points, and only 2 other teams have scored 40+ against them. It's not a fluke, or a system either, it's good, fundamental, intelligent defense that makes you work for everything."

 "I think Bedford exposed this in their regular season matchup with Portsmouth, but Portsmouth didn’t defend the three point line very well and that really hurt them in the first quarter. They gave Bedford too many open looks early and created too much of a hole to dig themselves out of. They are susceptible to slow starts."

 The Clippers got an historic postseason run from Mackenzie Lombardi last season. She was huge in the semifinals a year ago, and Portsmouth may need a similar performance out of someone like that again. 

 "I think we know what they will get from MacCannell, Avery Romps, and Margaret Montplaisir. They will need other players to step up. Last year, it was MacKenzie Lombardi. If she can repeat last year’s performance and girls like Syd Pettis also step up and can make open shots, Portsmouth will be in the game the entire way."

 "Portsmouth’s length and ability to drive the basketball could make it tough on the smaller, quick guards of Bedford."

 The size matchup will be one to watch for. 

 "Portsmouth has a great big in MacCannell, but she is up against a tough, tough challenge. Let's assume that she can shut McCarthy down, which is a tall task, how does Portsmouth defend the rest of Bedford's size? The Clippers aren't small, but they are nowhere near Bedford's size. They will need to play very good team defense to limit easy looks at the rim and keep Bedford off the glass."

 What about the undefeated Bulldogs?

 "The Bulldogs have the ability to influence the pace of the game with constant full court pressure led by their quick guards up top in Sarah Muir, Annie Zink, and Lyla Stein, and have length at the back with Kate Allard and Lana McCarthy," said one coach. 

 "Their disruption on defense generates a very quick-hitting transition game. Bedford will look to shoot threes in transition and they have multiple shot making options in their rotation and share the ball extremely well." 

 "Bedford has the upper hand in this match up. They have played each other in three straight semifinals and Bedford is like Portsmouth’s big sister. Portsmouth is nipping at Bedford’s heels and eventually Bedford says enough and has put Portsmouth away. I think Bedford has the mental edge having been there and beaten them three straight times," said another coach. 

 "Bedford is absolutely the team to beat. A talent like Lana McCarthy alone is a rarity in our state, and she is surrounded by a very complete team. In past years, Bedford's challenges have been guard play and depth, but the addition of the Muir sisters and the growth of Lyla Stein has turned them into one of the most complete teams I've ever seen." 

 The depth this group possess has been the biggest difference from this year's teams to last. 

 "The Bulldogs have not just the best player and biggest mismatch in the state, but players who can hurt you from all over the court. They bring in unmatched depth off the bench and have so many weapons. If you sell out to take away McCarthy, there are six more players who can score double figures," said one coach. 

 "They have guards, wings, and bigs who can all hurt you from all over. This depth and diversity makes them a matchup nightmare because it is really a pick your poison type of situation."

 "While Lana McCarthy and Kate Allard both present size problems for Portsmouth, I think Bedford’s strength is the defensive pressure that their guards overwhelm opponents with and get out in transition," said another coach.

 "Bedford’s depth will allow them to weather the storm a bit better if a starter or two pick up early fouls."

 "Last year, Bedford does not beat Portsmouth if it was not for Devlyn McDonald. McCarthy was in foul trouble and had to sit for the entire 2nd quarter and McDonald stepped in and provided a much needed scoring punch for Bedford. McDonald is proven and will produce off the bench for Bedford when needed to."

 Another key difference has been the emergence of point guard Lyla Stein. 

 "Everyone will talk about McCarthy and Allard, but Stein is one of the most improved players in the state this year. Her game has grown tremendously, and her ability to create and pick apart defenses makes her one of the best floor generals you will find. Her ability to create for both herself and her teammates will be critical against a disciplined Portsmouth defense."

 For a team who has run the table up to this point, there are not many glaring weaknesses on paper, but playoff basketball can be a different story.

 "I think the weakness for Bedford is not being challenged in many games this year. If the game is close throughout, how will they respond? Can they handle adversity? Can they play from behind? All open questions that might need to be answered."

 "Shooting could be a weak point if they can't play inside out. If the Portsmouth gameplan works to perfection and limits Bedford's ability to work the ball through the post and play inside-out, Bedford will need to create some outside offense. The consistency of their outside game may be a question mark if Portsmouth limits turnovers and forces them to hit shots and stretch the defense." 

 So, who wins tonight?

 "Bedford wins a close game. The Bedford guards are able to get the ball inside to both McCarthy and Allard, and Bedford controls the glass." 

 "Bedford. They've been rolling all year and I don't see it stopping here. They showed against Pinkerton that there is another gear they can find when they need it. This is a very good team that is playing like it has something to prove and that's a scary combination."

 "I’m going with Portsmouth to pull off the upset. They will have vengeance on their mind along with last year’s semifinal game, but in all honesty this one could go either way."

 

(3) Londonderry vs. (2) Pinkerton

Box score from the first meeting: Pinkerton 74, Londonderry 48

 This matchup will be youth vs experience. 

 "Pinkerton has a little bit more experience on this stage. Coupled with their depth, I think they have a slight edge over Londonderry. This is a little bit of present vs. future going head-to-head," said one coach. 

 "We love a rivalry matchup deep in the tournament. Obviously this wasn't as close as people expected in the season, but this is a grudge match and I would not expect a repeat of that result from two very talented teams."

 The Lancers have been one of the most exciting teams all year, and now face one of the lone teams to beat them all year. 

 "Londonderry is a quick, guard oriented team, and they shoot the ball well," said one coach. 

 "Sammie Sullivan is a match up problem for every team and I expect that she will bring her best game vs Pinkerton."

 "The Lancers are intense. They will play hard, physical, in-your-face defense, and attack you offensively. They are a team that plays with a "we will take what we want" mindset. They have talented players who are very bought in. Jon Doherty has done a great job of creating a system that fits the players and the results are paying off as they climb into the top of the division."

 "It really starts with Sam Sullivan who is as explosive of a scorer as they come. She plays hard and with determination, does a great job getting to the rim and the line and can really put a lot of pressure on defenders," said one coach. 

 "If she can get going early, possibly draw some fouls and generate some extra offense at the line, she could feast. There aren't many kids who could go score 30+ in one of these games, but she is absolutely one of them."

 Sullivan will be a focal point, but the Lancers have shown they have other weapons. 

 "Two huge key players to the game will be Kate Sloper and Reagan Anderson. Their job will be to play tough and gritty defense and attack the boards. They will be tasked with slowing down Liz Lavoie and Syd Gerossie. They can have a huge impact on the game without scoring," said one coach. 

 "Brooke Eacrett has been a little quiet offensively for Londonderry this post season , I’d look for her to have a big game." 

 "Adding freshman Gemma Murray to the mix have made Londonderry all the more deadly. All of them have the ability to shoot it well on the perimeter and drive to the rim, making it a tough matchup for any five in the state."

 "I’m not sure that either of these kids will match up defensively on each other, but Syd Gerossie vs Gemma Murray and Liz Lavoie vs Sammie Sullivan are both very fun match ups and who wins these match ups will decide who wins the game," said another coach.

 As noted above, experience could be the biggest x-factor. 

 "Londonderry is young and is figuring out how to win marquee games on the fly." 

 "In their first appearance on this stage, against their biggest rival, can the Lancers take punches and punch back? They have a good balance of athletes and a ton of depth and options, the question will be how they handle the stage. Pinkerton will come out fired up, and if there is a big run early, can Londonderry weather it without the experienced upper-class leadership that some of the other remaining teams have?" 

 "A really creative gameplan from Londonderry could be the big surprise. Jon Doherty is a great coach doing a great job there. His kids are bought in and with time to prepare against a familiar opponent, we may see something from the bag of tricks. A combination defense or a dramatically slower pace of play could well show up as he looks for ways to level the playing field."

 What about the Astros?

 "For Pinkerton it's another year with Liz Lavoie and Syd Gerossie at the helm in the backcourt with talented complimentary players like Brooke Benz, Kaylee Dupuis, Emily Leonard, and Alex White. In short, they can beat you from the perimeter, in transition, on the boards, and they have improved their game the defensive end this season, as well," said one coach.

 "Pinkerton has the major advantage. They have the size, the length, the scoring, and the depth." 

 "The Astros can score from anywhere at any time. They have so many weapons that kids coming off the bench you've never heard of could probably score 15," said another coach.

 The point guard position was a point of emphasis from all coaches.

 "Syd Gerossie is the best playmaker in the state, but her job is certainly made easier by the plethora of options. They play fast, move the ball well, and shoot the lights out. This is a team that has the offensive pieces to score 80 plus against good opposition."

 "Having a playmaker like Syd Gerossie makes a huge difference and can impact the game in so many ways. All of their pieces fit together well and they all play their roles to perfection. They score the ball better than any team in the state," said one coach.

 "Whoever or however Londonderry tries to stop Gerossie, this will be a key matchup. She had 17 against them but is so, so good at finding her teammates. She can make players like Brooke Benz and Alex White really next level offensive weapons."

 "When you already have to deal with Liz Lavoie, a player like Gerossie pulling the strings can create a lot of difficulty. Londonderry has good, athletic guards that they can run at her, but this may be the biggest challenge in slowing the Pinkerton offense." 

 The return of Alex White this year has made the biggest of differences for this group, and her play in the semis will be crucial. 

 "Liz Lavoie and Syd Gerossie will do what they do, but I look for Alex White to have a huge impact defensively and on the glass. Alex will want to make up for what she missed last year with her injury and will do everything she can to give her team an opportunity to play for a championship." 

 "Alex White will be an interesting matchup for a relatively small Londonderry team. She is athletic, plays bigger than she is, and does the little things so well. Expect her to be patrolling the paint, cleaning up the glass, and making life very difficult around the rim for Sullivan and company," said another coach.

 "Offensively, she has added to her game and I don't see an ideal matchup for her on the other side. She had 17 in the first matchup and could easily do that again." 

 "Their length on the inside could pose a problem for the Lancers who are a bit smaller than Pinkerton across the board," said one coach.

 This is one of the most explosive offenses in the state, but the defensive side of the ball may be the reason Pinkerton is moving on or going home.

 "As much as Pinkerton can score, I don’t think they defend as well. That could just be due to the style of play. Getting up and down at the pace that they do, will mean opponents also get extra possessions with more opportunities to score. If Pinkerton isn’t able to score as freely, Londonderry could stay in the game." 

 "Lani Buskey has said it for years now and while they've certainly made strides, they gave Bedford 91 points just a couple of weeks back. Teams that like to trade baskets and race to the highest score tend to look great until the shots stop falling," said another coach.

 "Obviously they did enough defensively in their first matchup, but they will need to be locked in against an offensively talented opponent. A cold shooting night that puts pressure on their defense could make things very, very interesting." 

 ""How this one gets decided? Experience, length, and depth. The Astros were on the threshold of a Final Four appearance last year and now are poised to make it back to the finals behind the senior experience of Lavoie and White."

 So, who wins tonight?

 "Pinkerton wins by 12, they just have too many offensive weapons." 

 "Pinkerton, I think they're a little better, deeper, and more experienced. Londonderry is very good but probably a year away from being a legitimate state title team. I think this round Pinkerton has a little too much in the locker for them." 

 "As balanced as both of these teams are, the Astros have a bit of an edge in their ability to go deeper if fatigue or foul trouble becomes an issue. It's a dogfight for sure, but advantage Pinkerton."