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The Core Orthopedics (Friday) Thoughts for 10/25/2024

By Kennidy Asche, 10/25/24, 7:45AM EDT

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Roe Beland of the Portsmouth Clippers (photo by Matt Parker)

 As the final week of the regular season wraps up, it’s hard to believe how fast the time has gone.

 This week was packed with emotion as Senior Nights unfolded with playoff spots & seeding on the line.

 Today, we rank the contenders in all three divisions and choose our candidates for both Player and Coach of the Year.

 Our column is brought to you by the Sports Medicine team at Exeter Hospital and Core Orthopedics!

 

DIVISION I

Division I Standings and Statistical Leaders

  1. Bedford (17-0) — The four-time defending champions are poised to be the #1 seed heading into the playoffs. They swept both Londonderry and Concord this week alone. However, this year's team isn't the unbeatable force of the past. They've faced more challenges—including a brand new coach—and will need to maintain their high level of play to claim the championship. McKenna O’Connell is as good as advertised, but Bedford will need contributions from the entire roster to solidify their legacy and bring home another title.

  2. Pinkerton (14-4) — The Astros have shown they are a force to be reckoned with, especially with their dominant second half of the season. However, with a surprise 4-set loss to Nashua South, the question remains: Do they have what it takes to go all the way? Their height advantage with Aaliyah Price-Gooden, Calli Miller, and Mollie Jones plus recent momentum suggest they can make a deep run, but their resilience will be tested in the playoffs. It's time to see if they can rise to the occasion.

  3. Goffstown (14-3) — After a a small slump a few weeks ago, Goffstown has regained their form and is back on track. Their dominant sweep over Salem, led by the unstoppable Julianne Danis, proves they are still a top contender. When they’re firing on all cylinders, few teams can keep up with their aggressive attack and solid defensive play. At their best, Goffstown has everything it takes to be a serious championship threat.

  4. Nashua South (13-4) — Nashua South continues to rise in the rankings, fueled by impressive performances from Mia Sujic. She’s been the difference-maker in key matches, putting up 20 kills in their upset win over Pinkerton and following that with 15 kills against Timberlane, averaging 5 kills per set this week. The Panthers have shown they can compete with the best, and with Sujic leading the way, it'll be exciting to see just how far this team can go as they head into the postseason.

  5. Bishop-Guertin (13-4) — Bishop Guertin is wrapping up the regular season smoothly, but their real statement came the week prior with big wins over Windham and Goffstown, both 3-1 victories. Akira Coravos and Brooke Partridge are not just leading the division in kills and assists, they’re stirring up some serious postseason magic—just in time for Halloween, and they’re ready to conjure up more playoff thrills!

  6. Merrimack (12-5) — Amelia Walker and Rachel Flett have done a great job holding down the fort all season long, but the team is struggling to close out strong. With two tough losses behind them and Goffstown up next, Merrimack will need their key players to rally and help the team bounce back. Let’s see if they can shake off the slump and gear up for the playoffs!

  7. Hollis-Brookline (12-5) — The Cavaliers are 12-5 on the season.

  8. Salem (11-6) — The Blue Devils remain at #8 but didn’t look sharp in their matches against Pinkerton or Goffstown. While Madi Mohan continues to be a powerhouse on offense, the team has struggled to find consistent support around her. Without others stepping up, Salem risks becoming too one-dimensional, making them easier to shut down against stronger opponents. They’ll need more contributors to take the pressure off Mohan if they want to make a deep run in the playoffs.

  9. Windham (11-6) — Windham found some spark in the final week of regular season play, pulling off a big win against Merrimack. Anna Mitrou, who leads the division in digs, has been instrumental in setting her offense up for success. If the rest of the team can capitalize on her defensive efforts, they have the potential to make some noise. With one last match against Nashua South on Friday night, all eyes are on how they’ll close out the season.

  10. Nashua North (10-7) — The Titans stay above the cut once again, but a tough 5-set loss to Spaulding raises concerns about their consistency and late-game execution. After hitting their stride mid-season, they’ve benefited from a lighter schedule in the final stretch. However, their biggest challenge looms with undefeated Bedford on Friday night.

 

Player of the Year Candidates: McKenna O’Connell of Bedford, Julianne Danis of Goffstown, Madi Mohan of Salem, and Anna Mitrou of Windham.

Coach of the Year Candidates: Naomi Rascati of Bedford, Josh Ambrosino of Goffstown, Tammy Lambrou of Merrimack, and Tom Langer of Nashua South

 

DIVISION II

Division II Standings and Statistical Leaders

  1. Somersworth (17-0) — The Hilltoppers have been a dominant force this season, recently defeating a strong Souhegan team as part of what feels like a "revenge tour" after last year’s upset in the Division 3 championship. With Sya McKay and Kylie Pettengill leading the way, they look primed to finish the regular season undefeated and secure the #1 seed. While they often sweep opponents, when pushed to five sets, they’ve still managed to come out on top. The question is, how long can they keep pulling off those close wins?

  2. Coe-Brown (14-1) — Coe-Brown hasn’t lost since their third game of the season, and even that was a tight five-setter. As runners-up in the last two championships, you can sense the hunger they bring into every match. Led by Emma Zeblisky and Haile Comeau, this team has the talentto finally capture the title. If they maintain this momentum, don’t be surprised to see them lifting the trophy on November 9.

  3. Oyster River (13-3) — The Bobcats are riding a wave of momentum with another win this week. They’ve consistently shown that while they may not have the height and blocking presence of other top teams, their sharp serving and outstanding defense, anchored by libero Aubrey Young, more than make up for it. Coach Doore’s team is looking solid, and the prospect of a three-peat is within reach if they maintain their current level of play heading into the postseason.

  4. Milford (13-2) — Milford suffered just their second loss of the season this week, falling to Souhegan in a sweep. Despite the setback, they should bounce back in their upcoming match against Manchester West. Their overall record leaves them in a solid position at the top of the postseason bracket, but questions remain about how their playoff run will look due to the level of competition they've faced throughout the season. What better way to silence doubts than with a deep postseason run?

  5. Souhegan (11-4) — Souhegan is right on Milford's heels, showing their strength with a dominant win over the Spartans earlier this week. Additionally, their ability to avoid being swept all season is super impressive and shows their competitive nature. As they head into the postseason, Julia Colantuoni and Reagan Pepin will need to keep delivering standout performances if they want to upset the top contenders.

  6. Campbell (9-6) — The Cougars continues to climb after a solid win over a sneaky competitive ConVal team, showing they have what it takes to be a postseason contender. Setter Ava Grant remains the driving force behind this squad, with high expectations as they aim to keep their season alive. How they perform in the quarterfinals will be telling, and their ability to rise to the occasion could make all the difference.

  7. ConVal (9-6) — ConVal may have dropped a match to Campbell, but they've only faltered against top-tier teams this season. With Ivy Armstrong-McEvoy's standout performances leading the way, they’re still a formidable opponent. Facing her in the playoffs is a challenge no team will want, as her play has been nothing short of dominant.

  8. Kingswood (10-4) — Coach Lynette Place’s Knights finished their season with a hard-fought 5-set loss to Plymouth, closing out on a tough 3-game losing streak. Their record has earned them this ranking, but moving forward, they’ll need more than just a solid record to progress. With some formidable teams ahead in the playoffs, they'll need to rise to the challenge and be prepared to face the Goliaths waiting in the bracket.

  9. Hanover (9-6) — Hanover is riding high on a 4-game win streak, most recently taking down Laconia. A win over Gilford on Friday will solidify their place in the rankings. However, if they want to go further come tournament time, they'll need to discover a new level of play to challenge the division's top contenders.

  10. Laconia (9-6) — Laconia rounds out the top 10 this week, partially due to their loss to Hanover and partially due to the strength of their schedule. Having faced some of the top talent in the state, they should be well-prepared for whatever the postseason brings. However, standout Macy Swormstedt and the rest of the Sachems still have to prove they belong among the elite by taking each game one at a time and delivering in November.

 

Player of the Year: Emma Zeblisky of Coe-Brown Northwood, Ivy Armstrong-McEvoy of ConVal, Aubrey Young of Oyster River, and Sya McKay of Somersworth

Coach of the Year: Cassandra Doore of Oyster River, Steve Hodsden of Somersworth, and Carla Boyer of Souhegan

 

DIVISION III

Division III Standings and Statistical Leaders

  1. Inter-Lakes (15-0) — The Lakers continue to dominate, having only dropped 3 sets all season. As reigning champions, they’re playing with the confidence and precision of a well-oiled machine. The Lakers boast depth, seamlessly subbing all 12 players on their roster. Meadow True, Cecilia Hornkohl, and Kiera Moynihan are the key producers, consistently delivering standout performances and fueling their team's unstoppable energy. A repeat championship could very likely be in their future, which would be a storybook ending for their talented senior squad.

  2. Concord Christian (13-2) — Concord Christian has been on a tear, winning their last 6 matches in straight sets and peaking at just the right time. Setter Abby Owens has been orchestrating the offense beautifully, while Lylah Shumway consistently carries the load with her all-around play. With the playoffs around the corner, it’s exciting to think about a potential rematch with Inter-Lakes—these teams haven’t faced off since early in the season, and who knows how that matchup could play out now.

  3. Trinity (13-2)  — The Pioneers continue to post an impressive record, but it’s worth noting that they haven’t faced a top 4 team since early September, and they’ve avoided Concord Christian altogether this season. While that might be a relief now, the lack of competition against the top-tier teams could be a challenge come the postseason. Will they be ready when the stakes are highest, or could this softer schedule come back to haunt them when they finally face the toughest competitors? Only time will tell if their record will hold up under pressure.

  4. Portsmouth Christian (13-3) — Portsmouth Christian recently faced tough competition, falling to the division's top two teams in their last four games. These losses may serve as a wake-up call, giving PCA time to refine their game before the postseason. While Quinn Arico and Heidi Geyer bring undeniable talent, potential won’t be enough to secure a championship. The next few weeks will be critical for them to address any lingering issues and prove they can contend when it matters most. The question remains—can they rise to the challenge and play like a championship-caliber team?

  5. Newfound (12-4) — The Bears climbed the rankings this week, boosted by a solid stretch of victories. Their impressive 9-game win streak came to an abrupt halt at the hands of undefeated Inter-Lakes. Still, Newfound has been a steady force, quietly working their way up the charts by consistently racking up wins. However, can their postseason play prove they’re more than just a team that flies under the radar?

  6. Belmont (11-5) — Belmont lands in the upper quarter of the division, and rightfully so. They’ve faced the top teams and consistently pushed them to 5 sets, proving they have the talent to compete. Now, they’ll need to turn those near-misses into decisive victories if they want to make a lasting mark this postseason.

  7. Farmington (10-6) — The Tigers have largely flown under the radar, but rest assured that their ability to battle the division’s top teams has not gone unnoticed. While the results haven’t always been in their favor, this is a team that could make waves when it matters most. They’ve shown they’re more than capable of rising to the occasion, and with players like Madi Ricker, Zoey Johnson, Jacelyn Doyle, and Anna Cardinal leading the way, they’re a dangerous dark horse no one wants to face as the postseason progresses.

  8. Mascenic (9-7) — Mascenic may be having a season that doesn’t quite stack up to previous years, but there’s plenty of promise on the court under Coach Lauren Somero’s guidance. Middle Lyla Somero brings consistent productivity, with Fiona Alix adding valuable support. Focusing on growth and positivity, this team is learning from every set and refining their play. A championship may not be in their sights just yet, but their approach and dedication are building a strong foundation for future success.

  9. Moultonborough (8-8) — The Panthers wrap up their season at an even .500, which feels almost poetic given their final week saw them go 1-1. Their season has been a back-and-forth battle, with consistency eluding them at times. They’ve faced one of the tougher schedules in the division, matching up against top teams like Inter-Lakes and Belmont multiple times. While it’s been a challenging road, those trials could potentially pay dividends in some postseason wins.

  10. Raymond (8-8) — The Rams capped off their season with a win against Mascoma Valley, securing their spot in the top 10. Finishing .500 gives them an okay position, but the challenges ahead will require their best effort as the competition intensifies. Anything can happen in November, so perhaps Raymond is saving a little something extra that will dazzle us all.

 

Player of the Year: Abby Owens of Concord Christian Academy, Meadow True of Inter-Lakes, and Quinn Arico of Portsmouth Christian Academy


Coach of the Year: Tarsha Doyle of Farmington, Randy Mattson of Inter-Lakes, and Kevin Carreiro of Portsmouth Christian Academy

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