Last season, Division II was about as tight as you could ask for as a basketball fan.

 There were a handful of teams that went into March thinking they could win the title.

 Milford separated themselves down the stretch and captured their first state championship in nearly 50 years.

 This year feels oddly similar. Many are preparing with the mindset that they could be hoisting a plaque at Lundholm Gymnasium come March.

 Today, in our fifth of eight pre-season previews, we take a deep dive into Division II.

 Brought to you by our friend and partner Jim Cilley Homes, brokered by eXp Realty!

 

Pre-Season Top 10 Rankings

1. Pembroke

2. Derryfield

3. Merrimack Valley

4. Pelham

5. Souhegan

6. Hollis-Brookline

7. Milford

8. Bow

9. Oyster River

10. Coe-Brown

Lurking outside of the Top 10: Kingswood, Plymouth, Lebanon, Hanover, Sanborn

 

 Noah Cummings takes over at Pembroke and inherits an experienced roster with high aspirations. 

 “I have loved working with this group,” said Cummings. “This is a core that has been a part of it since that championship run two years ago.” 

 Cummings has been the JV coach the past few seasons, so there has not been much of an adjustment period. They have been able to hit the ground running. 

 “They all worked incredibly hard in the offseason,” said Cummings. “They are super committed and ready to get to work.”

 Kate Stephens broke out as a junior and put together a first-team all-state season for the Spartans.

 “She is a phenomenal player,” said Cummings. “She is someone who is always around the game, working to get better.”

 Stephens possesses efficient three-level scoring ability and has put an emphasis on trying to get to the rim.

 “She is not a flashy player,” said Cummings. “She plays basketball and gets things done. She has taken a real step in terms of her aggressiveness.”

 Defensively, she has taken a jump, as has the entire group. “We have worked on defending without fouling,” said Cummings. “Kate’s ability to lead on that end and show she is willing to put in the effort has been big. We are all going to defend.”

 Anne Phillips has been a calm presence at the point guard position the last three years, and now is ready to take her team to the next level. 

 “Anne is everything you want out of the point guard position,” said Cummings. “She is a coach on he floor and gets us into our sets. Any program would enjoy having her on its team.” 

 Phillips sees the floor well and knows when to get others involved, and knows when to look for her own shot.

 “She is a leader for us,” said Cummings. “Everyone will see her take another jump. She is a product of how hard she works.”

 Hailey Steinmetz has already committed to Husson and is looking to cap off her senior year in the right way.

 “She just puts her head down and works,” said Cummings. “She has developed a college-ready shot and is now starting to get to the rim.”

 Stenimetz has been a starter and a spark plug off the bench in her four years in the program. The constant with her is her ability to do the little things. 

 “She is high effort all the time,” said Cummings. “Hailey is all over the glass. She is someone who brings everybody up. She is someone you want on your team.” 

 Ava Strazzeri is in line for a bigger role this season. “Her game has ballooned,” said Cummings. “Ava has put in a lot of work and has even started getting college looks.”

 Tessa Love has been committed to constant improvement. “She has been a key to everything we have done,” said Cummings.

 Riley Caron has made a big jump from last year to now, and fellow juniors Lily Gagnon and Dani Lanoie should see a lot of valuable reps this year.

 Brooke Arenella returns to the team for her senior season after taking a year off from basketball. 

 “We are excited to have her back,” said Cummings. “She will bring another level of experience and effort to our squad.” 

 Last year was not the finish this group was hoping for. With everyone a year older, they have a different perspective on things.

 “Everyone is on a new level of energy,” said Cummings. “They are committed and not taking anything for granted. We want to be the type of team we know we can be. We have to prove to ourselves and everyone else that we can be that type of team.”

 After a run to the Final Four, Derryfield has retooled and is prepared for another deep run to the postseason.

 “We have a lot of kids stepping into bigger roles,” said head coach Courtney Cheetham. “It might take a bit of time for that the come to fruition.”

 All-state point guard Anna Fazelat headlines a group of returners that includes four starters. 

 “Her relentlessness is her best attribute,” said Cheetham. Defensively, we know what she will give us every night, and her ability to facilitate has only gotten better. Right now, we are working on her ability to attack the basket.”  

 Fazelat took over in overtime against Merrimack Valley in the quarterfinals. She continues to have the ball on a string and will be a big-time playmaker for the Cougars.

 Joining her in the backcourt is Holly Dufoe, who transferred over from Bishop Guertin. “It will be nice to pair them in the backcourt,” said Cheetham.

 Dufoe brings an ability to knock down the long ball and will be another menace on the defensive end for Derryfield to throw at opposing guards.

 Angie Kenison had a strong postseason for Derryfield and will take on a larger scoring role this season.

 “She has always had the potential, but not necessarily the confidence,” said Cheetham. “She has come into this year much more confident. Having her and Holly on the wings will be lethal.”

 Emma Sloper saw a lot of floor time for the Cougars because of her play on the defensive end. That has only improved ahead of her junior season.

 “She is one of our most athletic players,” said Cheetham. “She is super long and can guard all spots. The hope is we will have her reading the lanes and help convert our pressure into turnovers and buckets on the other end.” 

 Ella Laflamme was a super sub for the Cougars and now gets the opportunity to start as the lone senior on the squad.

 “I think she can be a secret weapon for us,” said Cheetham. “Her ability to play inside will be a big key for us.”

 Kelsey Beekman brings defensive grit to the lineup and will be another player who can cause havoc on that end of the floor.

 “I am hoping she can take an elevated role this season,” said Cheetham. “She will be able to heckle other teams’ guards every night.”

 Ariel Berger was the top performer on the JV team last year and will now get an opportunity to see some varsity minutes.

 “She can rebound and bring us more athleticism,” said Cheetham. 

 Freshmen Jordan Lemery, Clara Johnson, Reagan Ayers, and Maya Collymore will get an opportunity to factor into the varsity rotation.

 Leremy can handle the ball and brings a good court presence. Johnson brings a solid shooting touch, while Ayers is an outside threat herself.

 Collymore is new to the school, but has already made an impression with her height and defensive ability. 

 “They are going to be good,” said Cheetham. “It will take some time, but they have shown flashes.”

 The Cougars should find themselves in the top four mix throughout the year. Early on, it will be about establishing an identity. 

 “The potential and ceiling are very good for the now and the future,” said Cheetham. “My focus is on trying to build this group together. It will take time, but we will get there.”

 Merrimack Valley brings back a strong defensive group that should find its footing on the offensive end as a collective unit as the season progresses.

 The Pride were on the brink of a Final Four appearance last year. The losses of Kayla Smith, Syd Bailey, and Taylor Stinson will be noticeable, but head coach Bob McNutt likes the core he returns.

 “I think we have ten players who can all give us good minutes,” said McNutt. “We will have to find ways to make up for the loss of Kayla’s double-doubles. We need to score and rebound as a unit.”

 Izzy Navoy looked like an all-state level player last year, and with a more expanded role, should be able to reach those heights.

 “We have talked with her about taking that next step,” said McNutt. “We need more consistency out of her this year, and she is more capable of providing that.”

 Scoring-wise, last season, she was a secondary option to Smith. This year, she will have more opportunities on the ball, but the hope is that the offensive production can be spread out. “I think we will have nights where a different player is stepping up and leading us in scoring,” said McNutt.

 Defensively, Navoy is as hard-nosed as they come. The hope is that the Pride get a good balance on both ends from her. “If she can put it all together, she has a chance to have a special season,” said McNutt. 

 Leading the defensive charge for Merrimack Valley will be senior Jada Lucas. “I think she is the best defender in our division,” said McNutt. “I think this year you will see more out of her offensively as well. We want to give her the opportunity on that end to produce.”

 Lucas has the ability to take opponents out of the game with her length and switchability. While that is a valuable trait, McNutt envisions being more of a roamer and excellent helpside defender to give opponents a new look and exert her energy a bit more.

 Emma McNutt handled the duties of being a varsity point guard well as a freshman, and now, as a sophomore, she looks to expand on her success.  

 “We will need her to be more of a scorer,” said coach McNutt. “Her confidence is at a different level to start the year.”

 McNutt could see some time at the two-guard spot as well, with the Pride hoping to take advantage of their depth.

 Seniors Abby Thompson, Lauren Bailey, and Aliyah Tsao should all see significant minutes in the rotation.

 Gabi Jones, Lyla Gray, Lilly Jones, and Ava Boutin will all get opportunities to showcase their talents this winter.

 “I think we are good enough to rotate deep into the bench,” said McNutt.

 With a division that feels open, Merrimack Valley should find itself back in the mix of teams in title contention late into the season.

 “I think we have a chance to get back to where we were last season,” said McNutt. “The biggest thing we need to figure out early on is our offense. A lot of that will depend on the strides we make early in the season. I think we can be a top defensive team, and I am hoping that end of the floor can help generate some of our offense.”

 Pelham wants to take advantage of the opportunity in front of them this season. “I think we can be right in the middle of things,” said head coach Bob Shepard. “We have a very tough schedule, which I am happy we have. I want this group to be tested.”

 Following a top-eight finish a season ago, the Pythons return a core of upperclassmen who have the potential to take the next step. 

 All-state forward Grace Riley is healthy and ready for one last run as a senior.

 “I expect her to lead us on the offensive end,” said Shepard. “She is someone who is capable of scoring 15 to 18 points a game. Her play has gotten better. She has been a leader throughout the preseason.”

 Sophia Guinazzo brings size and a double-double threat every time out for Pelham. “She is a happy-go-lucky kid, but when she is locked in, she is as tough as they come,” said Shepard. “She has the opportunity to dominate the paint. Her game has come a long way.”

 The one-two punch of Riley and Guinazzo will be tough for teams to contain, as they can hurt you inside and out.

 Jessica Phillips is the defensive stopper of this group. “She can shut down the best player on opposing teams,” said Shepard. “I think she can step up for us more on offense as well.”

 This team overall has taken a step up on the defensive end, and Ava Milley is a player who factors into that mix as well.

 “She is lightning quick,” said Shepard. “Ava and Jess will be able to disrupt opponents.”

 Speed is a big emphasis for Pelham, as the plan is to be a more uptempo team that can get out in transition while also having a strong half-court offense to fall back on.

 The Pythons had to go on the road in the quarterfinals last season. The goal is to have that change this year.

 “We want two home playoff games,” said Shepard. “That is so important, and that is what we are going to work for.” 

 Souhegan made strides in year one under head coach Greg Cotreau. The goal now turns to sustained success, especially in the postseason.

 “This group has played a lot of basketball from when last season ended to now,” said Cotreau. “They played well in the summer and fall league. I feel good about where we are at.”

 Zofia Rosenfield made a name for herself last season and comes back primed for a big senior season.

 “She wasn’t at the top of the scouting report last season; now that changes,” said Cotreau. “She will need to find ways to be productive, knowing she will draw the other team's best defender every night.”

 Rosenfield possesses catch-and-shoot ability along with an ability to attack and shoot off the dribble. The Saber-leading scorer has only added to her arsenal.

 “She is a gamer,” said Cotreau. “I know she will rise to the occasion this year.”

 Julia Skelton and Lanai Hickman are in line for larger roles this winter as upperclassmen leaders on this team.

 “Lanai is a lockdown defender,” said Cotreau. “Julia played since the moment the season ended and elevated her game on both ends of the floor.”

 Sophomore Natalie Bryan brings a rugged defensive style with an improved offensive game. “I think she will be a force for us this year,” said Cotreau. “She will be asked to do a lot of different things for us.”

 Freshman Mariellah Dart will get an opportunity to head the ship with reps at the point guard position. 

 “She is very good defensively,” said Cotreau. “She sees the floor well. We need her to trust her outside shot more, but she sees the floor well and can get to the rim. She will dictate our pace.”

 Fellow freshmen Nayaa Dinesh Kumar and Brynn Siska will have the opportunity to get immediate run for the Sabers.

 “Nayaa gives us the interior presence we didn’t have last year,” said Cotreau. “She has the ability to switch out onto guards and can impact us on the glass. We are working her out to three three-point range as well to go along with a solid post game.”

 “Brynn is a tremendous athlete,” said Cotreau. “She can handle it, and her jumpshot is getting better every time out.”

 Souhegan was able to find its way into the postseason last year, but the goals are being set a bit higher with the strong foundation they built a season ago.

 “We fast-tracked the process, getting into the playoffs last year,” said Cotreau. “The goal is to be in a position to host a first-round game this year. With the pieces we have, we have a chance to take the offense we ran last year and make it better. Defensively, we will be much improved. I am eager to get going.”

 Hollis-Brookline returns a group of 10 looking to take the next step in Division II. After going 8-10 last season, the Cavaliers see an opportunity to be in the mix late into the year this time around.

 Senior Ana O’Donnell played a lot of basketball in the offseason, so much so that it took her overseas to play in Spain this summer.

 “She gained a lot of experience,” said head coach Heidi Moore. “She is someone who can play inside-out for us.”

 O’Donnell led the team in scoring last season and should be even more involved as the go-to option for HB. 

 O’Donnell is a captain alongside fellow seniors Brooke Bouchard and Payton Dunn. “We have a much more balanced roster this year,” said Moore. “Those three are a big part of what we want to do.” 

 Bouchard will bring great defensive instincts to the lineup. “She is one of the stronger defensive players in the state,” said Moore. “Brooke does everything right. She is quick, stays low, and keeps her opponent in front of her.”

 Dunn has had a strong preseason and has shown she can impact the game in many different ways.

 Rosalie DeSantis joins the team as a senior and should make a real impact. “I have been trying to get her for three years to join the team,” said Moore. “Now that her soccer commitment is set, she has decided to play, and she should help us a lot.”

 Freshman Kendall Dunn will be in the mix for serious run early on. “She is going to do damage right away,” said Moore. “She has some length and can play on the wing and inside as well. She has no fear. She has put in the necessary work on the defensive end to be ready for varsity.” 

 Juniors Sam Disco and Mya Blackman will once again factor into the rotation.

 “Disco is Disco,” said Moore. “She does exactly what I ask of her. She is a great athlete and terrific shooter.” 

 Blackman had surgery over the summer and missed soccer season, but she has recovered well and will slot back in as the center for the Cavaliers. 

 Sophomores Ysabel Ramas, Ainslee Thompson, and Harper DeBoisbriand will provide much-needed depth and round out the rotation.

 “I am excited,” said Moore. “The vibe has been great. We are not big, but we are fast. We have to use that to our advantage every night.” 

 Defending champion Milford returns a new-look group looking to build back towards the mountaintop this season.

 “Last year was obviously a magical run,” said head coach Michael Davidson. “Winning a state title for the first time in almost 50 years was a remarkable accomplishment for all the players involved. It’s a memory that will be cherished for a long time, not only in our girls' basketball program, but throughout the Milford community.”

 Having graduated the likes of Claire Cote, Avery Fuller, Lulu Maguire, and Ellianna Nassy, the Spartans understand they have to take a new approach.

 “It’s time to turn the page and start a new chapter,” said Davidson. “We have several returning players who spent most of the second half of last season on the bench. Now it is their turn, and it’s up to each and every player in our program to step up and contribute.” 

 The return of all-state point guard Shea Hansen and budding junior Lexi Bausha is a great starting point for Milford.

 “We have arguably the best backcourt in Division II with Shea and Lexi,” said Davidson. “Their talent, experience, and leadership will carry us this season.”

 Hansen was the engine that kept everything running smoothly last season. Her play down the stretch and in the title game was instrumental in the Spartans winning it all.

 “Shea touches the ball on almost every possession and hardly ever turns the ball over,” said Davidson. “Her ability to see the floor and get the ball where it needs to go will open up a lot of scoring opportunities.”

 Bausha was new to the team last year, but made an immediate impact. Her scoring touch was a huge boost last year, and now she has the opportunity to lead this team in scoring.

 “Lexi is a force on both ends of the floor,” said Davidson. “Strong defender, strong rebounder, attacks the basket and gets to the foul line, and can shoot the three as well.”

 The junior class should be able to make an impact, starting with Trinity Millner and Maggie Pelletier, who is a co-captain. 

 “Both players have been working hard, improving their shot, and realizing defense and rebounding are going to trigger our transition offense,” said Davidson. “I’m excited to see what they will do.”

 The search for a fifth starter is still ongoing, but many players like Haley Harrington, Maya Remella, and newcomer Olivia Gaumont have proven worthy to take that spot.

“All three provide the toughness to do the dirty work in the paint,” said Davidson.

 Sophomore guards Nadia Tlapa, Lilly Lorette, and forward Kaelyn Grzyb all look ready to make an impact. The same can be said for Kaelyn Grzyb. Kianna Figueroa, Emma Freeman, Lea Lyons, and Olive Clegg are vying for minutes as well.

 Freshman Noelle Cotreau, Piper Ross, Allie Cardin, and Jordyn Shaw have all shown promise early on and could make an impact down the line.

“For us, no predictions, no guarantees of anything, just a team goal to get better every day,” said Davidson. “Every practice, every scrimmage, every game is another opportunity. All 19 players in our program embrace this idea. That goes a long way.”

Following an early first-round exit, Bow has aspirations of righting the ship this season. Kate Walsh takes over as head coach and is pleased with where her group is early on.

 “We have a lot of great experience and senior leadership,” said Walsh.

 Three of those seniors are Lauren Longley, Audrey Glennon, and Reis Domini. “They are going to lead the way for us,” said Walsh.

 Sophomore Peyton Vaughn proved to be one of the most elite players in the division last season. The all-state guard led the Falcons in scoring and is well on her way to another strong season. 

 “She is an excellent player,” said Walsh. “She is stepping up as a leader as well, which has been noticeable so far.”

 Vaughn will be the initiator for Bow. With a strong handle and dynamic shotmaking ability, she will be a big part of what the Falcons hope to accomplish.

 Bow is always able to beat teams with its athleticism, and Josie Johnson and Anna Zerba will be added right into that mix.

 “They are going to be impactful on both ends of the floor,” said Walsh. “They can see the floor well and make plays.”

 Gianna Trott and Lilly Smith will also make an impact with the intangibles they bring to the lineup. 

 The freshman class is an intriguing one for Bow, headlined by Bella Berg, Kyleigh Duval, and Celia Roberge. 

 All three are going to get a chance to make an impact and be immediate rotation players. “They will get a lot of minutes,” said Walsh. “They have shown us a lot early on.”

 It may take time for this team to gel, but the potential of what they could become is what excites Walsh in year one.

 “I want to put them in positions to make plays,” said Walsh. “We have the athleticism and speed to compete. I don’t think a lot of people know the skill we have. I think we will be a surprise for a lot of teams. The girls can make a deep run. They want that chance for redemption.”

 Oyster River’s run to the title game was a special one and was fueled by a senior class that put in the work to get to the position they were in a season ago.

 With that class gone, it is time for a new group of Bobcats to pave their way and start to build back up.

 “We essentially are wiping the board clean and starting over,” said head coach Bryan Wall. “It will be an interesting year for us.”

 The returning group fields talent, but building chemistry and familiarity with one another is priority number one. 

 The return of sharpshooter Wren Horne is a great place to start. “She puts everything she has into the game,” said Wall. “Whether it be on offense or defense, she is 100 percent all the time. She will be a centerpiece for us.” 

 Horne generated a lot of clean looks off the pressure last year’s lineup garnered. She will see a bit more attention this time around, but she still has a great opportunity to be an efficient shooter from deep.

 Ashlyn Ferris showed glimpses of potential last season and now takes over as the starting point guard.

 “She has come such a long way from last year,” said Wall. “She is still young, but she will continue to build. Hopefully by the end of the season, she will be in top form.”

 Fellow sophomore Payton Drapeau played crucial postseason minutes for the Bobcats at the forward spot and has already shown to be a good running mate alongside Ferris. 

 “She brings an inside and outside game,” said Wall. “She has established a good jumpshot along with her touch inside. The hope is that those two together can be building blocks for us. They are the future of what we have.”

 Freshman Grace Schulten-Neiweem made a name for herself throughout the summer and during the preseason. 

 “She is a super athlete,” said Wall. “She was a real eye-opener this summer. She has only built on that and will continue to add to her game.”

 The rest of the roster will patch together and, over time, should be able to prove they are a competitive team within the division. 

 “I expect us to be in the playoffs and be a threat,” said Wall. “The early part of the season is about seeing what we have and how we have to do things. We may struggle, but the hope is to hit our stride by midseason and make a big push late.”

 Coe-Brown returns a junior-heavy team looking to make up for the loss of four seniors from last season's 8-10 squad.

 “This group of juniors has a lot of potential for the next two years,” said head coach Joe Vachon. “We are faster and maybe even a little more athletic than last year. The big thing is we don’t have a lot of experience outside of Emma (Lapierre).”

 Speaking of Lapierre, the all-state guard is primed for another big season after leading the Bears in scoring last year (14.3 ppg).

 “I think she will be one of the best players in the division,” said Vachon. “I saw even through the summer that her confidence is high. She plays with a big heart.”

 Lapierre established a number of ways to score the basketball last year, and the biggest area of improvement has been her slashing. 

 “She can take defenders to the hoop and always find a way to finish,” said Vachon. “She worked on her game all offseason. She is going to be able to impact so many pieces of the game. You don’t get many of her very often.”

 Jaymee Bartlett spent the offseason committing herself to the game and should have a major impact on the Bears' success. 

 “She was a monster on the boards last year,” said Vachon. “She is someone who is an outstanding passer for her position. She always makes the right reads.”

 Pairing Lapierre and Bartlett will be a tough tandem for teams to control. “You have to pay attention to her or else she will ruin the inside for you,” said Vachon.

 Madison Taylor was the sixth man for Coe-Brown last year and had a strong outing in their first-round upset at Bow. She now steps into the starting lineup.

 “She will be a knockdown shooter for us,” said Vachon. “If you leave her open, she will hit it. It is nice to have that kind of presence. We will try to create those advantages to force teams to pick and choose between her and Emma on the perimeter.” 

 Tara Houle had a standout season at the JV level and impacts the game with her defense. “Her length will help us,” said Vachon. “She will start and hopefully give us some offense as well.”

 Mackenzie Silva will provide ball-handling ability and stability on the Bears' bench, giving this team much-needed depth. 

 The freshman class has shown a commitment to the game and could make an impact as soon as this season. 

 “There is not a lot of varsity experience for this group, but I really like how they are coming together,” said Vachon. “I think they will be a gritty group that gets after it.” 

 Following a successful 8-10 regular season, the buzz around Kingswood remains encouraging. 

 “We have much better numbers than we did last year,” said head coach Elizabeth McLaughlin. “That is what winning can do for a program.”

 Captains Caelynn Blattenberger and Norah Pelletier are looking to carry over the success they had last season.

 “Caelynn is our constant at point guard,” said McLaughlin. “When I think of Norah, I think of defensive grit. It is contagious with the whole team.”

 Seniors Makenzie Boisvert, Kylie King, Jordyn Martineau, and Lily Scott bring valuable experience to the Knights.

 “They will be important pieces on and off the court,” said McLaughlin.

 Scott and Sophia Nichols hold down the low block for Kingswood, and last year started to build camaraderie with one another.

 “You could see it click last year,” said McLaughlin. “They got in a real groove working off another another down low.” 

 Miley Boisvert, Rosie Petterson, and Ella Smith all have the opportunity to see real varsity minutes this winter.

 “They all can handle and shoot the ball well,” said McLaughlin. “I am excited to see them get a crack at it this year.”

 The Knights were able to compete with playoff-level teams last season, and the hope is that this group can take it a step further.

 “The girls are hungry after last year,” said McLaughlin. “They want to build off of it and keep the intensity and competitiveness going. The goal is to make the playoffs and compete with the stronger teams in our division.”

 Plymouth returns a majority of the core from last year’s 7-11 team. With three freshmen joining the mix as well, the Bobcats are hopeful they can be in playoff contention again this winter.

 Leading scorers Lily Palombo and Ella Duchette return as juniors. “They are a year older and year better,” said head coach Mike Gallagher. “We will rely on those two heavily.”

 Palombo can play four positions and brings great scoring touch from all around the floor. Duchette did a great job running the offense as a sophomore and seems to have taken another leap.

 Senior captain Eva Marshall has experience and good sense for the game. “We will rely on her for leadership,” said Gallagher.

 Freshman point guard Libby Oldenburg is coming along nicely and adds to the depth the Bobcats are building.

 “We will have a good balance,” said Gallagher. “The younger players will continue to get better as the season goes on.”

 “I think this year we are more experienced. How that translates to wins, we will see. I hope to be able to have a positive season. I believe we will.”

 Laconia ​​​​​​returns a mix of veteran leadership and rising underclassman talent. 

 Junior captains Ava Currier and Makayla Keegan lead the way. "They are a dynamic duo," said head coach Jeff Greeley. "They blend steady leadership, experience, and an unshakeable competitive drive."

 Scarlett Nadeau adds speed and playmaking to the backcourt, while the sophomore class, consisting of Aaliyah De Almeida and Dara Stoilova brings size and athleticism to the lineup. 

 "They give us strength in the post and rebounding power," said Greeley. "They have a growing offensive presence."

 A talented class of freshman join the mix, including a group of guards headlined by Kailin Allen, Natalie Allen, Charlotte DeNauw, and Guliahna Weeks.

 "They bring speed, ball-handling, and a defensive spark," said Greeley. 

 Amelya Brown will be a versatile contributor for the Sachems, and forward Mia Williams adds interior toughness and hustle to the rotation.

 Laconia has been a group in Final Four contention the past few seasons. With a new core in place, we will see a new chapter for the Sachems.

 "We are focused, hungry, and ready to grow with every practice," said Greeley. "This will be a fast-paced, hardworking, and united team. They embody Sachem pride both on and off the court." 

 Lebanon hopes to build off an 11-7 regular season. “We exceeded some expectations last year,” said head coach Jeff Sowa. “We all knew we would get after it if we worked hard.”

 The two big adjustments will be how this group plays without the seven seniors that led them a season ago, and how they can handle the loss of all-state guard Summer Crowell, who is out for the year with a knee injury.

 “Without their leadership, there is certainly a void,” said Sowa. “Losing Summer is tough. The silver lining for her will be seeing the game from a coach's perspective and learn from a different vantage point.” 

 A lot of new roles will be filled, and that starts with Lillian Estes stepping into the starting lineup. “She will play a key role for us, handling the ball and dictating the pace of our offense,” said Sowa. “She will play a large role defensively as well.”

 Veronica Getchell played just one game before being sidelined for the remainder of the season. With her back healthy, she gives Lebanon a reliable rotation option.

 “We are excited to have her back,” said Sowa. “She saw some time as a freshman, but we will see how missing a full season impacts her. She should help us.”

 Cathryn Bachelder was a reliable scoring option for the Raiders last year and should be a key player as a senior this winter.

 Fellow senior Anella Marsh missed all of last season with an injury, but was an impactful leader from the sideline.

 “I think this season there are a lot of opportunities for the younger players to play and get better,” said Sowa. “This season is all about growth and finding their roles. We have a lot of multi-sport athletes whom we can teach the game to. It will be exciting to see how they come together.”

 Hanover has hopes of turning things around from a 3-15 season a year ago. “This is a really energetic group,” said head coach Dan O’Rourke. “I think we can be better than we were a season ago. We are much more athletic.”

 The team will be made up of three freshmen, two sophomores, and five juniors. “They are eager to learn,” said O’Rourke. “They come to the gym and get after it every time out.”

 Malia Pratt, Harper Lewis, and Addie Tullar are the lone varsity returners. “Those three will be relied on to help shape our team,” said O’Rourke.

 It will be a score-by-committee approach for the Bears. “I think we will have a different leading scorer every night,” said O’Rourke. “We need everyone involved and bought in.”

 The rest of the roster brings quickness and athleticism, something O’Rourke wants to take advantage of on both ends.

 “We have been talking about relentless pressure,” said O’Rourke. “We took 10 kids with the expectation that all 10 would play. We want to be non-stop while we are on the floor. We have kept things fast-paced to get prepared for how we want to play.” 

 With a new team and renewed energy, Hanover is hopeful it can find the win column a bit more this winter.

 “I see a lot of potential in these kids,” said O’Rourke. “We will have our hiccups here and there, but the goal is to get back to the playoffs. I think this group could do something special.”

 Sanborn is rejuvenated and excited with the young talent they return under head coach Sam Boyer.

 “There is overall excitement throughout the program,” said Boyer. “The plan is to develop a faster-paced game with these girls.”

 Kaylee Fortin returns to Sanborn after being at Pinkerton. “She will be a real force on the floor,” said Boyer. “She can attack the basket and provides good defensive skills.

 Four freshmen join the team after winning a middle school championship last year. Alyssa Boutin and Lizzy Bristol headline that bunch. 

 “They have shown a lot already,” said Boyer. “They can attack well and have great shots. They can block the ball well for their size.”

 6’2” center Madelyn Rockwell returns stronger than ever. “She has shown real improvement,” said Boyer. “Everyone is proving to be a piece to the puzzle.”

 The hope is that Sanborn can surpass their 2-16 record from a season ago and be a team that sneaks up on everybody else.

 “I think we will be one of those underdog teams,” said Boyer. “We have the talent to do it this year.”

 Bishop Brady returns a young core under first-year head coach Dana Young. “A lot was driven through the seniors last year,” said Young. “They accounted for 75 percent of the offense. We are going to take a different approach this season.”

 With no seniors on the roster this year, growth will be the biggest task at hand for the Giants. “From a success standpoint, we are breaking our schedule into six three-game seasons,” said Young. “We are going to look at how we progress in those segments. I am not concerned about the score of the game early on. Are we winning certain aspects of the game that will allow us to win? That is the focus.”

 Junior Maia Dow started to produce down the stretch last season and is now an integral part of the team on both ends of the floor.

 “She made significant contributions towards the end of last season,” said Young. “For only being a sophomore, she was impressive. As a junior, I am looking to her to be a leader for this group.”

 Sophomores Caitlin Michaud, Kenzie Parker, and Ella Blanchette should see a lot more run this winter.

 “We will need them to step up,” said Young. “There is a real opportunity for growth for each of them.”

 Establishing an identity is what Young hopes his group can discover over the next few weeks. 

 “It has to be established on the defensive side,” said Young. “Focusing on defense and more specifically rebounding will be how we find our way.”

 The Giants want to keep things simple to start as they come together as one unit. “Defense, free throws, and turnovers. How can we control those aspects of the game?” said Young. “If we start to win those battles, we put ourselves in a position to be successful on the scoreboard.” 

 With a new philosophy and team-oriented style of play, Bishop Brady should be a different team at the end of the year than they are at the start. 

 “This year is about building the foundation and culture,” said Young. “That will lead to long-term sustainability and success as a program. There is a lot of energy and excitement around the program that we hope to build off of.”

 John Stark will be young and looking for consistent progress under new head coach Brian Smith. 

 “I think some of the girls who played last year had more skill to showcase,” said Smith. “I am hoping to encourage them and get more out of them this season.”

 One of the lone returning starters is junior Kylie Dinan. “I think we will lean on her a lot,” said Smith. “If she can continue to score the ball, she will help us a lot this year.”

 The rest of the roster will step into new roles and a new system, one Smith hopes will evolve as the year progresses.

 “I am excited about the potential of this team,” said Smith. “It will be great to have at least two years with this group. We want to build a healthy program that year in and year out is putting a competitive team on the court.”

 Kennett has another year of experience under its belt and adds five freshmen who are ready to learn and make an impact. 

 “This group is really committed,” said head coach Julia Quinn. The freshmen are ready to learn and be a part of this program.”

 Marlie Liebenow is the lone senior on the team and led the Eagles in scoring a season ago. 

 “She will lead the charge,” said Quinn. “I want her to take charge of games and lead by example for the others. She is feeling confident coming into this year.”

 Liebenow played a lot of point guard last season, but this year, they have the chance to get her off the ball and into her spots more with the emergence of freshman Emma Baker.

 “She is comfortable handling the ball,” said Quinn. “She is sound, athletic, and aggressive.”

 Sophomore Sarah Boewe will be a captain alongside Liebenow. “Sarah deserves that recognition,” said Quinn. “She gives us athelcisim on the inside. We need to find ways to get her the ball.”

 Captain Sydney Drew will be a focal point for the Eagles from both an on-court and leadership perspective.

 Sophia Fox and Berkley Armstrong will add to the mix of the fast-paced style Kennett hopes to play.

 “We want to play heavy man-to-man and pressure full-court,” said Quinn. “The group coming in should be able to keep up with that.”

 It was a season of growth last year, and with a lot of newcomers on board, the hope is they can get up to speed quickly.

 “I am hoping to make some noise this year,” said Quinn. “This team has the potential to be better than they were last year.”

 Kevin Proctor returns to the sidelines to try and get ConVal back on track. “There is a lot of work to do, but the kids are working hard,” said Proctor. “They are committed to try and get back in the win column.”

 Seniors Brielle Proctor and Savannah McCarthy will look to lead the team in their final year at the varsity level.

 “They will keep us steady,” said coach Proctor. “They have the right mindset. It has been encouraging to see them embrace the experience.”

 Proctor is seen as a Swiss Army Knife for the Cougars. “She brings the little intangibles to our team,” said Proctor. “She has a good mid-range shot and is someone that you don’t have to tell to box out or tell her what spot to be on defense. She knows where to be at all times.”

 McCarthy brings versatility to the lineup. “She has good length,” said Proctor. “She may see some time at the one but also has the capabilities to stretch out to the four or five as well.”

 Chloe Hamlin returns to the team after a year away and could also see some time handling the ball as well.

 Colby Harris is another player who is experienced, and the same goes for captain Olivia Healey. 

 “Liv has come a long way,” said Proctor. “She can play multiple positions and showed she could score the ball last year.”

 The Cougars are hoping to turn the last two seasons into something positive this year. “The goal is to see steady improvement,” said Proctor. “I want to teach them how good they can be, how to compete, how to deal with adversity in the right way. I am really excited to get going.”

 

Pre-Season First Team All-State

Kate Stephens of Pembroke

Peyton Vaughn of Bow

Anna Fazelat of Derryfield

Shea Hansen of Milford

Grace Riley of Pelham

Emma Lapierre of Coe-Brown

 

Pre-Season Second Team All-State

Holly Dufoe of Derryfield

Izzy Navoy of Merrimack Valley

Lexi Bausha of Milford

Sophia Guinazzo of Pelham

Zofia Rosenfield of Souhegan

Anne Phillips of Pembroke

 

With apologies to: Hailey Steinmetz of Pembroke, Ana O'Donnell and Sam Disco of Hollis-Brookline Lily Plombo and Ella Duchette of Plymouth, Caelynn Blattenberger of Kingswood, Jada Lucas of Merrimack Valley, Wren Horne & Ashling Ferris of Oyster River, Jessica Phillips of Pelham, and Ava Currier of Laconia

 

 

Coming tommorow: Division I Girls & Boys Preview