Thetford and Windsor fans are likely to remember last season’s VPA Division III state championship game for decades to come. Following a split during the regular season, the No. 2 Panthers faced off against the top-ranked Yellowjackets before a full house at Barre Auditorium. Thetford trailed by 15 points in the fourth quarter before rallying for a 53-52 victory. Happy and sad fans alike received their full money’s worth. Both I-91 corridor teams are formidable once again as they set their respective sites on a return trip to the Aud.
Last season also brought championship joy to Lebanon, winners by nine points over Hollis Brookline in the D-II title game, and Sunapee, 27-point victors over Colebrook in the D-IV finale. The Lakers are coming off three straight undefeated seasons and subsequent state titles. Both teams, though somewhat depleted by roster turnover, hold high hopes for the coming postseason.
Hanover will look to build on its 16 wins. With no newcomers, the Marauders have a chance to pick up where they left off last year.
Rivendell and Woodsville were the only other local teams to finish above .500 during the 2016-17 campaign.
Three new coaches are joining the Upper Valley fold: Stephanie Larpenter in Sunapee, Walter Hammond in Mascoma and Jason Johnson in Woodstock. The longest tenured head coach in Upper Valley girls basketball is Lebanon’s Tim Kehoe, who is in his 27th year with the Raiders.
A look at the teams:
Hanover
Coach: Dan O’Rourke (17).
Last Year: 17-6 (16-4 league), lost to Pelham in quarterfinals.
League: NHIAA Division II.
Returnees: Senior — Emma Burwell (G). Juniors — Diana Schwarz (G), Lois Schwarz (G), Julia Golder (C). Sophomores — Ella Edmonds (F), Jessica Seibel (F), Willa Parkins (C), Bella Bardales (F), Maddie McCorkle (G), Frances Taylor (C).
Newcomers: None.
Analysis: “This year’s team is a competitive group that has an excellent work ethic and competes every day in practice,” O’Rourke said. “Their strongest attribute is our team chemistry, which is fantastic. The girls genuinely support and encourage each other, which is a key ingredient for success. They’ve set high expectations for themselves and are highly motivated to build on last year’s success. We’re quick, athletic and have size up front. Our primary goal is to continue to improve throughout the season, ultimately to be ready and poised for the playoffs.”
Hartford
Coach: Troy Guerin (2).
Last Year: 8-13, lost to U-32 in first round.
Leagues: VPA Division II, Marble Valley League.
Returnees: Seniors — Megan Bushway (G/F), Madison Druge (G/F), Michaela Ricker (G/F), Morgan White (G/F), Corey Lieberman (F/C). Sophomore — Kennedy Mullen (G/F).
Newcomers: Juniors — Bella Lukowitz (G/F), Ashley Smallwood (G/F), Carrie Comstock (G/F), Bianca Severance (C). Sophomore — Carolyn North (G/F). Freshman — Jasmine Jenkins (G/F).
Analysis: With the exception of Bushway and Lieberman, the Hurricanes are lacking significant varsity game experience, but as a group they work hard and have a desire to learn, according to Guerin. “We need to continue to improve our basketball skills along with our mental and physical toughness,” he said. “We have a goal to play hard every night and keep a positive attitude.”
Lebanon
Coach: Tim Kehoe (27).
Last Year: 24-1, defeated Hollis Brookline in state championship game.
League: NHIAA Division II.
Returnees: Senior — Leah Mayes (G). Juniors — Anna Wolke (G), Sierra MacDonald (F), Izzy Peress (F). Sophomores — Megan Gradijan (G), Maddie Finnell (G), Izzy Fabry (G), Caroline Borger (F), Carrie Laramie (F), Rebecca Wright (F).
Newcomer: Freshman — Sally Rainey (F).
Analysis: “This year we are very young, but we will be returning a couple key players that played big-time minutes in the previous year,” Kehoe said. “We graduated five students and lost six of our top eight kids from last year. There will be a lot of opportunities for our young kids to have an impact. As the year progresses, we should continue to grow and get better and be an impact playoff team.”
Mascoma
Coach: Walter Hammond (1).
Last Year: 6-12, missed playoffs.
League: NHIAA Division III.
Returnees: Seniors — Kayla Hammond (F), Alyssa Hammond (G), Sydney Thompson (F). Juniors — Abby Duhaime (F), Lizz Pelton (F). Sophomore — Micheala Dowd (G).
Newcomers: Juniors — Bella Kondi (C), Katie Pushee (G), Madison Peavey (G), Jordan Henry (F), Morgan Prentiss (G). Sophomore — Nicole Williams (G).
Analysis: The Royals may need some time to gel, considering their new coach and a significant turnover from last year. Once Mascoma finds its groove, however, the outlook is positive. “They are dedicated and hard-working and determined to improve on every aspect of their game,” coach Hammond said. “Our goal is to keep building on last season’s win total and see where that lands us in the standings. With the dedication this group has shown already, I feel there are good things in their basketball future.”
Mid Vermont Christian
Coach: Chris Goodwin (2).
Last Year: 8-11, lost to Sharon in first round.
League: VPA Division IV.
Returnees: Senior — Rachel Seale (F/C). Sophomore — Hanna Blankenship (F). Freshmen — Sydney Goodwin (G/F), Nyah Jenks (G).
Newcomers: Eighth-graders — Rachael Horner Richardson (G), Hayley Goodwin (G), Emma Patel (G/F), Charlotte Crouse (F).
Analysis: The Eagles lost three starters from last year’s team and will be filling the spots with younger players. “The good news is that our two leading scorers last season (Seale, 16.4 ppg and Goodwin, 8.4 ppg) are the two returning starters,” coach Goodwin said. “Even though we are young, I think we will be a bit better at the offensive end this year. If we can stay out of foul trouble, play good team defense, and if the younger players adjust quickly to the faster pace of the varsity game, we should be just fine.”
Mount Royal
Coach: Derek Tremblay (2).
Last Year: 8-11, lost to Sunapee in first round.
League: NHIAA Division IV.
Returnees: Juniors — Alexis Matte (G), Jacinta Hogan, (G), Erin Diebold (F), Hannah Fraioli (F). Sophomores — Amy Alterisio (G), Sophie LaRose (F).
Newcomers: Freshmen — Rosie Treece (G), Grace McMenaman (G), Bridget Wallace (F), Anna Yost (F), Sara Yost (F).
Analysis: Mount Royal qualified for the playoffs in last winter’s inaugural varsity season. “The core of our team returns, and we inherit five new ninth-graders into the program,” Tremblay said. “Our girls have been together for a while now, and we are all learning more about our systems as well as the right way to play basketball. I am hoping we can play off each other’s strengths and improve one day at a time.”
Newport
Coach: Ross Dole (2).
Last Year: 9-13 (7-12 league), lost to Monadnock in first round.
League: NHIAA Division III.
Returnees: Seniors — Alexis Hurd (C), Kennedy Pysz (G), Anna Pysz (F). Juniors — Selena Coronis (G), Megan Howard (F), Libby Tremblay (C), Emily Wellman (F). Sophomores — Alyssa Burr (G), Alexis Quimby (G), Lacey McNeel (G).
Newcomers: Freshmen — Greysan Beaulieu (F), Maddie Miller (G), Morgan Roberts (G).
Analysis: “The girls are focused and working hard with the desire to put ‘team’ first and improve everyday,” Dole said. “I’m looking forward to a strong, competitive season with a great group of student-athletes.”
Oxbow
Coach: Barry Emerson (5).
Last Year: 8-13, lost to Thetford in quarterfinals.
Leagues: VPA Division III, Capital League.
Returnees: Seniors — Bailee Wheeler (G), Shirley Hayward (G), Jillian Smith (F). Juniors — Mason Tomlinson (G), Mariah Shumway (G), Kaysea Neil (F), Madie Fornwalt (F).
Newcomers: Senior — Jasmine Roden (F). Junior — Rilee Wadsworth (G). Sophomores — Tiffany Longmoore (F), Lauren Wright (F).
Analysis: “We will be a hard-working basketball team that will earn everything we get,” Emerson said. “The girls will play hard until the final horn, and they won’t give up. We are all looking forward to a season filled with learning and growing.”
Rivendell
Coach: Hank Tenney (5).
Last Year: 14-7, lost to Oxbow in first round.
Leagues: VPA Division III, Central Vermont League.
Returnees: Seniors — Mikayla DeBois (G), Riley Thomson (G/F). Juniors — Leah Rutherford (G), Jenna Gilbert (F), Casey Ghio (F). Sophomores — Sienna Carter (G), Mikayla Stever (G).
Newcomers: Senior — Sierra Longto (F). Junior — Shaunna Simmons (F). Freshmen — Adele Tilden (G), Cora Day (G).
Analysis: “The team brings back a lot of experience from last year,” Tenney said. “The (key to) success will be our ability to play as a unit and stay healthy. Defense will be the key, seeing we do not have a lot of height. Our early schedule will set the tone, with two games each with Oxbow, Thetford, Woodsville and Williamstown.”
Sharon
The D-IV Phoenix will field only a junior varsity team this season due to a low number of players, according to athletic director Blake Fabrikant. “We have only seven girls, three of whom are freshmen,” Fabrikant said. “We tried to make it work, but there was really no way to pull it off. … We hope to be back next year.”
South Royalton
Coach: David Davis (2).
Last Year: 7-13, lost to Chelsea in first round.
Leagues: VPA Division IV, Central Vermont League.
Returnees: Seniors — Grace Pease (C), Iris Hudson (F), Mia Ryon (G). Junior — Kylie Hebard (G).
Newcomers: Sophomores — Macie Carbino (C), Emily Hemond (F). Freshmen — Lilly Hudson (G), Hannah White (G).
Analysis: This will be the Royals’ final season before they merge with Whitcomb next year. “We should be a well-balanced team,” Davis said. “We have a very enthusiastic team with a lot of energy and are highly motivated with great work ethic.”
Stevens
Coach: Ivy Condon (4).
Last Year: 6-13, lost to Newfound in first round.
League: NHIAA Division III.
Returnees: Seniors — Emily Mudge (G), Alexis Ford (F), Tess Whitney (C), Majestic Raymond (G), Kelsey Belisle (G). Juniors — Jenna Pond (G), Carrie Farro (F). Sophomores — Sydney Miller (G), Alexis Aiken (F).
Newcomers: Senior — Kelsey Belisle (G). Junior — Brooke Bonneau (G).
Analysis: “Our expectations are high this year,” Condon said. “We have a good mix of youth and experience that we are looking to keep meshing. We have kids that work hard, but are still learning the little things that make a winning program.”
Sunapee
Coach: Stephanie Larpenter (1).
Last Year: 24-0 (22-0 league), defeated Colebrook in state final.
League: NHIAA Division IV.
Returnees: Senior — Kayleigh Durkee (G/F). Juniors — Elizabeth Bennett (F), Abby Rowell (F).
Newcomers: Freshmen — Abby Pollari (G), Cari Peirce (G), Miah Hamm (C), Kelsey Couitt (F), Fiona Nolan (G), Anah Durkee (G).
Analysis: Coming off three consecutive undefeated seasons, the Lakers are in pursuit of a fourth straight state title. Larpenter’s predecessor, Tim LaTorra, is now coaching at Concord High, leaving the 2013 Sunapee graduate with big shoes to fill. “It’s going to be a great season for this team, with a lot of young players,” Larpenter said. “They are a very hard-working and scrappy team with lots of potential and talent.”
Thetford
Coach: Eric Ward (10).
Last Year: 19-5, defeated Windsor in state championship game.
Leagues: VPA Division III, Capital League.
Returnees: Seniors — Brooke Horniak (G), Jordan Mousley (G), Danielle Robinson (F), Kate Vaughan (F). Junior — Lily Brown (G). Sophomores — Grace Davis (F/G), Ellen Veracka (G).
Newcomers: Juniors — Abby Berard (G), Skyra Coulter (F). Sophomores — Jenna Davidson (G), Lily MacVeagh (F/G). Freshmen — Emi Vaughan (G).
Analysis: The Panthers look forward to reconvening area non-league rivalries with Hartford, Rivendell and Windsor. Ward said he hopes Thetford’s challenging schedule will help the team attain its goals, which include winning the Capital League, claiming a top-four seed in the D-III tournament and returning to Barre Auditorium for the seventh consecutive season. “We have a group of girls who are putting in the time and effort to reach these goals,” Ward said.
Whitcomb-Rochester
Coach: Dennis Wood (8).
Last Year: 7-14, lost to Arlington in first round.
Leagues: VPA Division IV, Central Vermont League.
Returnees: Seniors — Hayley Mears (F), Sammy Barcomb (G). Junior — Amelia Mattrick (G). Sophomores — Grace LaFromboise (F), Sylvie Coltey (G). Freshman — Toni Turner (F).
Newcomer: Freshman — Fiona Vaillancourt (F).
Analysis: “We will only suit up seven players; therefore, keeping everyone healthy will be essential to our success,” Wood said. “We should have balanced scoring this year with a better offensive team, but our defense needs to improve. I expect us to improve on last year’s record and be competitive in Vermont Division IV.”
Windsor
Coach: Bruce Mackay (12).
Last Year: 20-4, lost to Thetford in state championship game.
Leagues: VPA Division III, Marble Valley League.
Returnees: Juniors — Brooke Mc-Keen (F), Victoria Sauer (F). Sophomores — Olivia Rockwood (G), Angelina Bigwood (G), Hayley Fortin (F), Alexianna Merrill (G).
Newcomers: Senior — Alexa Goad (C). Junior — Carah Rugg (G). Freshmen — Adriahna Prior (G), Alyssa Slocum (G), Evelyn Page (G), Ashley Grela (F).
Analysis: The Yellowjackets are led by the dynamic Rockwood, who averaged 18.4 ppg last season as a freshman. “Building confidence and believing in each other’s ability will be a big factor for this team’s success this year,” Mackay said. “I think that we will be a enjoyable team to watch because we will come ready to play every night.”
Woodstock
Coach: Jason Johnson (1).
Last Year: 8-13, lost to Lyndon in first round.
Leagues: VPA Division II, Marble Valley League.
Returnees: Seniors — Emma Walker (F), Cammie Rediker (G), Brooke Heston (G). Sophomores — Anna Walker (F), Hayley Mullins (G), Natalie Stevens (G).
Newcomers: Freshmen — Savannah Sheehan (G), Riley Earl (G), Tobin Calder (F), Hayley Chase (F).
Analysis: “Due to the high turnover in coaches over the last few years, this year will be about development and introducing a new program,” Johnson said. “We are a young team, with four freshmen and three sophomores on the roster, so we will also be focusing heavily on fundamentals and preparing for varsity-level intensity. There is a high level of commitment from all of the players, solid athleticism and great team spirit that should translate into continuous improvement throughout the season.”
Woodsville
Coach: Russell Wilcox (4).
Last Year: 13-9 (12-8 league), lost in second round to Sunapee.
League: NHIAA Division IV.
Returnees: Seniors — Molly Clough (G), Alyssa Prest (G), Lily Kinder (F), Morgan McHugh (F). Junior — Eliza Cowell (G). Sophomore — McKenzie Dennis (F).
Newcomers: Seniors — Emmalee Smith (G), Kyleigh Lamarre (F). Sophomore — Astra Sleeper (G). Freshmen — Morgan Wagstaff (G), Emily Prest (G), Olivia Sarkis (F).
Analysis: “With six new players, it will take us some time to come together,” Wilcox said. “With six solid returnees, hopefully it won’t take too long. … Kinder and Clough will provide leadership to help nurture the talented freshmen, and getting seniors Lamarre and Prest back from injuries should help mature the team.”