Upper Valley girls basketball will be as much a season of resumption than one of fresh beginnings this winter.
The COVID-19 pandemic prevented the realization of as many as three state championships last March. Mid Vermont Christian reached the VPA D-IV title game for the first time, Lebanon was bound for the NHIAA D-II finale and three other Vermont schools — Windsor, Oxbow and Thetford — were awaiting the VPA D-III semifinals when the virus forced the cancellation of both states’ tournaments.
All should remain solid in the coming campaign, as should Hanover, which would have been in Lebanon’s shoes if not for a fourth-quarter Raider comeback in their semifinal tilt.
Coach: Dan O’Rourke (20 years).
Last year: 21-3, lost in semifinals to Lebanon.
League: NHIAA Division II.
Returnees: Senior — Charlotte Johnson (G). Juniors — Melissa Whitmore (G/F), Caroline Adams (G), Jane Lackley (C). Sophomore — Stella Galanes (G).
Newcomers: Juniors — Eliza Daigle (F), Skouly Kachikis (G). Sophomores — Nina Sablan (F), Amina Ajwang (F). Freshman — Sydney McLaughlin (G).
Analysis: The Marauders lost five seniors to graduation, so plenty of new faces will fill up minutes for coach Dan O’Rourke. Captains Charlotte Johnson and Melissa Whitmore figure to lead Hanover on and off the court in this unusual season.
“We feel fortunate to be playing basketball this season and will make the most of every opportunity to practice or play games,” O’Rourke said.
Coach: Heidi Bushway (3).
Last year: 11-10, lost in first round.
Leagues: VPA Division II, Southern Vermont League.
Returnees: Seniors — Davan Murphy (F), Jasmine Jenkins (G), Bailey Cameron (G). Juniors — Madison Withington (G), Beth Dobrich (F), Elsie Davis (G).
Newcomers: Juniors — Jenna Jasmin (G), Grace Gardner (G), Sarah Howe (G), Sophie Howe (G), Emily Wright (F).
Analysis: Leading scorer Jasmine Jenkins (12.8 ppg) fronts the returning players who give Hartford a lot of optimism for this abbreviated season. The Hurricanes are also bolstered by the addition of former White River Valley standouts Sophie and Sarah Howe.
Coach: Emily Kehoe (1).
Last year: 20-4, declared state co-champions with Spaulding.
League: NHIAA Division II.
Returnees: Senior — Sally Rainey (F). Juniors — Ella Longacre (F), Catherine Cole (G), Molly Smith (G), Clara Smyrski (G). Sophomores — Mikayla Thornton (G), Mary Rainey (G).
Newcomers: Sophomores — Keira Houdegbe (G), Madelyn Newton (G/F). Freshman — Madison Jewell (F).
Analysis: Emily Kehoe takes the reins at Lebanon from longtime coach — and her father — Tim Kehoe. While the Raiders lost star Rebecca Wright to graduation, senior Sally Rainey (9.2 ppg) and junior Catherine Cole (8.1) return to a team with its usual expectation of success on the hardwood.
Coach: Walt Hammond (4).
Last year: 8-10, lost in first round.
League: NHIAA Division III.
Returnees: Seniors — Emily Moulton (G), Abbee Hammond (C), Paige Jette (C/F). Juniors — Morgan Towne (G/F), Liberti LaCasse (G/F), Brianna Withington (G), Chloe Crate (G/F). Sophomore — Madisun LaCasse (G).
Newcomers: Freshmen — Gabby Pierce (C/F), Emily Seiler (G), Leah Laroque (C), Kylie Rogers (G), Hailey Miller (G/F).
Analysis: Coach Walt Hammond is as excited for this group of varsity newcomers as any group in several years. Senior captain Emily Moulton leads the cast of returning players for the Royals, who made the NHIAA D-III tournament for the second consecutive season last winter. The younger players generally have good basketball IQs and should be ready to integrate into the varsity team immediately.
Coach: Chris Goodwin (5).
Last year: 17-6, were to play in VPA D-IV state championship game when it was cancelled due to COVID.
League: VPA Division IV.
Returnees: Seniors — Sydney Goodwin (F), Lydia Eastman (G, attends Sharon), Molly Kinnarney (F, attends Sharon). Juniors — Hayley Goodwin (G), Rachel Horner-Richardson (G), Emma Patel (F). Sophomores — Sarah Bascom (F), Deborah Airoldi (G), Skye Whitcomb (G).
Newcomers: Freshman — Abigail Crane (F).
Analysis: MVCS was to play for the D-IV state championship game last season before the game was canceled due to COVID-19. This year’s team returns last year’s core while welcoming both Lydia Eastman and Molly Kinnarney from Sharon Academy, as the Phoenix again don’t have enough players for their own team. The Goodwin sisters, Sydney and Hayley, will team with Rachel Horner-Richardson for three of the five spots in the starting lineup entering their fourth year in a row playing together at the varsity level.
“If we rebound, play defense and take care of the ball like we did during the state tournament last year, we’ll be a solid, well-balanced team,” coach Chris Goodwin said.
Coach: Ross Dole (5).
Last year: 3-17, no postseason.
League: NHIAA Division III.
Returnees: Seniors — Maddie Miller (G), Morgan Roberts (F), Dalyce Muenier (F). Junior — Riely Skarin (F).
Newcomers: Juniors — Alicia Urista (G), Zeta Morris (F), Annalee Hall (C). Sophomores — Kirsten Williams (C), Maddy Norris (F). Freshmen — Emmah O’Conner (G), Tanya Sanchez (G).
Analysis: The Tigers look forward to playing a COVID-rearranged schedule with multiple opponents from higher divisions. This is a young team that will rely on plenty of varsity newcomers to play key roles.
“The goal is to improve every day and see if we can make some noise. My hope is that we can get a bunch of games in for these student-athletes,” coach Ross Dole said.
Coach: Barry Emerson (8).
Last year: 17-5, named co-champions with Windsor, Thetford and Lake Region after the postseason was canceled prior to the semifinals.
Leagues: VPA Division III, Capitol League.
Returnees: Seniors — Arianna Bolles (F), Emma DeGoosh (F), Rachel Spear (G), Ellyn Hart (G). Juniors — Emma Parkin (G), Alex Kosakowski (G). Sophomore — Abigail Carson (F).
Newcomers: Juniors — Nora Fahey (F), Taylor Bean (G), Darcy O’Connell (F).
Analysis: The Olympians return the bulk of a talented team that was denied a trip to Barre Auditorium by the pandemic. Leading scorers Emma Parkin and Emma DeGoosh front the returning core.
“The girls, especially the seniors, are thrilled that we are back on the court. Everyone has been working extremely hard to get back in shape and be ready to play games,” coach Barry Emerson said.
Coach: Tim Goodwin (1).
Last year: 6-14, lost in first round.
Leagues: VPA Division IV, Southern Vermont League.
Returnees: Seniors — Cora Day (F), Adele Tilden (F). Juniors — Alex McFate (G), Kylie Taylor (G), Savannah Gray (F). Sophomore — Ryleigh Butler (G).
Newcomers: Freshmen — Colleen Underhill (G), Olivia Harris (F), Elisia Sonsalla (G), Zofia Kosakowski (G).
Analysis: Longtime girls soccer coach Tim Goodwin takes over on the hardwood for the Raptors, who return a solid core from last season.
“These young ladies are an athletic group and eager to learn. This year, in particular, each day together is a gift. We will embrace it with respect, pride and as a united team,” Goodwin said.
Coach: Ivy Condon (7).
Last year: 10-12, lost in first round of NHIAA Division II tournament to eventual semifinalist Hanover.
League: NHIAA Division III.
Returnees: Senior — Abi Faro (F/C). Juniors — Zahna Rice (F/G), Molly Derosier (F/G), Jenna Bonneau (F/G). Sophomore — Alyssa Paquette (F/C), Tara Sullivan (F/G).
Newcomers: Juniors — Amaya Eitapence (F/G), Jillian Williams (G). Sophomore — Stella Lavertue (G). Freshman — Kiley Bundy (G).
Analysis: Like many teams in the area, the Cardinals’ schedule is full of unfamiliar local opponents in various divisions. Stevens should have a balanced roster with a good mix of returning experience and promising underclassmen. A petitioned return to D-III should also help long term.
“We will be taking this season one day at a time due to COVID. Our expectation is to work hard every day at practice and in games, keeping our momentum and energy up always,” coach Ivy Condon said.
Coach: Eric Ward (13 years).
Last year: 19-3, named co-champions with Windsor, Oxbow and Lake Region when COVID cancelled final four.
Leagues: VPA Division III, Capital League.
Returnees: Seniors — Emma Berard (G), Emma Colby (G), Adrienna Franco (F), Namya Benjamin (F), Kelsey Smith (F), Emi Vaughan (G), Becca Wells (F). Junior — Macey Smith (F).
Newcomers: None, for now.
Analysis: A big group of seniors with plenty of varsity wins under their belts will be looking for another run at a state title, assuming the season comes to fruition. With no AAU or summer basketball leading to what, at best, will be an abbreviated season, TA’s experience may prove decisive.
“I want this group to have a chance to finish their careers on the court,” coach Eric Ward said.
Coach: Tim Perreault (3).
Last year: 13-8, lost in first round.
Leagues: VPA Division III, Southern Vermont League.
Returnees: Seniors — Toni Turner (F), Fiona Vaillancourt (F), Chelsie Trask (F). Junior — Isabelle Durkee (G). Sophomore — Ella Perreault (G).
Newcomers: Sophomores — Jillian Barry (G), Grace Collins (F). Freshmen — Tanner Drury (G), Amara Calhum-Flowers (G).
Analysis: The Wildcats lost the Howe sisters, Sophie and Sarah, who transferred to Hartford. Two others from last season’s team didn’t return due to COVID concerns.
“We will be a young team, but that will give some younger players a chance to step up and get varsity experience,” coach Tim Perreault said.
Coach: Kabray Rockwood (1).
Last year: 19-3, declared co-state champions when the season was cancelled prior to a semifinal matchup with Thetford.
Leagues: VPA Division III, Southern Vermont League.
Returnees: Seniors — Ashley Grela (F/C), Evelyn Page (G), Adi Prior (G/F). Juniors — Elliot Rupp (G), Peyton Richardson (G), Reese Perry (F/C), Karen Kapuscinski (F/C), Holly Putnam (G).
Newcomers: Sophomores — Olivia Kelly (G), Estella Attwood (F), Skylar Thibodeau (F). Freshmen — Sydney Perry (C), Amber Simonds (F).
Analysis: The Yellowjackets return eight players, including five juniors, with multiple state championships across multiple sports.
Expect another strong showing with a chance to compete for a state championship again. With longtime coach Bruce Mackay stepping down due to COVID-19 concerns, assistant Kabray Rockwood is taking over for Windsor.
“This is a very unselfish group, which allows many players to lead us through the course of the season. If we can play an up-tempo style to put pressure on the opponent and keep them guessing, we will score a lot of points and it will be a successful season,” Rockwood said.
Coach: Steve Landon (2).
Last year: 1-18, missed playoffs.
Leagues: VPA Division II, Southern Vermont League.
Returnees: Seniors — Tobin Calder (F), Hayley Chase (F), Riley Earle (G), Savannah Sheehan (G). Juniors — Morgan Myers (F), Lara Tarleton (F), Megan Tarleton (F), Emma Tarleton (G). Sophomore — Dillon Moss (F).
Newcomers: Freshmen — Hannah Watson (G), Georgia Tarleton (G), Mikayla Myers (G).
Analysis: While wins were hard to come by last season, the Wasps do return the bulk of the roster this time around.
“We have a great group of young women returning this year, with very supportive families. The younger players should fit in nicely with some of the needs from last year. I think if we continue to get better fundamentally, we’ll be able to make great strides,” coach Steve Landon said.