Gloucester Daily Times
---- — Gloucester
Last Year’s Record: 14-7 (lost to Wilmington in Division 2 North quarterfinals)
Head Coach: Lori Sanborn (2nd season)
Captains: Katie Ciaramitaro, Sr., G; Sophie Black, Sr., F.
Key Returners: Sammy Oliver, Sr., G; Marlee Melvin, Sr, C; Julia Lamoreaux, Jr., G.
Key Newcomer: Kali Cook, Sr., G.
Strength: Team speed.
Concerns: Height. And, unfortunately for the Fishermen, you can’t teach size.
Coach’s Outlook: “We have an almost brand new team this year, and the dynamic of the team is very different. We’re young. But they’re a good group of girls in terms of their attitude and their work ethic, and if they keep that up then we’ll be able to do some things.”
Season Opener: Dec. 14 vs. Saugus (7:00).
Manchester Essex
Last Year’s Record: 5-16 (Lost to Pope John in Division 4 North first round)
Head Coach: Lauren Dubois (8th season)
Captains: Evy Weihs, Sr., F; Carolyn Heslop, Sr., F.
Key Returners: Ella Silag-Sterns, Sr., G; Ally Conway, Sr., F; Fraley Morton, Soph., F; Maya Heath, Soph., G; Eliza Logue, Soph., F.
Strength: Team speed.
Concerns: Size and rebounding.
Coach’s Outlook: “I’m feeling good. I think we have a high level of talent across the board, and I think we’ll be competitive. I think our speed is going to be the key for us.”
Season Opener: Dec. 12 at Hamilton-Wenham (6:30)
Rockport
Last Year’s Record: 5-13
Head Coach: Steve O’Connor (11th season)
Captain: Heather MacArthur, Jr., G.
Key Returners: Kayla Parisi, Soph., F; Sarah Rowand, Jr., F; Molly Watson, G, Jr.; Alex Paradis, G, Jr.
Key Newcomers: Rachel Haselgard, 8th grade, G; Shelby Gale, Soph., F.
Strengths: Work ethic and energy.
Concerns: Size and experience. The Vikings are small, and with no seniors on their roster, won’t have much experience to fall back on.
Coach’s Outlook: “I think we’re going to be able to hopefully compete in all the games, and have an opportunity to win most of them.”
Season Opener: Dec. 11 vs. Greater Lowell (5:30)
