Central Mass Girls High School Basketball Preview
Monday, December 10, 2012
With several Central Mass squads dreaming of a state championship, let's take a look at what to expect in each division, along with the players you can't afford to miss.
Division 1
Holy Name was about as dominant as you can be during the regular season last year. The Naps went 20-0 on the way to a No. 1 seed and bye in the Central Mass tournament. But, upstart Wachusett rode a wave of defensive momentum to the regional championship, knocking off heavyweights Algonquin, Shrewsbury and Holy Name along the way.
Who will come out on top this season, as the Naps, Mountaineers and Colonials all return a good amount of talent.
Division 2
Tyngsborough is coming off an excellent defensive season that saw the Tigers hold opponents under 40 points in all but three games, including the playoffs. Nashoba, meanwhile, lit up the scoreboard with an explosive offense, but couldn't muster the points necessary to knock off the Tigers.
Add in a high-scoring Narragansett squad, and you have a wide-open field in division 2.
Division 3
Sutton returns as regional champs, but they will have to deal with the loss of leading scoring Keri Doldoorian. Hopedale couldn't quite edge Sutton in last year's Central Mass championship game, but the Blue Raiders put everyone on notice with an opening night 73-26 blowout of South, led by senior Anna Siefring's 27 points and astonishing 8 steals.
Players to Watch
1. Ama Biney: Junior, Holy Name
The Naps lose dominant center Bianca Langford, meaning Biney will have to carry an even heavier scoring load. The versatile forward can score in a plethora of ways, and has height and athleticism to defend nearly every position on the court.
2. Amanda Murphy: Junior, Algonquin
The Tomahawks came within two possessions of defeating eventual Central Mass champion Wachusett in last year's tournament, and if they want to contend again, they will need big things from Murphy. The talented Murphy was a threat to score in double-digits every game last year, and the Algonquin offense will begin and end with her this season.
3. Kara Bresciani: Senior, Hopedale
Bresciani may be division 3's premier rebounder, and she's not too shabby scoring the ball either. With Bresciani teaming with Siefring on the perimeter, Hopedale may have the best inside-outside combo in Central Mass.
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