Pictured: front row l-r: Emma Randolph, Kelsey Sullivan, Mary-Kate Mahoney. Back row l-r: Coach Ron Sen, Maggie Sullivan, Erin Torpey, Olivia Scarpa, Chloe Halligan, Grace Davis, Coach Ralph LaBella. Missing From Photo: Jennifer Connolly, Nicole Abbott, Olivia Boomhower. (courtesy photo
MELROSE — Eastern Basketball crowned a new seventh grade girls division champion as the Melrose Lady Raiders defeated Lynnfield 42-33 in the championship game played at Beverly High School. The division is comprised of girls from the north shore who will be entering the seventh grade this fall.
The Lady Raiders took charge immediately scoring a quick basket on the opening tip-off and kept the lead until the final buzzer. Maggie Sullivan, Chloe Halligan and Mary-Kate Mahoney led the scoring attack for the Lady Raiders combining for 32 of the team’s 42 points. Melrose displayed strong defense throughout the game with Grace Davis and Kelsey Sullivan handling Lynnfield’s top offense threat while Emma Randolph and Olivia Scarpa prevented the Lynnfield offense from getting in gear by adding solid rebounding and multiple steals to the Melrose win. Erin Torpey helped keep the Melrose offense going throughout the game with several key assists and an important basket in the second half.
Melrose reached the finals receiving a bye in the first round of the playoffs after claiming first place in division play before defeating Premier Hoops 7 in a semi-final game 35-32. Lynnfield reached the final round capturing a victory against the Irish 43-8 in the quarter finals and scoring a 34-19 win over Wakefield in their semi-final game. Melrose achieved a 6-2 record throughout the regular season recording six straight victories to end the regular season and playoffs. Jennifer Connolly, Nicole Abbott and Olivia Boomhower weren’t available during the playoff run but were instrumental in the team’s first place finish adding much needed scoring, defense and rebounding throughout the season. The team is coached by Ralph LaBella and Ron Sen.
Melrose also entered a sixth grade team in the Eastern Summer League. The sixth graders were coached by Jeff Maté and Ron Sen and finished in third place in division play before bowing to Masco in the semi-final game.
