THE MELROSE Red Raider hoop team’s home opener is Tuesday at 7:00 p.m. against Watertown. Pictured is senior captain Zach Federico. (file photo)
Red Raiders open at home on Tuesday
By JENNIFER GENTILE
MELROSE—The Melrose High Red Raider basketball team returns to its 2021-22 winter season eager to pick up where they left off last March, when their season ended abruptly on a canceled ML playoff game—a disappointing end during an unpredictable 4-4 season.
But that was then and this is now, and Melrose returns with a good amount of talent who will face a full schedule this year, plus playoffs. Third-year coach Dan Burns is optimistic as Melrose enters the winter 2021-22 season. Last year, Melrose demonstrated great agility, size and speed during their abbreviated season. This year there is more reason to expect the same as they embark on a 19-game schedule. And one advantage that can be identified early for Melrose is size. Coach Burns considers it one of their big advantages.
“We have the most size in the league,” he contends. “I believe that we can overwhelm people with our height and length. Last year we gave up a lot of points and I really am stressing defense this year.”
Among those who bring some inches are new senior captains Owen Dewey and Zach Federico. Both were a large part of last year’s offense and will be among those putting numbers on the board. But another Red Raider that really brings the height is returning junior starter Cam Lippie, a key part of Melrose’s board game last year. Expect Lippie to have an integral role on the team. Additionally, expect seniors Max Kirby and Rob Colozzo to also play major roles. Returning junior Ellis Davis will also be a force to reckon with on the floor off the boards.
While a full roster was not available at press time, there are some new players Melrose should be excited about. Reports Burns, “We have a very young backcourt in freshman John Arens and sophomore Miles Nzui, who will be playing big minutes and are new to the team.” Also, keep your eye on is new junior Sage Jones who according to the coach, is a long athletic guard with a high basketball IQ who will see time on the floor.
Melrose will embark on a full schedule with non-league games and competition between Liberty and Freedom rivals. The schedule will be tough, thus, Burns states reasonable goals. “We have a lot of returners but also a lot of new young players. Our goal is to get to 10 wins. It won’t be easy as the Middlesex League is so tough.” Melrose will also play Medford and Lynnfield twice on their non-league schedule.
Meanwhile, expect an always-competitive Freedom League to keep Melrose on their toes. Confirms the coach, “Watertown and Burlington are tough teams and Wilmington has everyone back from last year. Every game will be tough for us. There are easy nights in this league.”
Check out Melrose on Saturday, Dec 11 at Medford High School for a 1:00 pm scrimmage or at their home opener against Watertown on December 14 at 7:00 p.m. at the Melrose Middle School gym.
