After OT win over Reading, team seals deal w/Winchester
Published in the February 2, 2018 edition
By JENNIFER GENTILE
MELROSE—The Melrose Lady Raider basketball team is returning to the playoffs.
Melrose will once again be fighting in the Div. 2 North field after back- to-back wins over Reading and Winchester that clinched Melrose’s 10th win of the season and punched a ticket to the big show. Last season, Melrose finished a 12-9 season with an appearance in the D2 North playoffs. This year, Melrose is poised to do better with a 10-3 record and, with six games to go, could be poised for a 15 win season that will position them favorably in a Div. 2 North bracket, where they may battle foes Wakefield and Belmont, two teams who got the best of them in January.
FROSH SAM Dewey had 21 points in Melrose’s 46-27 victory over Winchester, which clinched the Lady Raider’s berth in the Div. 2 North playoffs. (Donna Larsson photo)
Getting to their 10th win required two straight victories that started on Friday when Melrose traveled to Reading and prevailed in a 65-60 overtime thriller. Melrose was led in scoring by Sam Dewey (17 pts) and Peri McDonald (15) and Lily Cunningham (14). Reading took an early lead of 16-14 after the first but Melrose battled back to hold a lead of 34-25 at the half, but saw Reading go on a 10-0 run in the third to tie it up 44-44. Melrose forced overtime at point 56 and ultimately prevailed behind the shooting of Sam Smith on the foul line, Peri McDonald and baskets by Doherty and Dewey.
Fueled by the win, Melrose had an easier time against Winchester at home on Tuesday evening in a 46-27 win. Melrose freshmen Sam Dewey led with an enormous 21 points and an easy double-double.
Melrose opened the game with strong scoring from Dewey (6 first quarter points) along with baskets from JaNajia Walker-Holliman, Lily Cunningham, McDonald, Doherty and Emily Hudson. Melrose held a lopsided 22-5 lead at the half. In the third, Alexis Doherty nailed a three and fed a beautiful assist to Dewey, to extend that lead 29-6. Abby Cunningham provided some key rebounding and Melrose held their lead 34-15 at end of the third. Winchester had a spirited fourth quarter, going to the foul line five times and hitting many of their shots but Melrose’s Dewey kept up her offensive onslaught and Melrose ran away with the game, 46-27.
According to coach Bill Hirschfeld, Melrose is enjoying a collaborative effort between veteran players and newcomers that leads to success. That includes the team’s two captains, senior Alexis Doherty and junior Lily Cunningham. Cunningham, a junior guard, has spearheaded much of Melrose’s stingy defense. “She’s our defensive specialist,” says her coach. “Her ability to just shut down opponents has helped us in our wins.”
Doherty, meanwhile, has been commanding on offense all season. “She’s taken over as our number one guard, and she takes a lot of control of the floor.”
Junior Peri McDonald has shined in recent efforts, making the difference in ball possession. Says her coach, “She’s been getting a lot of board play and really stepping up with rebounds.”
Meanwhile, freshmen newcomers Sam Dewey and Emily Hudson continue as a major presence despite their young age. “Emily has really held her own this season and is a confident player on the floor. Sam, well, sometimes you forget how young she is watching her advanced level of play. We’re quite fortunate.”
There is plenty of season left for the Lady Raiders, who travel to Watertown tonight for a 7:00 p.m. game, as they hope to pick up their 11th victory.
