The Manchester Essex girls’ basketball team is looking for more of the same during the 2023-24 season.
Of course, who would complain if the Hornets were able to reach similar heights this winter after a season in which the team went 15-5 during the regular season and made it to the Sweet 16 of the MIAA Div. 4 Tournament? Thankfully, the pieces should be in place for Manchester Essex to do just that.
“Definitely, we have a great team coming back with more experience and more excitement for what they know they can do,” explains ME girls basketball coach Lauren Dubois. “We certainly can't rest on what happened last year, but the excitement is there.”
To begin with, the Hornets only lost two players to graduation from last year’s successful squad. While losing former seniors and team captains Calista Lai and Kendall Newton is no small loss, the players from last year’s team that are returning should team up with some new faces to help the team pick up wins this winter. Those players also have the benefit of playing at the varsity level at a high level for a full season.
“We lost two seniors, and both were impact players, but we have everyone else coming back and some talented new players joining the squad,” says Dubois. “We are hoping to play the same fast-paced style that we played last season.”
Getting this group up and running will be its three captains: MacKay Brooks, Phileine De Widt and Mechi O'Neil.
“Phileine is a forward and MacKay and Mechi are guards, but all three are versatile players who will be asked to take on different roles this season,” explains Dubois. “All three are great leaders and have stepped up their game this season.”
The captains won’t be the only ones coming back to give the Hornets a boost in 2023-24.
“Our captains, plus juniors Tess Carpenter and Ella Arnsten, who both bring a spark with their aggressive play,” says Dubois. “Sophomore guards Lily Oliver, Harper Brooks and Kacey O'Connell are also returning from last year’s team, and all work hard to create offensive opportunities with their defensive pressure.”
Meanwhile, Isabelle Donnellan Valade and Gabi D'Andrea take a big step up to the varsity team this season and will provide defense, rebounding and a presence in the post.
“We are small but quick and hoping to play tough defense and get opportunities on offense through transition,” says Dubois.
The Hornets will waste no time this season, diving into the deep end of the pool right at the start with a season-opening road game against Lynnfield on Dec. 13.
“We wanted to get a game in before our league schedule started and Lynnfield is always a tough matchup for us,” explains Dubois. “It should be a good game and help us set the tone for the season.”
The rest of the December schedule for Manchester Essex includes hosting familiar Cape Ann League foes at home (Hamilton-Wenham on Dec. 15 and North Reading on Dec. 19) followed by away games versus Triton (Dec. 27) and Swampscott (Dec. 29).
“All will be tough games,” Dubois says of the early season slate. “We will be outsized in each matchup but hope to use our speed to counter that. I am excited to get the season started and see what we can do.”
