SAUGUS — Over the last few years, the Saugus girls basketball team has boasted plenty of experience on the court. But now, with six key seniors graduating, the Sachems will look to turn the page to a new chapter — and it’s an experience coach Mark Schruender and his team are excited for.
“The six seniors that we graduated were our six leaders in minutes played last season,” Schruender said. “You could look at it as having holes to fill, but we’re looking at it as a point of excitement.
“And the girls are enjoying that opportunity too,” Schruender said. “A lot of them have been contributors before and this year they can take that next step forward. We called up some freshmen too and I’m excited about it. You get to mold things and start over again. The players are responding well to it and it has resulted in some really competitive practices.”
Most of the team’s experience will come from captains Fallon Millerick and Catherine Schena along with senior Haley McLaughlin. Junior April Aldred and sophomore Samantha Shea are also returning varsity players.
“Fallon is our leading scorer among our returners going into her junior year,” Schruender said. “We have seniors in Catherine and Haley along with juniors and even some freshmen we’re excited to see play this season.”
Despite the mostly young team, early season practices have gone as smoothly as Schruender could’ve hoped with players quickly adapting to the new guidelines.
“It’s been good,” Schruender said. “The kids have done a good job adjusting to playing in masks and sanitizing everything. We’ve had some kids that have been in close-contact situations but did a good job containing it, being responsible and they’ve stayed out for a few weeks. Everyone is following the rules and I’m proud of the way they’ve done that.”
Staying healthy is the number one thing Schruender has taken away from the Sachems’ time on the court so far.
“We’ve been focusing on a few goals when talking to the team about this season and I try to get their input on it as well,” Shruender said. “Safety has been and will be first and foremost for us and that process has been good. They all know the right thing to do and there’s been no complaints. I’m proud of what they’re doing right now. Everyone is going through hoops to make things possible this year and we’re just ready to roll with the punches.”
Now the Sachems are ready to start the year at home against Northeastern Conference foe Danvers Tuesday (5:45), which will serve as a jumping off point for a year where Schruender hopes sees plenty of improvement along the way.
“Obviously there’s a focus on education doing everything well on and off the court,” Schruender said. “And when it comes to the season I really want them to enjoy it. We’ll play our top eight players a lot like any year, but we’re going to play everybody at some point. These girls have had nothing to look forward to for so long and we’re going to reward them. Want every kid to feel like they contributed this year. As far as wins and losses, the scoreboard is still there for a reason but as long as we’re improving we’ll be happy.”
