From weekend matinees to Friday night lights, the quiet summer nears its end as fall sports begin in just a few weeks. Some names we’ve read a dozen times, while others are going to surprise us on day one. I can’t go through them all, but as for some players we know can perform, here’s a start:
Eli Batista – Peabody football (Senior)
The first 1,000-yard receiver in the history of Peabody High returns for another season. Batista played a major role in the Tanners’ 10-1 season, and even in this summer’s 7v7 showdowns, he brought it every play. There will be a new quarterback situation without Shea Lynch, but Batista doing his thing isn’t going anywhere.
Lucas Bereaud – Swampscott boys soccer (Senior)
The Swampscott star scored half of his team’s goals last season. It was a breakout season, and now, the crafty midfielder comes with another year of experience. The Big Blue look for a bounce-back season with Bereaud leading the offense, beginning Aug. 28 against Wakefield Memorial (6 p.m.).
Madison Botta – Saugus girls soccer (Junior)
Botta made the All-Northeastern Conference team last season after recording 24 goals and 14 assists. She’s also a hustler, constantly tracking down loose balls and getting back on defense. Come Sept. 8 against Gloucester (4 p.m.), she’ll be ready.
Julia Davis – Bishop Fenwick cross country (Sophomore)
Davis’ recorded a 20:30 in the 5,000m, placed fourth in the Catholic Memorial Invitational, and was one of Fenwick’s top performers in its league meet. Something tells me she’ll be on this list for a few years, as Davis seeks a strong sophomore season in just a few weeks.
Tyren Hoeun – Lynn Classical football (Sophomore)
The freshman took Lynn by storm a season ago, logging 154 carries for 1,105 yards and nine touchdowns at running back. He wasn’t too shabby on defense, either, making 46 tackles and snagging an interception across his seven games played. The Rams kick off their season Sept. 15 at Peabody (7 p.m.).
Kasey Litwin – St. Mary’s field hockey (Senior)
Litwin registered 14 goals and four assists for St. Mary’s last season. The secret: she was a defender before being moved upfield last season. That said, Litwin returns with more comfort and more confidence this fall.
Joel Maggs – St. Mary’s football (Senior)
Shaquille O’Neal once said it’s harder to defend a championship than win in the first place. Well, for St. Mary’s, Maggs will play a big part in its quest for back-to-back titles. He recorded 127 tackles – 10 for losses – alongside two interceptions last fall. Let’s also not forget: he made the game-sealing interception in a 15-14 tournament win against Stoneham.
Eamonn McHale – Lynn English cross country (Senior)
McHale – alongside his sister, Madisen – ran all over Lynn last fall. He won five of six regular season meets, and in the Lynn All-City Meet, sported a time of 18:58. To McHale, who finished top 10 in last season’s Greater Boston League Championship, it’s time to run it back.
Brooke Moloney – St. Mary’s girls soccer (Junior)
Moloney tallied 16 goals and 14 assists last fall – as a sophomore, no less. She won the Spartan Award, too, and was named a CCL All-Star for her efforts.
Jamila Oriakhi – Swampscott volleyball (Senior)
Oriakhi just loves spreading the wealth, recording 231 assists last fall to go with 39 aces (team high) and 59 digs. Her best performance was a 22-assist showing against Saugus. Big Blue, big-time player.
Dillon Reilly – Lynnfield boys soccer (Junior)
When you’re named to the Cape Ann League’s first team as a sophomore, it makes people excited to watch your career. Reilly led the conference in goals with 23 to go with eight assists. Lynnfield made an impressive run in the postseason – Reilly scored two goals – and looks to repeat that success in just a few months.
