The high school regular season has concluded. Only the best of the best are still playing.
With MIAA tournament brackets released across baseball, softball, boys and girls lacrosse, boys and girls tennis, and volleyball, there are a few performers I want to highlight.
If you want to win the state tournament, sometimes, you need a star player. I think Bella Owumi of St. Mary’s girls basketball team last winter, or Jake Vana of the St. John’s Prep lacrosse squad last year.
Who will it be this time around?
Let’s start in Lynnfield with girls tennis. The Pioneers have enjoyed lots of postseason success throughout the years, and this spring is no different. They’re seeded No. 1 in Division 4 – and for good reason.
By the way, Lynnfield qualified for the tournament for the 42nd consecutive season under Coach Craig Stone.
Read that again . . .
The team is stacked with talent, but look no further than Paige Martino at first singles. Whether it’s from her serve, backhand, or forehand, there is very little Martino can’t do. With constant effort and a never-give-up mentality, Martino will be a tough out throughout the tournament.
Oh. As of Wednesday, she’s the school’s all-time wins leader in singles play (71). Not bad.
St. Mary’s baseball team, after falling in the championship game last year, will look to make it back to the title game — but this time, bring another banner home to Tremont Street.
If you ask Coach Derek Dana, he’ll call pitchers Josh Doney and Jack Zimmerman 1 and 1A.
Pick your poison between these superstars.
The pair will always give St. Mary’s a chance. Offensively, Kyle Doney has been having a great season — just ask Cardinal Spellman, which witnessed Doney hitting an inside-the-park home run.
From the baseball mound to the softball circle, let’s look at Marblehead’s Tessa Francis, whose Magicians are ranked No. 15 in Division 2.
After last season’s run to the Final Four, everyone should know Francis by now. She hits, she pitches, she … you get the point.
Marblehead’s bats are nothing to scoff at either. Catcher Luka Bornhorst is as reliable as they come from the batter’s box.
On the lacrosse field, the No. 16 Peabody girls have a tough first-round opponent in No. 17 Bishop Feehan (Attleborough).
The Tanners have a host of stars, from defense to attack. Three players who know how to put the ball in the back of the net are Brooke Lomasney, Ally Bettencourt, and Madi Barrett. All three will be playing college lacrosse next year and are efficient when the ball strikes the mesh.
Did you know, also, that Coach Michelle Roach has captured seven conference titles in seven years between her girls lacrosse and girls hockey (Peabody-Lynnfield-North Reading) teams?
Also, the Tanners never stop moving, which gives opposing defenses a lot to think about. Peabody earned home field and hopes it’s a difference-maker come Friday at 5 p.m.
Both the Lynn Classical baseball (No. 36) and softball (No. 38) teams start on the road, but could be well-equipped for postseason runs.
Christian Figueroa looks to be on his A-game and take care of business from the mound, while the Rams look for Rolky Brea, Mark Walsh, and others to do damage with their bats.
On the softball side of things, the Lady Rams are led by Nevaeh Eth – who knows a thing or two about state tournaments (basketball and volleyball) – Emma Chevalier, and Brooke Braswell.
It’s shaping up to be another great postseason. I know I’ve got my pen and paper ready from the press box.
See you all there.
