PEABODY —While the total number of players trying out is lower than in past seasons, Peabody girls basketball coach Stan McKeen is confident the pieces are in place for a successful season.
“We lost only two seniors from last year’s team, but we have eight other returning varsity players who are back,” he said. “Overall, I think we have a combination of both down-low and outside shooters, so I feel we are right where we need to be.”
The Tanners were 9-11 last season and just missed qualifying for the Division 1 tournament.
“We needed to win our last game in the Marblehead IAABO tournament and lost by four (45-41) to Masco (Masconomet) in the championship game,” McKeen said. “So, absolutely, the goal is to get back in the tournament.”
Senior forwards Lizzie Bettencourt and Sophia Coburn, as well as senior guards Olivia Gaynor and Aliana Ryan will serve as captains.
McKeen is looking to them for leadership — on and off the court.
“I am hoping they are going to be huge leaders this year,” McKeen said. “They will start along with junior Avery Bettencourt, who played a lot last year, except when she was injured. She picked up right where her sister Allie left off last year.
“Lizzie really came of age last year and she can score,” McKeen said. “Sophia is a good rebounder and good shooter. I just need her to shoot a little bit more. She has all the potential this year to be a big contributor.
“Liv is my 3-point shooter. She has a great shot and good speed. Aliana is our point guard. She is like a lightning bolt. She can go to the hoop with the ball and can shoot from outside and might be the best defender on the team. She looked great in summer league, so I am expecting big things from her this year.”
Rounding out the returners are junior forward Ava Ryan, sophomore forward Gabriella Gosselin, and sophomore guard Olivia Ball.
All four captains believe the team will qualify for the state tournament this year.
“We don’t want to come up short again,” Gaynor said. “We had our ups and downs last year, but this year, we’re looking good. I think it’s a completely different team with different skills, so it’s just a matter of putting it together and playing as a team.”
Bettencourt and Coburn like the team’s chemistry.
“Everyone seems to be really nice and we are all getting along really well,” Bettencourt said. “Like Olivia said, we have to put it together as a team. We have people on all sides of the ball who can do everything as we compliment each other.”
“I think we’ve really been bringing the energy so far,” Coburn said. “We are working really well together and everyone wants to be here, so I think we definitely will have a good season.”
Ryan believes shooting will be key to the Tanners’ success.
“We don’t really have size, but we have good shooters, so I think we’re going to be good,” Ryan said. “So far, our practices have been really good and the tryouts have been great.”
The Tanners have a challenging non-conference schedule with two competitive tournaments. The team will take on North Andover at home Dec. 22, Waltham in the Waltham Tournament Dec. 29 (TBA on Jan. 30), Newburyport at home Jan. 9, Lincoln-Sudbury Jan. 12, and Newton North Jan. 15.
“No question, we have a very tough non-league schedule,” McKeen said, “but because our league is Division 2 and 3, we have to play a tough schedule for the power rankings.”
The Tanners close out the regular season in the IAABO tournament at Marblehead High Feb. 15-16, opening against the host Magicians.
As far as the Northeastern Conference goes, McKeen said Masconomet will be tough again this year.
“I honestly don’t know too much about most of the teams, but I know Danvers only had 21 kids come out,” McKeen said. “Beverly has a new coach, but I heard they have two transfers, one from Fenwick. I really know nothing except Masco is always tough, so I expect they will be again this year.”
The Tanners will find out right away. Peabody travels to face Masconomet Dec. 16 at 7 p.m.
