Talk about making an early impact . . .
Despite juniors and seniors receiving the bulk of playing time last winter — growth, maturity, and experience being key factors — several youngsters rose to the occasion, too.
From December practices to March tournament games, it was a long, grueling season. Here are some (not all) sophomores, freshmen, and even middle-school athletes who made names for themselves:
Despite a 5-14-2 girls hockey record in Marblehead, you could say the future is bright. Eighth grader Cassandra Aceto led the Lady Headers in goals (6) and points (10). Her partner-in-crime, eighth-grade goalie Nola Ferraresso, saved 574 shots and recorded a save percentage of 89.4.
Something similar happened in Lynn, where St. Mary’s seventh grader Emma Doucette scored 19 goals and dished out 12 assists. Also, during the state tournament, seventh grader Effie Parsons netted a game-winning overtime goal against Winchester. There was also sophomore goalie Avery Sico. All she did was record a 94.5 save percentage for the Spartans.
Staying on the ice, sophomore Teddy Dulac put on a show in Marblehead. His 11 goals, six assists, and two game-winners earned him All-Northeastern Conference honors. Peabody/Saugus/Swampscott’s John Morello found similar success as a sophomore, earning All-NEC honors after recording 11 goals and 16 assists.
Shifting to the basketball court, three of the top players in the area were sophomores. Peabody’s Thad Broughton Jr. led the Tanners in points, rebounds, assists, and free throws made, while sharpshooter Jake Fortier helped lead St. Mary’s to a Div. 2 state championship. There was also Teddy O’Neill, who averaged 21 points and nearly six rebounds for Swampscott.
On the girls’ side, St. Mary’s freshman Sysy Emmanuel was selected as a Catholic Central League All-Star. She was beyond efficient, shooting 54 percent from the field alongside 15.5 points per game. Her freshman teammate, Marblehead native McKenna O’Connell, led the Spartans in 3-pointers (54) and rebounds (107) to earn CCL All-Star honors.
Swampscott was led by do-it-all sophomore Anna Kanders. With 61 threes, she led the Big Blue with 18 points, 5.4 rebounds, 4.1 assists, and 2.3 steals per game.
On the mats, St. John’s Prep was led by freshman wrestler Sam Josey, who finished 47-4 with Div. 1 and All-State championships.
Also in Danvers, Prep swimmer Brendan Titley tied a school record in the 50 free (21.27). Lynn Tech’s Hunter Flores, the Tigers’ Most Valuable Swimmer, won a pair of events during the Lynn City Meet.
Marblehead’s underclassmen trio shined in the pool all season. Sophomore Grace Ladouceur, as well as freshmen Winnie Waddington and Hazell Wright helped lead the Magicians to a 6-0 record against NEC opponents.
On the track, look no further than these dynamic sophomores. Swampscott’s Annabelle Averett clocked a 5:17.99 mile (2nd in NEC) and Peabody’s Lauren Foley was a conference champion in the 1,000m (season best: 3:04.61).
