The St. Mary’s High School girls basketball team looked very impressive in a solid win over Revere in the Duchane Jamboree Saturday at Lynn Classical High School.
The Lady Spartans are the defending Division 3 state champions. The program has soared to incredible heights under head coach Jeffrey Newhall.
“I think we have a chance to be very good – we still have a long way to go,” said Newhall after his team’s scrimmage against Revere. “Players are adjusting to new roles. Defensively, I’m happy with the way we’re playing.”
St. Mary’s looks formidable in the backcourt where three superb sophomores guards, Sharell Sanders, Brianna Rudolph, and Jennie Muccarione, lead the way. Sanders is a breathtaking ballhandler who can also score. Rudolph could be the breakout player on the North Shore this season while Mucciarone is a terrific outside shooter and fundamentally sound in all facets of her game.
Up front, 6-foot senior Ann Marie Idusuyi will move in to a starting role. Idusuyi has shown steady improvement and will be a double-double (rebounds, points) threat in every game.
Rachel Stueve, a senior forward, will also move into the starting lineup. Stueve has enjoyed a solid pre-season and looks ready to make a significant contribution toward a run for a second state title.
Other players expected to contribute for the Spartans are junior guards Emily Doyle and Kasey Wolfe, junior forward Emily Morris, sophomore forward Melissa LeFave, and freshman guards Sabrina Trask and Sophia Holmes.
“The talent is there for us to have another successful season,” said Newhall. “It’s day-by-day progress. If we can dig in and play with intensity, especially at the defensive end, we’ll be in most games.”
Newhall’s team will compete for a title in the Catholic Central League, arguably one of the best leagues in the state. The Spartans opened their season Monday night against Dracut. Other non-league opponents are Coyle Cassidy [at Emmanuel College], Somerville, and Revere. St. Mary’s will also try to defend its crown in the Walter Boverini Christmas Tournament and its own Spartan Classic [Swampscott, Ipswich, and Weston] in February.