High School: Gatorade Player of the Year
Amherst's Mendoker to transfer to UMass
May, 12, 2012
May 12
5:54
PM ET
By
Scott Barboza | ESPNBoston.com
Former Massachusetts Gatorade softball Player of the Year award winner and Amherst-Pelham standout Emma Mendoker is returning home, the Daily Hampshire Gazette's Jim Pignatiello reports today.
After an injury-shortened freshman year at East Carolina, the hurler plans to transfer to UMass-Amherst.
Menoker is recovering from surgery on her pitching arm, after suffering a torn biceps tendon at the start of the season. She will join former Amherst teammate and fellow ESPN Boston All-Stater Quianna Diaz-Patterson (who was recently named Atlantic 10 Rookie of the Year) with the Minutemen.
After an injury-shortened freshman year at East Carolina, the hurler plans to transfer to UMass-Amherst.
Menoker is recovering from surgery on her pitching arm, after suffering a torn biceps tendon at the start of the season. She will join former Amherst teammate and fellow ESPN Boston All-Stater Quianna Diaz-Patterson (who was recently named Atlantic 10 Rookie of the Year) with the Minutemen.
Maybe defending Division I baseball champion Cranston West was devastated by graduation. But if the Falcons’ season opener was any indication, they’re not exactly going to fly meekly into the night.
Toll Gate led Cranston West 4-3 in the bottom of the ninth when Joe Nicolace tied the score with a single and winning pitcher Bryan Stetson (who relieved starter Rich Reo in the top of the seventh) drew a bases-loaded walk to force in the winning run.
Still, coach Rob Malo faces a major challenge in that his complete starting lineup departed via the cap-and-gown route last spring.
What’s noteworthy about Cranston West’s success is that the Falcons have won three of the last six Division I state titles and broken the stranglehold Hendricken had on the championship trophy.
Perhaps the one team that might be favored to win the state title is North Kingstown – a feat the Skippers last accomplished 44 years ago.
North Kingstown will be led by First Team All-State third baseman Chris Hess who drove in 42 runs in 29 overall games plus first baseman Jared Habershaw who plated 41 runs and sophomore pitcher Dom Grillo who was 7-0 in his first season on the varsity.
The Skippers last season advanced to the third game of the best-of-three finals only to be torched 18-7 by the Falcons.
CLIPPERS IN SAME POSITION AS FALCONS
Cumberland’s softball team can sympathize with the Cranston West baseball team in that the Clippers annexed their first Division I state championship and then were wiped out by graduation.
Cumberland coach Marty Crowley lost a trio of All-State selections – pitcher Beth Paul, catcher Krissey Peffer and second baseman Christina Speroni.
In addition, junior All-State outfielder Bridget Connors will be sidelined for the season after suffering a knee injury.
The only senior on the team is third baseman Rebecca Geddes.
IMPRESSIVE START
Middletown’s McKenna Barlow was a one-girl wrecking crew as the Islanders blanked Rogers, 12-0, in the Division II-South opener for both teams.
Barlow not only pitched a no-hitter, replete with nine strikeouts. But she also went 3-for-3 with three RBI and three runs scored.
Toll Gate led Cranston West 4-3 in the bottom of the ninth when Joe Nicolace tied the score with a single and winning pitcher Bryan Stetson (who relieved starter Rich Reo in the top of the seventh) drew a bases-loaded walk to force in the winning run.
Still, coach Rob Malo faces a major challenge in that his complete starting lineup departed via the cap-and-gown route last spring.
What’s noteworthy about Cranston West’s success is that the Falcons have won three of the last six Division I state titles and broken the stranglehold Hendricken had on the championship trophy.
Perhaps the one team that might be favored to win the state title is North Kingstown – a feat the Skippers last accomplished 44 years ago.
North Kingstown will be led by First Team All-State third baseman Chris Hess who drove in 42 runs in 29 overall games plus first baseman Jared Habershaw who plated 41 runs and sophomore pitcher Dom Grillo who was 7-0 in his first season on the varsity.
The Skippers last season advanced to the third game of the best-of-three finals only to be torched 18-7 by the Falcons.
CLIPPERS IN SAME POSITION AS FALCONS
Cumberland’s softball team can sympathize with the Cranston West baseball team in that the Clippers annexed their first Division I state championship and then were wiped out by graduation.
Cumberland coach Marty Crowley lost a trio of All-State selections – pitcher Beth Paul, catcher Krissey Peffer and second baseman Christina Speroni.
In addition, junior All-State outfielder Bridget Connors will be sidelined for the season after suffering a knee injury.
The only senior on the team is third baseman Rebecca Geddes.
IMPRESSIVE START
Middletown’s McKenna Barlow was a one-girl wrecking crew as the Islanders blanked Rogers, 12-0, in the Division II-South opener for both teams.
Barlow not only pitched a no-hitter, replete with nine strikeouts. But she also went 3-for-3 with three RBI and three runs scored.
The North got the best of the South in Saturday's North-South Senior All-Star Classic at Windsor High School.
North teams won three of the four games at the event, which is sponsored by the Vermont Basketball Coaches' Association and featured some the state's top senior boys and girls players. Scores and highlights from each contest:
Division I-II Boys: Mill River's Nate Salgo scored 13 points and Springfield's Kurt Perham added 10 in the South's 80-69 triumph. Mount Mansfield's Tom Lacy led the North with 17.
Division III-IV Boys: Rivendell's Dylan Pelletier, Blue Mountain's Eddie Soucie and Websterville's Andrew Shuman each tossed in a team-high 11 points as the North prevailed 97-77.
Division I-II Girls: Burlington's Kaylah Jones led all scorers with 11 as the North edged the South 61-59.
Division III-IV Girls: Twinfield's Brianna duPont tossed in 10 points in the North's 82-63 triumph.
DISPLAY OF POWER
South Burlington's Chris Weinheimer scored a power-play goal midway through the third period to give the Austin Conference a 2-1 triumph over the Harris Conference in the Rotary All-Star Hockey Classic held Saturday at Essex High School.
Stowe's Hunter Grosvenor gave the Austin Conference a 1-0 lead with 3:20 left in the second period, but Northfield's Billy Whaley tied the game 39 seconds later.
South Burlington's Nate Young (10 saves), Rice's Ian Koupash (12) and Spaulding's Kevin Avery (seven) were the Austin Conference goaltenders. Essex's Pat Campbell (14), U-32's Mike Bresette (six) and St. Johnsbury's Chris O'Donnell (17) played in goal for the Harris Conference.
Montpelier's Mary Cain made 24 saves to highlight the Harris Conference's 4-2 triumph in the girls game, held March 17.
Middlebury's Maria Ploof scored twice for the Harris Conference, which also received goals from Rutland's Erin Kiernan-Reilly and Hartford's Bethany Bouthillier.
The Rotary games are used to select Vermont's teams for the Make-A-Wish Twin State Classic. Vermont will face New Hampshire's all-stars July 14 at the University of Vermont's Gutterson Fieldhouse.
GATORADE HONORS ST. AMOUR
Gatorade selected Missisquoi Valley Union's Matt St. Amour as its boys basketball Player of the Year in Vermont for the 2011-12 season.
St. Amour, a 6-foot-3-inch junior guard, is the first boys basketball player from Missisquoi to receive the award, which is based on athletic excellence, academic achievement and character.
St. Amour averaged 26.6 points. 12.8 rebounds, 3.8 assists and 2.7 points per game for the Thunderbirds, who lost in the Division I tournament's opening round. Missisquoi won the Division II title last season.
“He plays under control and can finish on either side of the basket, and he's also got great range,” Vergennes coach Peter Quinn said. “You have to defend him as soon as he gets one or two dribbles over half-court.”
St. Amour holds Missisquoi's record for career point scored (1,388).
GRIBBIN SELECTS DARTMOUTH
South Burlington's Mollie Gribbin has announced that she will continue her track and field career at Dartmouth College.
Gribbin, who holds the state record in the long jump (18 feet, 5.5 inches), the triple jump (40-9.5) and the 100 meters (12.24 seconds), was also considering Virginia, Columbia, Illinois and Oregon. She also played soccer for South Burlington.
Roger Brown is a freelance writer who has been reporting on high school sports in New England since 1992.
North teams won three of the four games at the event, which is sponsored by the Vermont Basketball Coaches' Association and featured some the state's top senior boys and girls players. Scores and highlights from each contest:
Division I-II Boys: Mill River's Nate Salgo scored 13 points and Springfield's Kurt Perham added 10 in the South's 80-69 triumph. Mount Mansfield's Tom Lacy led the North with 17.
Division III-IV Boys: Rivendell's Dylan Pelletier, Blue Mountain's Eddie Soucie and Websterville's Andrew Shuman each tossed in a team-high 11 points as the North prevailed 97-77.
Division I-II Girls: Burlington's Kaylah Jones led all scorers with 11 as the North edged the South 61-59.
Division III-IV Girls: Twinfield's Brianna duPont tossed in 10 points in the North's 82-63 triumph.
DISPLAY OF POWER
South Burlington's Chris Weinheimer scored a power-play goal midway through the third period to give the Austin Conference a 2-1 triumph over the Harris Conference in the Rotary All-Star Hockey Classic held Saturday at Essex High School.
Stowe's Hunter Grosvenor gave the Austin Conference a 1-0 lead with 3:20 left in the second period, but Northfield's Billy Whaley tied the game 39 seconds later.
South Burlington's Nate Young (10 saves), Rice's Ian Koupash (12) and Spaulding's Kevin Avery (seven) were the Austin Conference goaltenders. Essex's Pat Campbell (14), U-32's Mike Bresette (six) and St. Johnsbury's Chris O'Donnell (17) played in goal for the Harris Conference.
Montpelier's Mary Cain made 24 saves to highlight the Harris Conference's 4-2 triumph in the girls game, held March 17.
Middlebury's Maria Ploof scored twice for the Harris Conference, which also received goals from Rutland's Erin Kiernan-Reilly and Hartford's Bethany Bouthillier.
The Rotary games are used to select Vermont's teams for the Make-A-Wish Twin State Classic. Vermont will face New Hampshire's all-stars July 14 at the University of Vermont's Gutterson Fieldhouse.
GATORADE HONORS ST. AMOUR
Gatorade selected Missisquoi Valley Union's Matt St. Amour as its boys basketball Player of the Year in Vermont for the 2011-12 season.
St. Amour, a 6-foot-3-inch junior guard, is the first boys basketball player from Missisquoi to receive the award, which is based on athletic excellence, academic achievement and character.
St. Amour averaged 26.6 points. 12.8 rebounds, 3.8 assists and 2.7 points per game for the Thunderbirds, who lost in the Division I tournament's opening round. Missisquoi won the Division II title last season.
“He plays under control and can finish on either side of the basket, and he's also got great range,” Vergennes coach Peter Quinn said. “You have to defend him as soon as he gets one or two dribbles over half-court.”
St. Amour holds Missisquoi's record for career point scored (1,388).
GRIBBIN SELECTS DARTMOUTH
South Burlington's Mollie Gribbin has announced that she will continue her track and field career at Dartmouth College.
Gribbin, who holds the state record in the long jump (18 feet, 5.5 inches), the triple jump (40-9.5) and the 100 meters (12.24 seconds), was also considering Virginia, Columbia, Illinois and Oregon. She also played soccer for South Burlington.
Roger Brown is a freelance writer who has been reporting on high school sports in New England since 1992.
Recappping last weekend's CIAC state championship games in boys and girls basketball:
CLASS LL BOYS: Top-seeded St. Joseph used an 18-0 run in the second half to knock off second-seeded Hillhouse 62-54.
St. Joseph (27-1) received a game-high 26 points from James Jennings, and 18 from Timajh Parker. Parker made 14 of his 15 free throw attempts.
St. Joseph didn't make a field goal in the second quarter, and Hillhouse (24-2) led by 13 in the third. It was the 11th state title for St. Joseph coach Vito Montelli, who has won a state-record 880 games (all at St. Joseph). Montelli guided St. Joseph to victory over Fairfield Prep in last year's Class LL championship game.
CLASS LL GIRLS: A Jessica Lynch layup with 21 seconds to play gave ninth-seeded Newtown the lead for good in its 44-42 triumph over 10-seeded Mercy.
Mercy (21-6) overcame a 13-point deficit in the third quarter to take a 42-41 lead with 29 seconds to play, but Lynch's basket came on the ensuing possession. Riley Wurtz tossed in a team-high 18 points for Newtown (22-4).
Mercy has lost the Class LL championship game in each of the last three seasons.
CLASS L BOYS: Treyvon Moore scored a game-high 25 points to help second-seeded Career, Magnet defeat top-seeded Northwest Catholic 51-49.
The victory handed Career Magnet (27-2) the program's first state title.
Northwest Catholic (23-4) missed 17 of its 20 field goal attempts in the first half and trailed 29-13 entering the third. Kuran Iverson scored 20 points, grabbed 17 rebounds and blocked four shots in the loss.
CLASS L GIRLS: A strong finish handed third-seeded Bacon Academy a 38-34 victory over top-seeded E.O. Smith.
Bacon (22-3) closed the game with a 12-0 run. E.O. Smith (25-2) failed to score in the final 5:49 and made one field goal in the fourth quarter.
Taylor McLaughlin led Bacon Academy with 13 points.
CLASS M BOYS: Senior Nolan Long, a 6-foot-9 center, scored 21 points and pulled down 11 rebounds as second-seeded Waterford collected the program's first state championship by beating fourth-seeded Watertown 71-57.
Senior guard Geary McLeon added 18 points, seven assists and five steals for the Lancers (25-2). It was the fourth loss for Watertown (24-4).
CLASS M GIRLS: Guard Fifi Walcott scored 16 points as top-seeded Weaver won its first state championship with a 55-47 triumph over second-seeded Tolland.
The Beavers (25-2) set a school record for victories en route to the title.
Kristin Schatzlein, Connecticut's Gatorade Player of the Year, scored a game-high 32 points in the loss. Tolland (24-4) committed 32 turnovers.
CLASS S BOYS: Vitor Melo collected 14 points and 13 rebounds to help top-seeded Immaculate defeat third-seeded Capital Prep 67-53.
Capital Prep (23-4) entered the game averaging 85.9 points per game, but was held to its lowest point total of the season. Immaculate (26-1) outrebounded Capital Prep, 49-30.
CLASS S GIRLS: Three players scored in double figures for top-seeded Coginchaug, which won its first state championship by beating second-seeded Capital Prep 58-48.
Lauren Esposito scored 18 points and grabbed nine rebounds for Coginchaug (25-2). Audrey Biesak scored 11 and Jessica Solomon added 10 for Coginchaug.
DeJane James tossed in 19 for Capital Prep (23-4).
HOCKEY: VIZZO PROPELS NOTRE DAME-WEST HAVEN
Billy Vizzo scored three goals as second-seeded Notre Dame-West Haven (20-3-1) defeated fourth-seeded Glastonbury (20-5-0) 5-0 in the Division I championship game.
It was the only time Glastonbury has been shut out this season.
In last weekend's other championship games, fifth-seeded Trumbull scored five third-period goals during a 5-3 triumph over seventh-seeded Branford in the Division II championship game; and Drew O'Leary made 18 saves to help top-seeded Newington/Berlin beat third-seeded Northwest Catholic 2-1 in the Division III championship game.
Sophomore Brendan Strobel scored twice for Trumbull (17-9-0). His second goal gave Trumbull a 4-3 lead with 1:35 to play.
Brandon Ralph and Brendon Richard scored in Newington/Berlin's victory.
Roger Brown is a freelance writer who has been reporting on high school sports in New England since 1992.
CLASS LL BOYS: Top-seeded St. Joseph used an 18-0 run in the second half to knock off second-seeded Hillhouse 62-54.
St. Joseph (27-1) received a game-high 26 points from James Jennings, and 18 from Timajh Parker. Parker made 14 of his 15 free throw attempts.
St. Joseph didn't make a field goal in the second quarter, and Hillhouse (24-2) led by 13 in the third. It was the 11th state title for St. Joseph coach Vito Montelli, who has won a state-record 880 games (all at St. Joseph). Montelli guided St. Joseph to victory over Fairfield Prep in last year's Class LL championship game.
CLASS LL GIRLS: A Jessica Lynch layup with 21 seconds to play gave ninth-seeded Newtown the lead for good in its 44-42 triumph over 10-seeded Mercy.
Mercy (21-6) overcame a 13-point deficit in the third quarter to take a 42-41 lead with 29 seconds to play, but Lynch's basket came on the ensuing possession. Riley Wurtz tossed in a team-high 18 points for Newtown (22-4).
Mercy has lost the Class LL championship game in each of the last three seasons.
CLASS L BOYS: Treyvon Moore scored a game-high 25 points to help second-seeded Career, Magnet defeat top-seeded Northwest Catholic 51-49.
The victory handed Career Magnet (27-2) the program's first state title.
Northwest Catholic (23-4) missed 17 of its 20 field goal attempts in the first half and trailed 29-13 entering the third. Kuran Iverson scored 20 points, grabbed 17 rebounds and blocked four shots in the loss.
CLASS L GIRLS: A strong finish handed third-seeded Bacon Academy a 38-34 victory over top-seeded E.O. Smith.
Bacon (22-3) closed the game with a 12-0 run. E.O. Smith (25-2) failed to score in the final 5:49 and made one field goal in the fourth quarter.
Taylor McLaughlin led Bacon Academy with 13 points.
CLASS M BOYS: Senior Nolan Long, a 6-foot-9 center, scored 21 points and pulled down 11 rebounds as second-seeded Waterford collected the program's first state championship by beating fourth-seeded Watertown 71-57.
Senior guard Geary McLeon added 18 points, seven assists and five steals for the Lancers (25-2). It was the fourth loss for Watertown (24-4).
CLASS M GIRLS: Guard Fifi Walcott scored 16 points as top-seeded Weaver won its first state championship with a 55-47 triumph over second-seeded Tolland.
The Beavers (25-2) set a school record for victories en route to the title.
Kristin Schatzlein, Connecticut's Gatorade Player of the Year, scored a game-high 32 points in the loss. Tolland (24-4) committed 32 turnovers.
CLASS S BOYS: Vitor Melo collected 14 points and 13 rebounds to help top-seeded Immaculate defeat third-seeded Capital Prep 67-53.
Capital Prep (23-4) entered the game averaging 85.9 points per game, but was held to its lowest point total of the season. Immaculate (26-1) outrebounded Capital Prep, 49-30.
CLASS S GIRLS: Three players scored in double figures for top-seeded Coginchaug, which won its first state championship by beating second-seeded Capital Prep 58-48.
Lauren Esposito scored 18 points and grabbed nine rebounds for Coginchaug (25-2). Audrey Biesak scored 11 and Jessica Solomon added 10 for Coginchaug.
DeJane James tossed in 19 for Capital Prep (23-4).
HOCKEY: VIZZO PROPELS NOTRE DAME-WEST HAVEN
Billy Vizzo scored three goals as second-seeded Notre Dame-West Haven (20-3-1) defeated fourth-seeded Glastonbury (20-5-0) 5-0 in the Division I championship game.
It was the only time Glastonbury has been shut out this season.
In last weekend's other championship games, fifth-seeded Trumbull scored five third-period goals during a 5-3 triumph over seventh-seeded Branford in the Division II championship game; and Drew O'Leary made 18 saves to help top-seeded Newington/Berlin beat third-seeded Northwest Catholic 2-1 in the Division III championship game.
Sophomore Brendan Strobel scored twice for Trumbull (17-9-0). His second goal gave Trumbull a 4-3 lead with 1:35 to play.
Brandon Ralph and Brendon Richard scored in Newington/Berlin's victory.
Roger Brown is a freelance writer who has been reporting on high school sports in New England since 1992.
In its 27th year of honoring the nation’s best high school athletes, The Gatorade Company, in collaboration with ESPNHS, today announced Kris Dunn of New London High School as its 2011-12 Gatorade Connecticut Boys Basketball Player of the Year. Dunn is the second Gatorade Connecticut Boys Basketball Player of the Year to be chosen from New London High School.
The 6-foot-4, 185-pound senior guard averaged 31.4 points, 12 rebounds, five assists, four steals and two blocks per game this past season, leading the Whalers (23-3) to the Class LL semifinals. A 2012 McDonald’s All-American Game selection and a 2012 Jordan Brand Classic game invitee, Dunn is the No. 24 ranked recruit in the Class of 2012 as rated by ESPNU.
Dunn has maintained a 3.23 GPA in the classroom. He has volunteered locally as an elementary school mentor and tutor and as a youth sports coach.
“Kris Dunn has been a pleasure to coach during his four years as a varsity starter,” said New London Head Coach Craig Parker. “He works extremely hard in the classroom and his passion for basketball is unsurpassed by anyone I’ve known in my 25 years of coaching.”
Dunn has signed a National Letter of Intent to play basketball on an athletic scholarship at Providence College this fall.
Dunn joins recent Gatorade Connecticut Boys Basketball Players of the Year Andre Drummond (2010-11, St. Thomas More), Brandon Sherrod (2009-10, Stratford), Greg DeSantis (2008-09, Notre Dame Catholic), Allan Chaney (2007-08, New London), and Matthew Bryan-Amaning (2006–07, South Kent) among the state’s list of former award winners.
Below are the winners from the other New England states:
RHODE ISLAND: JARELL LAWSON, CENTRAL
The 6-foot-4 senior guard and forward led the Knights to a 19-4 record and the Open State Tournament championship this past season. Lawson averaged 19.0 points, 10.9 rebounds, 2.0 blocks, 1.5 assists and 1.0 steals per game. A unanimous First Team All-Division I selection, Lawson was a Rhode Island Basketball Coaches Association All-Star. He recorded 16 points, 12 rebounds, three assists, two steals and two blocks in the state-title win over Hope High.
Lawson has maintained a B average in the classroom. He has volunteered locally as a youth mentor and a youth basketball coach.
“Jarell Lawson can play any position on the floor,” said Jim Champion, head coach at South Kingstown High. “He helped bring the ball up, was a constant threat from the 3-point line and could drive or pull up for a jumper. He also could post down low and score inside. He was very well-rounded.”
Lawson remains undecided upon a collegiate destination.
NEW HAMPSHIRE: TYLER GENDRON, MERRIMACK
The 6-foot-4, 195-pound senior forward led the Tomahawks to a 19-6 record and the Division I state title this past season. Gendron averaged 15 points, nine rebounds, three assists and three blocks per game. Also the state’s 2012 Mr. Basketball as named by the New Hampshire Basketball Coaches Organization, he scored 10 points with nine rebounds in the state title-clinching win over Manchester Central.
Gendron has maintained a 4.03 GPA in the classroom. He has volunteered locally on behalf of the youth-empowerment Leo Club, as a math tutor and youth basketball coach.
“Tyler Gendron is an excellent player and has been a contributing varsity player since he was a sophomore,” said Jeff Gustavson, head coach at Londonderry High. “He has the versatility to make plays on the perimeter and in the post. When we played him he made some very tough shots to help his team win. We had to give him credit for making those shots when his team was down and they needed him.”
Gendron remains undecided upon a collegiate destination.
MAINE: GARET BEAL, JONESPORT-BEALS
The 6-foot-5, 200-pound junior wing led the Royals to a 19-2 record and the Class D state championship this past season. Beal recorded 16 points and 10 rebounds in a 75-62, title-clinching victory against Forest Hills High, capturing First Team All-Tournament honors for the second consecutive season. The returning Third Team All-State selection as named by the Bangor Daily News averaged 22.3 points, 8.7 rebounds, 3.8 steals, 3.6 assists and 1.6 blocks. He shot 61.5 percent from the field, 46.7 percent from 3-point range and 81.2 percent from free throw line.
Beal has maintained an A-minus average in the classroom and serves as a member of his school’s student council. In addition to donating his time on behalf of the National Honor Society, he has volunteered as a positive mentor to elementary school students and as part of both community fundraisers and cleanup efforts.
“Garet is a dream to coach,” said Jonesport-Beals High Head Coach Gordon Faulkingham. “He’s a coach on the floor, the first to practice and the last to leave. He’s too unselfish at times and a great teammate.”
Beal will begin his senior year of high school this fall.
VERMONT: MATT ST. AMOUR, MISSIQUOI VALLEY UNION
The 6-foot-3 junior guard averaged 26.6 points, 12.8 rebounds, 3.8 assists and 2.7 steals per game this past season, leading the Thunderbirds (11-10) to the Division I state tournament. The two-time Lake Division Player of the Year, St. Amour is a member of the Vermont Basketball Coaches Association Dream Dozen and already holds the school career record for points, with 1,388.
St. Amour has maintained 4.13 GPA in the classroom. Also a soccer standout, he has volunteered locally on behalf of youth sports programs and has raised funds to benefit the American Cancer Society.
“He plays under control and can finish on either side of the basket, and he’s also got great range,” said Peter Quinn, head coach at Vergennes High. “You have to defend him as soon as he gets one or two dribbles over half-court.”
St. Amour will begin his senior year of high school this fall.
The 6-foot-4, 185-pound senior guard averaged 31.4 points, 12 rebounds, five assists, four steals and two blocks per game this past season, leading the Whalers (23-3) to the Class LL semifinals. A 2012 McDonald’s All-American Game selection and a 2012 Jordan Brand Classic game invitee, Dunn is the No. 24 ranked recruit in the Class of 2012 as rated by ESPNU.
Dunn has maintained a 3.23 GPA in the classroom. He has volunteered locally as an elementary school mentor and tutor and as a youth sports coach.
“Kris Dunn has been a pleasure to coach during his four years as a varsity starter,” said New London Head Coach Craig Parker. “He works extremely hard in the classroom and his passion for basketball is unsurpassed by anyone I’ve known in my 25 years of coaching.”
Dunn has signed a National Letter of Intent to play basketball on an athletic scholarship at Providence College this fall.
Dunn joins recent Gatorade Connecticut Boys Basketball Players of the Year Andre Drummond (2010-11, St. Thomas More), Brandon Sherrod (2009-10, Stratford), Greg DeSantis (2008-09, Notre Dame Catholic), Allan Chaney (2007-08, New London), and Matthew Bryan-Amaning (2006–07, South Kent) among the state’s list of former award winners.
Below are the winners from the other New England states:
RHODE ISLAND: JARELL LAWSON, CENTRAL
The 6-foot-4 senior guard and forward led the Knights to a 19-4 record and the Open State Tournament championship this past season. Lawson averaged 19.0 points, 10.9 rebounds, 2.0 blocks, 1.5 assists and 1.0 steals per game. A unanimous First Team All-Division I selection, Lawson was a Rhode Island Basketball Coaches Association All-Star. He recorded 16 points, 12 rebounds, three assists, two steals and two blocks in the state-title win over Hope High.
Lawson has maintained a B average in the classroom. He has volunteered locally as a youth mentor and a youth basketball coach.
“Jarell Lawson can play any position on the floor,” said Jim Champion, head coach at South Kingstown High. “He helped bring the ball up, was a constant threat from the 3-point line and could drive or pull up for a jumper. He also could post down low and score inside. He was very well-rounded.”
Lawson remains undecided upon a collegiate destination.
NEW HAMPSHIRE: TYLER GENDRON, MERRIMACK
The 6-foot-4, 195-pound senior forward led the Tomahawks to a 19-6 record and the Division I state title this past season. Gendron averaged 15 points, nine rebounds, three assists and three blocks per game. Also the state’s 2012 Mr. Basketball as named by the New Hampshire Basketball Coaches Organization, he scored 10 points with nine rebounds in the state title-clinching win over Manchester Central.
Gendron has maintained a 4.03 GPA in the classroom. He has volunteered locally on behalf of the youth-empowerment Leo Club, as a math tutor and youth basketball coach.
“Tyler Gendron is an excellent player and has been a contributing varsity player since he was a sophomore,” said Jeff Gustavson, head coach at Londonderry High. “He has the versatility to make plays on the perimeter and in the post. When we played him he made some very tough shots to help his team win. We had to give him credit for making those shots when his team was down and they needed him.”
Gendron remains undecided upon a collegiate destination.
MAINE: GARET BEAL, JONESPORT-BEALS
The 6-foot-5, 200-pound junior wing led the Royals to a 19-2 record and the Class D state championship this past season. Beal recorded 16 points and 10 rebounds in a 75-62, title-clinching victory against Forest Hills High, capturing First Team All-Tournament honors for the second consecutive season. The returning Third Team All-State selection as named by the Bangor Daily News averaged 22.3 points, 8.7 rebounds, 3.8 steals, 3.6 assists and 1.6 blocks. He shot 61.5 percent from the field, 46.7 percent from 3-point range and 81.2 percent from free throw line.
Beal has maintained an A-minus average in the classroom and serves as a member of his school’s student council. In addition to donating his time on behalf of the National Honor Society, he has volunteered as a positive mentor to elementary school students and as part of both community fundraisers and cleanup efforts.
“Garet is a dream to coach,” said Jonesport-Beals High Head Coach Gordon Faulkingham. “He’s a coach on the floor, the first to practice and the last to leave. He’s too unselfish at times and a great teammate.”
Beal will begin his senior year of high school this fall.
VERMONT: MATT ST. AMOUR, MISSIQUOI VALLEY UNION
The 6-foot-3 junior guard averaged 26.6 points, 12.8 rebounds, 3.8 assists and 2.7 steals per game this past season, leading the Thunderbirds (11-10) to the Division I state tournament. The two-time Lake Division Player of the Year, St. Amour is a member of the Vermont Basketball Coaches Association Dream Dozen and already holds the school career record for points, with 1,388.
St. Amour has maintained 4.13 GPA in the classroom. Also a soccer standout, he has volunteered locally on behalf of youth sports programs and has raised funds to benefit the American Cancer Society.
“He plays under control and can finish on either side of the basket, and he’s also got great range,” said Peter Quinn, head coach at Vergennes High. “You have to defend him as soon as he gets one or two dribbles over half-court.”
St. Amour will begin his senior year of high school this fall.
In its 27th year of honoring the nation’s best high school athletes, The Gatorade Company, in collaboration with ESPNHS, today announced Rene Castro of Worcester Academy as its 2011-12 Gatorade Massachusetts Boys Basketball Player of the Year. Castro is the first Gatorade Massachusetts Boys Basketball Player of the Year to be chosen from Worcester Academy.
The 6-foot-1 junior guard averaged 23.4 points, 3.4 rebounds, 2.1 assists and 1.6 steals per game this past season, leading the Hilltoppers (15-11) to the New England Prep School Athletic Council Class AA Tournament quarterfinals. The MVP of the BCD Holiday Hoops Tournament, Castro scored more than 20 points on 16 occasions and knocked down 41.7 percent of his 3-pointers (43-for-103) for the season.
Castro has maintained a B average in the classroom. He has volunteered locally as a tutor at a homeless shelter, as part of a literacy-outreach program and as a youth basketball coach.
“Rene Castro is a scoring machine,” said Mike Hart, head coach at St. Andrew’s (R.I.) School. “He doesn’t take bad shots. He can make the 3-pointer, moves without the ball and he’s a good passer.”
Castro will begin his senior year of high school this fall.
Castro joins recent Gatorade Massachusetts Boys Basketball Players of the Year Pat Connaughton (2010-11, St. John's Prep), Nate Lubick (2008-09 & 2009-10, St. Mark's), Stevie Mejia (2007-08, Lawrence Academy), and Mike Baldarelli (2006–07) among the state’s list of former award winners.
The 6-foot-1 junior guard averaged 23.4 points, 3.4 rebounds, 2.1 assists and 1.6 steals per game this past season, leading the Hilltoppers (15-11) to the New England Prep School Athletic Council Class AA Tournament quarterfinals. The MVP of the BCD Holiday Hoops Tournament, Castro scored more than 20 points on 16 occasions and knocked down 41.7 percent of his 3-pointers (43-for-103) for the season.
Castro has maintained a B average in the classroom. He has volunteered locally as a tutor at a homeless shelter, as part of a literacy-outreach program and as a youth basketball coach.
“Rene Castro is a scoring machine,” said Mike Hart, head coach at St. Andrew’s (R.I.) School. “He doesn’t take bad shots. He can make the 3-pointer, moves without the ball and he’s a good passer.”
Castro will begin his senior year of high school this fall.
Castro joins recent Gatorade Massachusetts Boys Basketball Players of the Year Pat Connaughton (2010-11, St. John's Prep), Nate Lubick (2008-09 & 2009-10, St. Mark's), Stevie Mejia (2007-08, Lawrence Academy), and Mike Baldarelli (2006–07) among the state’s list of former award winners.
Defense carried the BFA-St. Albans boys hockey team to this year's Division I championship game, and it was defense, more than anything else, that allowed the Bobwhites to claim the program's 16th state title.
Junior goaltender Andre Morin made 20 saves as third-seeded BFA-St. Albans defeated fifth-seeded Colchester 5-1 in the Division I final played Tuesday night at the University of Vermont's Gutterson Fieldhouse.
The Bobwhites (19-4-0) allowed three goals in their three tournament games, which included victories over Rice (6-0) and North Country (3-2).
Taylor Raftery, Mike Schreiner and Peter Dukas provided the offense for BFA-St. Albans, which beat Colchester (15-8-1) for the third time this season.
Ryan Francis scored for Colchester, which needed five overtimes to defeat Essex in the semifinals.
Second-seeded U-32 dominated Tuesday's Division II championship game and skated to a 5-1 triumph over top-seeded Northfield.
Andrew Danyew, Forrest Smith, Kyle Ferguson, Colvin Rice and Kyle Elliott scored for the Raiders (18-3-2), who spit two regular-season games against Northfield.
Billy Whaley scored for Northfield (20-3-0).
ESSEX, BURR & BURTON FINISH ON TOP
Vermont's girls hockey season ended Monday night, when Essex and Burr & Burton each won a state title at Gutterson Fieldhouse.
Fifth-seeded Essex earned the Division I championship by beating third-seeded South Burlington 2-1; and top-seeded Burr & Burton won the Division II title with a 4-1 triumph over third-seeded Stowe.
Essex (13-8-2) and South Burlington (15-5-4) were tied entering the third period, when Melissa Moldovan collected what turned out to be the game-winning goal shortly after an Essex power-play opportunity had expired.
Freshman goaltender Victoria Gibson made 15 saves for the Hornets, who beat South Burlington in two of three regular-season meetings. All three Essex wins came by one goal.
Julia Hudson scored South Burlington's goal.
Freshman Abby Marmer scored twice in Burr & Burton's victory. Marmer finished the season with a team-high 23 goals.
Junior Erin Thompson and freshman Jordan Harmon also scored for the Bulldogs, who raised their record to 21-1-0. Burr & Burton received 16 saves from junior goaltender Meg Chandler.
Sam Haab scored for Stowe (18-4-1).
LOTS OF HOOPLA
Recaps of Vermont's four boys basketball championship games:
Division I: Tom Lacy scored 11 points and pulled down 10 rebounds as top-seeded Mount Mansfield defeated second-seeded Rice 41-34.
Mount Mansfield (23-1) also received nine points from Troy Springer – all in the second half – and eight points and eight rebounds from Eric Suder.
Casey Tipson scored a game-high 16 points for Rice, which led by five at halftime. Tim Rensch added nine points and 14 rebounds for Rice, which won last year's title.
Mount Mansfield took control by outscoring Rice (22-2) 16-4 in the third quarter.
Division II: An 18-6 run in the the third quarter helped top-seeded Mount St. Joseph defeat top-seeded Vergennes 56-48.
Shannon Murray tossed in a game-high 13 points for MSJ, which won its first title since claiming the Division I championship in 1999. John Dewey (12) and Matthew Sanborn (10) also scored in double digits for MSJ (22-2).
Shep Carter led Vergennes (21-3) with 15.
Division III: Fifth-seeded Williamstown capped a strong postseason run with a 66-42 upset victory over second-seeded Rivendell (16-7).
It was the second title in three years for Williamstown, which won the Division IV championship in 2010. Williamstown made 27 of 43 free throw attempts in the victory.
Seth Atherton (18) and Jason Manwaring (16 points, seven rebounds) were Williamstown's leading scorers. Dylan Pelletier (16) led Rivendell (21-3).
It was the third meeting between the teams. Rivendell won both regular-season meetings.
Division IV: David Codling scored 17 points and grabbed 10 rebounds as top-seeded Twinfield beat third-seeded Danville 61-52.
Twinfield (22-2) also defeated Danville (18-6) twice during the regular season, and in last year's championship game.
Avery Whitcomb scored 15 points for Twinfield, which also received 12 points and 10 rebounds from Chad Copeland.
Tony Burrington (20) and Kyle Johnson (14) led Danville.
ILLINGWORTH WINS GATORADE AWARD
Hartford's Sarah Illingworth, a 6-foot-1 senior center, has been selected as Vermont's Gatorade Player of the Year for girls basketball. She is the first girls player from Hartford to win the award, which is based on athletic excellence, academic success and high character.
Illingworth averaged 12.8 points, 10.3 rebounds and 1.4 steals during the Division II regular season. She will continue her basketball career at UMass-Lowell next season.
Roger Brown is a freelance writer who has been covering high school sports throughout New England since 1992.
Junior goaltender Andre Morin made 20 saves as third-seeded BFA-St. Albans defeated fifth-seeded Colchester 5-1 in the Division I final played Tuesday night at the University of Vermont's Gutterson Fieldhouse.
The Bobwhites (19-4-0) allowed three goals in their three tournament games, which included victories over Rice (6-0) and North Country (3-2).
Taylor Raftery, Mike Schreiner and Peter Dukas provided the offense for BFA-St. Albans, which beat Colchester (15-8-1) for the third time this season.
Ryan Francis scored for Colchester, which needed five overtimes to defeat Essex in the semifinals.
Second-seeded U-32 dominated Tuesday's Division II championship game and skated to a 5-1 triumph over top-seeded Northfield.
Andrew Danyew, Forrest Smith, Kyle Ferguson, Colvin Rice and Kyle Elliott scored for the Raiders (18-3-2), who spit two regular-season games against Northfield.
Billy Whaley scored for Northfield (20-3-0).
ESSEX, BURR & BURTON FINISH ON TOP
Vermont's girls hockey season ended Monday night, when Essex and Burr & Burton each won a state title at Gutterson Fieldhouse.
Fifth-seeded Essex earned the Division I championship by beating third-seeded South Burlington 2-1; and top-seeded Burr & Burton won the Division II title with a 4-1 triumph over third-seeded Stowe.
Essex (13-8-2) and South Burlington (15-5-4) were tied entering the third period, when Melissa Moldovan collected what turned out to be the game-winning goal shortly after an Essex power-play opportunity had expired.
Freshman goaltender Victoria Gibson made 15 saves for the Hornets, who beat South Burlington in two of three regular-season meetings. All three Essex wins came by one goal.
Julia Hudson scored South Burlington's goal.
Freshman Abby Marmer scored twice in Burr & Burton's victory. Marmer finished the season with a team-high 23 goals.
Junior Erin Thompson and freshman Jordan Harmon also scored for the Bulldogs, who raised their record to 21-1-0. Burr & Burton received 16 saves from junior goaltender Meg Chandler.
Sam Haab scored for Stowe (18-4-1).
LOTS OF HOOPLA
Recaps of Vermont's four boys basketball championship games:
Division I: Tom Lacy scored 11 points and pulled down 10 rebounds as top-seeded Mount Mansfield defeated second-seeded Rice 41-34.
Mount Mansfield (23-1) also received nine points from Troy Springer – all in the second half – and eight points and eight rebounds from Eric Suder.
Casey Tipson scored a game-high 16 points for Rice, which led by five at halftime. Tim Rensch added nine points and 14 rebounds for Rice, which won last year's title.
Mount Mansfield took control by outscoring Rice (22-2) 16-4 in the third quarter.
Division II: An 18-6 run in the the third quarter helped top-seeded Mount St. Joseph defeat top-seeded Vergennes 56-48.
Shannon Murray tossed in a game-high 13 points for MSJ, which won its first title since claiming the Division I championship in 1999. John Dewey (12) and Matthew Sanborn (10) also scored in double digits for MSJ (22-2).
Shep Carter led Vergennes (21-3) with 15.
Division III: Fifth-seeded Williamstown capped a strong postseason run with a 66-42 upset victory over second-seeded Rivendell (16-7).
It was the second title in three years for Williamstown, which won the Division IV championship in 2010. Williamstown made 27 of 43 free throw attempts in the victory.
Seth Atherton (18) and Jason Manwaring (16 points, seven rebounds) were Williamstown's leading scorers. Dylan Pelletier (16) led Rivendell (21-3).
It was the third meeting between the teams. Rivendell won both regular-season meetings.
Division IV: David Codling scored 17 points and grabbed 10 rebounds as top-seeded Twinfield beat third-seeded Danville 61-52.
Twinfield (22-2) also defeated Danville (18-6) twice during the regular season, and in last year's championship game.
Avery Whitcomb scored 15 points for Twinfield, which also received 12 points and 10 rebounds from Chad Copeland.
Tony Burrington (20) and Kyle Johnson (14) led Danville.
ILLINGWORTH WINS GATORADE AWARD
Hartford's Sarah Illingworth, a 6-foot-1 senior center, has been selected as Vermont's Gatorade Player of the Year for girls basketball. She is the first girls player from Hartford to win the award, which is based on athletic excellence, academic success and high character.
Illingworth averaged 12.8 points, 10.3 rebounds and 1.4 steals during the Division II regular season. She will continue her basketball career at UMass-Lowell next season.
Roger Brown is a freelance writer who has been covering high school sports throughout New England since 1992.
ESPNHS' Eric Snyder breaks down the leading candidates for Massachusetts' boys basketball Gatorade Player of the Year honors, today on ESPNHS' Player of the Year blog.
Among the clubhouse leaders are two juniors from the prep school ranks, Worcester Academy guard Rene Castro and Cushing Academy forward Andrew Chrabascz.
Snyder has more:
Among the clubhouse leaders are two juniors from the prep school ranks, Worcester Academy guard Rene Castro and Cushing Academy forward Andrew Chrabascz.
Snyder has more:
Rene Castro
Junior guard, Worcester Academy (Worcester, Mass.)
2011-12 Team record: 15-11
2011-12 Team standing: Lost in New England Prep School Athletic Council Class AA quarterfinals
2011-12 Points per game: 23.4
2011-12 Rebounds per game: 3.4
2011-12 Assists per game: 2.1
2011-12 Steals per game: 1.6
Academics: B average
Collegiate destination: HS junior
How he’s played himself into the State POY conversation: BCD Holiday Hoops Tournament MVP; National Prep Showcase All-Tournament Team
Andrew Chrabascz
Junior forward, Cushing Academy (Ashburnham, Mass.)
2011-12 Team record: 20-7
2011-12 Team standing: Lost in New England Prep School Athletic Council Class B quarterfinals
2011-12 Points per game: 17.0
2011-12 Rebounds per game: 9.0
2011-12 Assists per game: 2.2
2011-12 Blocks per game: 0.6
2011-12 Steals per game: 1.4
Academics: A-minus average
Collegiate destination: HS junior
How he’s played himself into the State POY conversation: Team MVP; 20-plus Division I scholarship offers
Make no mistake, the Gatorade State Boys Basketball Player of the Year race isn’t over yet. Time remains for one standout student-athlete among thousands to rise to the top of our list. Here are some more of many who’ve been in the conversation throughout the 2011-12 campaign.
Jaylen Brantley: Junior guard, Wilbraham & Monson Academy (Wilbraham, Mass.)
Aaron Calixte: Junior guard, Stoughton (Mass.)
Jake Layman: Senior forward, King Philip (Wrentham, Mass.)
Tolland High School's Kristin Schatzlein was named Connecticut's top girls high school basketball player last week. She's hoping to make even bigger news this weekend.
Three days after Schatzlein became the first Tolland player to be selected as Connecticut's Gatorade Player of the Year, second-seeded Tolland advanced to the Class M championship game by defeating third-seeded Ellington 60-38 in Friday's Class M semifinals.
Tolland (22-2) will meet top-seeded Weaver (23-1) for the title. Weaver advanced with a 48-39 victory over fifth-seeded Cromwell.
“Schatzlein never gets rattled on the floor and always wants the ball when the game is on the line," Bloomfield coach Dan Matthews said. "She shoots the ball extremely well from beyond the arc, but she also handles the ball well."
Schatzlein scored 15 points in the semifinal win against Ellington. She entered that game averaging 20.3 points, 9.9 rebounds, 6.3 assists, 5.5 steals and 2.1 blocks per game. The Eagles had lost in the semifinals in each of the past two years.
The Gatorade Player of the Year Award recognizes not only outstanding athletic excellence, but also high standards of academic achievement and exemplary character demonstrated on and off the court.
Schatzlein has signed a national letter of intent to play basketball at Fairfield next season.
Recent winners of the Gatorade Player of the Year Award include Katie Mahoney (2010-11, Bacon Academy), Kastine Evans (2009-10, Norwich Free Academy), Symone Roberts (2008-09, New Britain), Heather Buck (2007-08 and 2006-07, Stonington), Shamika Jackson (2003-04, East Catholic), and Amanda Pape (2002-03, Trinity Catholic).
WHITE WASHING
It's probably safe to say the Hamden boys' hockey team has seen enough of Fairfield Prep forward David White.
White scored eight goals in three victories over Hamden this season. Two of those goals came during Saturday's 2-0 victory over eighth-seeded Hamden in the Division I quarterfinals.
Top-seeded Fairfield Prep (19-3-0) will face fourth-seeded Glastonbury (18-4-0) in Wednesday's Division I semifinals. No. 2 Notre Dame-West Haven (18-3-1) will meet No. 6 West Haven (15-7-0) in the other semifinal.
The Division II semifinals will be played Monday, and the Division III semifinals will be held Tuesday.
Division II: No. 1 Guilford (12-7-2) vs No. 5 Trumbull (13-9-0); No. 7 Branford (13-9-0) vs. No. 3 North Branford (13-8-1).
Division III: No. 1 Newington-Berlin (19-2-0) vs. No. 4 NFA-St. Bernard-Bacon (12-9-0) vs. No. 3 Northwest Catholic (17-4-0).
GRAPPLING WITH SUCCESS
Five Connecticut wrestlers won individual titles at the 48th New England Interscholastic Wrestling Championships held March 3 in Providence, R.I.
Sean Marinan, who helped Xavier win the 2012 State Open championship, prevailed at the 220-pound weight class. Marinan defeated Masuk's Eric Tucker to win the title.
Marinan will join the University of Connecticut football program as a preferred walk-on next season.
Middletown's Devon Carrillo (182), Newington's Chris Chorzepa (170), Hand's Will Crisco (120) and Westhill's Pascal Medor (106) also won New England titles in their respective weight class.
Timberlane (Plaistow, N.H.) won the team title. Hand-Madison was the runner-up.
RUNNERS GET HOLMES-SCHOOLED
Hillhouse junior Precious Holmes didn't disappoint her followers at the 25th New England Indoor Track Championship earlier this month.
Holmes set meet records by prevailing in the 300-meter run (:38.22 seconds) and the 600 (1:30.79). Her time in the 600 also established a New England record.
In addition, Holmes ran a leg on Hillhouse's 4x400 relay team, which finished first in 3:56.84. Johnesse Peterson, Jayvona McDaniel and Lanja Carr were the other members of the 4x400 team.
Roger Brown publishes the New Hampshire Football Report. He has been covering high school sports in New England since 1992.
Three days after Schatzlein became the first Tolland player to be selected as Connecticut's Gatorade Player of the Year, second-seeded Tolland advanced to the Class M championship game by defeating third-seeded Ellington 60-38 in Friday's Class M semifinals.
Tolland (22-2) will meet top-seeded Weaver (23-1) for the title. Weaver advanced with a 48-39 victory over fifth-seeded Cromwell.
“Schatzlein never gets rattled on the floor and always wants the ball when the game is on the line," Bloomfield coach Dan Matthews said. "She shoots the ball extremely well from beyond the arc, but she also handles the ball well."
Schatzlein scored 15 points in the semifinal win against Ellington. She entered that game averaging 20.3 points, 9.9 rebounds, 6.3 assists, 5.5 steals and 2.1 blocks per game. The Eagles had lost in the semifinals in each of the past two years.
The Gatorade Player of the Year Award recognizes not only outstanding athletic excellence, but also high standards of academic achievement and exemplary character demonstrated on and off the court.
Schatzlein has signed a national letter of intent to play basketball at Fairfield next season.
Recent winners of the Gatorade Player of the Year Award include Katie Mahoney (2010-11, Bacon Academy), Kastine Evans (2009-10, Norwich Free Academy), Symone Roberts (2008-09, New Britain), Heather Buck (2007-08 and 2006-07, Stonington), Shamika Jackson (2003-04, East Catholic), and Amanda Pape (2002-03, Trinity Catholic).
WHITE WASHING
It's probably safe to say the Hamden boys' hockey team has seen enough of Fairfield Prep forward David White.
White scored eight goals in three victories over Hamden this season. Two of those goals came during Saturday's 2-0 victory over eighth-seeded Hamden in the Division I quarterfinals.
Top-seeded Fairfield Prep (19-3-0) will face fourth-seeded Glastonbury (18-4-0) in Wednesday's Division I semifinals. No. 2 Notre Dame-West Haven (18-3-1) will meet No. 6 West Haven (15-7-0) in the other semifinal.
The Division II semifinals will be played Monday, and the Division III semifinals will be held Tuesday.
Division II: No. 1 Guilford (12-7-2) vs No. 5 Trumbull (13-9-0); No. 7 Branford (13-9-0) vs. No. 3 North Branford (13-8-1).
Division III: No. 1 Newington-Berlin (19-2-0) vs. No. 4 NFA-St. Bernard-Bacon (12-9-0) vs. No. 3 Northwest Catholic (17-4-0).
GRAPPLING WITH SUCCESS
Five Connecticut wrestlers won individual titles at the 48th New England Interscholastic Wrestling Championships held March 3 in Providence, R.I.
Sean Marinan, who helped Xavier win the 2012 State Open championship, prevailed at the 220-pound weight class. Marinan defeated Masuk's Eric Tucker to win the title.
Marinan will join the University of Connecticut football program as a preferred walk-on next season.
Middletown's Devon Carrillo (182), Newington's Chris Chorzepa (170), Hand's Will Crisco (120) and Westhill's Pascal Medor (106) also won New England titles in their respective weight class.
Timberlane (Plaistow, N.H.) won the team title. Hand-Madison was the runner-up.
RUNNERS GET HOLMES-SCHOOLED
Hillhouse junior Precious Holmes didn't disappoint her followers at the 25th New England Indoor Track Championship earlier this month.
Holmes set meet records by prevailing in the 300-meter run (:38.22 seconds) and the 600 (1:30.79). Her time in the 600 also established a New England record.
In addition, Holmes ran a leg on Hillhouse's 4x400 relay team, which finished first in 3:56.84. Johnesse Peterson, Jayvona McDaniel and Lanja Carr were the other members of the 4x400 team.
Roger Brown publishes the New Hampshire Football Report. He has been covering high school sports in New England since 1992.
In its 27th year of honoring the nation’s best high school athletes, The Gatorade Company, in collaboration with ESPNHS, today announced Nicole Boudreau of Andover High School as its 2011-12 Gatorade Massachusetts Girls Basketball Player of the Year. Boudreau is the first Gatorade Massachusetts Girls Basketball Player of the Year to be chosen from Andover High School.
The 5-foot-8 senior guard has led the Warriors to a 23-0 record and a berth in the Division 1 North Sectional semifinals against Central Catholic High, scheduled for March 6. The 2010-11 Gatorade Massachusetts Girls Basketball Player of the Year, Boudreau averaged 22.6 points, 8.5 rebounds, 6.0 steals, 4.9 assists and 2.6 blocks through 23 games. ESPNBoston’s 2011 Miss Basketball selection, she has scored a school-record 2,099 points in her prep basketball career.
Boudreau has maintained a 3.96 weighted GPA in the classroom. A standout golfer as the 2010 junior champion at Andover Country Club, she has volunteered locally as a youth basketball coach and referee.
“Nicole Boudreau’s athleticism was superior on both ends of the court,” said Jimmy Cardaci, head coach at Lowell High. “Her ability to handle the ball and create her own shot placed her into a different category on the high school level. Her team is undefeated largely in part to her contributions each game.”
Boudreau has signed a national letter of intent to play basketball on an athletic scholarship at Boston College this fall.
Two time Gatorade Massachusetts Girls Basketball Players of the Year Nicole Boudreau joins Lauren Battista (2009-10, Oliver Ames), Bilqis Abdul-Qaadir (2008-09, New Leadership), Felicia Barron (2007-08, Springfield Central), Carolyn Swords (2006–07, Lincoln-Sudbury), Laura Lokitis (2003-04, Tabor Academy), and Shannon Kirwan (2002-03, Melrose) among the state’s list of former award winners.
Here are the winners from the other five New England states:
CONNECTICUT: KRISTIN SCHATZLEIN, TOLLAND
The 6-foot senior guard has led the Eagles to a 22-3 record and a berth in the Class M state semifinals against Ellington, scheduled for March 9. Through 25 games, Schatzlein was averaging 20.3 points, 9.9 rebounds, 6.3 assists, 5.5 steals and 2.1 blocks. A four-time All-Conference selection, she was named All-State by the New Haven Register and the Hartford Courant as a junior.
Schatzlein has maintained a B average in the classroom. She has volunteered locally on behalf of youth basketball programs and has raised funds to benefit diabetes research.
“Schatzlein never gets rattled on the floor and always wants the ball when the game is on the line,” said Dan Matthews, head coach at Bloomfield High. “She shoots the ball extremely well from beyond the arc, but she also handles the ball well.”
Schatzlein has signed a National Letter of Intent to play basketball on an athletic scholarship at Fairfield University this fall.
RHODE ISLAND: KAILEY FUGERE, WOONSOCKET
The 5-foot-9 senior forward averaged 21.2 points, 11.6 rebounds, 2.7 blocks, 2.4 steals and 1.5 assists per game this past season, leading the Lady Novans (16-9) to the Division I state quarterfinals. A 2011 Second Team All-State selection, Fugere shot 59.7 percent from the field and 69.8 percent from the free throw line. The state’s leading scorer as a senior, she concluded her prep basketball career with 1,360 points and 849 rebounds.
Fugere has maintained a B-plus average in the classroom. She has volunteered locally on behalf of a literacy-outreach program, as a volleyball and bowling coach for physically and intellectually challenged youth and with the Respite Program, serving families with special-needs children.
“Kailey Fugere can really play,” said Gary Martinelli, head coach at Ponaganset High. “She is difficult to match up with because she is so smart and strong. She is very active and has good footwork and great hands.”
Fugere will attend Rhode Island College, where she will play basketball, beginning this fall.
NEW HAMPSHIRE: KIRSTEN O'NEIL, WINNACUNNET
The 5-foot-7 senior point guard has led the Warriors to a 21-1 record and a berth in the Division I state semifinals against Londonderry High, scheduled for March 7. O’Neil averaged 15.6 points, 10.2 assists, 4.0 steals, 3.0 rebounds and 0.7 blocks per game entering the state final four as Winnacunnet chases its sixth straight state title. The Warriors own a 70-1 record with the 2011 Division I Second Team All-State selection and three-year starter in the lineup.
O’Neil has maintained a 3.02 GPA in the classroom. A two-time Division I First Team All-State forward on the Winnacunnet girls soccer team, she has volunteered locally as a youth basketball and youth soccer instructor and as a peer leader for Winnacunnet High freshmen.
“Kirsten O’Neil is a smart player from the guard position,” said Dan Casey, head coach at Dover High. “I have seen her have a big impact on games when she is not shooting well by distributing the ball and creating havoc with her perimeter defensive pressure. She has a great understanding of what her team needs from her in order to win games.”
O’Neil has signed a National Letter of Intent to play soccer on an athletic scholarship at San Diego State University this fall.
MAINE: MEGHAN GRIBBON, WINDHAM
The 5-foot-5 senior point guard averaged 20.4 points, 5.3 rebounds, 4.1 assists and 2.5 steals this past season, leading the Eagles to the Class A Western Conference semifinals. The 2012 Southern Maine Athletic Association Player of the Year, Gribbin is a 2012 Maine Miss Basketball finalist.
Gribbin has maintained a 95 average in the classroom. A member of the National Honor Society and the Spanish Honor Society, she has volunteered locally as an elementary school tutor and as a youth soccer and basketball coach.
“Meghan Gribbin was the catalyst for all of her team’s success,” said Laughn Berthiaume, head coach at Gorham High. “She was able to control the game’s tempo and she knew how to score in multiple ways. If Windham was up late in the game, she was able to dictate how the game would end.”
Gribbin remains undecided upon a collegiate destination.
VERMONT: SARAH ILLINGWORTH, HARTFORD
The 6-foot-1 senior center led the Hurricanes to a 15-5 record and a berth in the Division 2 playoffs against Otter Valley, scheduled for March 7. Illingworth averaged 12.8 points, 10.3 rebounds and 1.4 steals per game entering the postseason. She is a First Team All-Marble Valley honoree and a member of the Vermont Basketball Coaches Association Dream Dozen.
Illingworth has maintained a 4.02 GPA in the classroom and represents one of the state’s top academic candidates in meeting the Gatorade Award’s broad criteria. She has volunteered locally on behalf of a community food shelf for the needy and youth basketball programs.
“Illingworth works really hard and she’s tough on the inside,” said Terry Merrow, head coach at Burr and Burton Academy. “She rebounds well, scores in the low post and can hit that little elbow shot too. She’s a real student of the game.”
Illingworth has signed a National Letter of Intent to play basketball on an athletic scholarship at the University of Massachusetts-Lowell this fall.
The 5-foot-8 senior guard has led the Warriors to a 23-0 record and a berth in the Division 1 North Sectional semifinals against Central Catholic High, scheduled for March 6. The 2010-11 Gatorade Massachusetts Girls Basketball Player of the Year, Boudreau averaged 22.6 points, 8.5 rebounds, 6.0 steals, 4.9 assists and 2.6 blocks through 23 games. ESPNBoston’s 2011 Miss Basketball selection, she has scored a school-record 2,099 points in her prep basketball career.
Boudreau has maintained a 3.96 weighted GPA in the classroom. A standout golfer as the 2010 junior champion at Andover Country Club, she has volunteered locally as a youth basketball coach and referee.
“Nicole Boudreau’s athleticism was superior on both ends of the court,” said Jimmy Cardaci, head coach at Lowell High. “Her ability to handle the ball and create her own shot placed her into a different category on the high school level. Her team is undefeated largely in part to her contributions each game.”
Boudreau has signed a national letter of intent to play basketball on an athletic scholarship at Boston College this fall.
Two time Gatorade Massachusetts Girls Basketball Players of the Year Nicole Boudreau joins Lauren Battista (2009-10, Oliver Ames), Bilqis Abdul-Qaadir (2008-09, New Leadership), Felicia Barron (2007-08, Springfield Central), Carolyn Swords (2006–07, Lincoln-Sudbury), Laura Lokitis (2003-04, Tabor Academy), and Shannon Kirwan (2002-03, Melrose) among the state’s list of former award winners.
Here are the winners from the other five New England states:
CONNECTICUT: KRISTIN SCHATZLEIN, TOLLAND
The 6-foot senior guard has led the Eagles to a 22-3 record and a berth in the Class M state semifinals against Ellington, scheduled for March 9. Through 25 games, Schatzlein was averaging 20.3 points, 9.9 rebounds, 6.3 assists, 5.5 steals and 2.1 blocks. A four-time All-Conference selection, she was named All-State by the New Haven Register and the Hartford Courant as a junior.
Schatzlein has maintained a B average in the classroom. She has volunteered locally on behalf of youth basketball programs and has raised funds to benefit diabetes research.
“Schatzlein never gets rattled on the floor and always wants the ball when the game is on the line,” said Dan Matthews, head coach at Bloomfield High. “She shoots the ball extremely well from beyond the arc, but she also handles the ball well.”
Schatzlein has signed a National Letter of Intent to play basketball on an athletic scholarship at Fairfield University this fall.
RHODE ISLAND: KAILEY FUGERE, WOONSOCKET
The 5-foot-9 senior forward averaged 21.2 points, 11.6 rebounds, 2.7 blocks, 2.4 steals and 1.5 assists per game this past season, leading the Lady Novans (16-9) to the Division I state quarterfinals. A 2011 Second Team All-State selection, Fugere shot 59.7 percent from the field and 69.8 percent from the free throw line. The state’s leading scorer as a senior, she concluded her prep basketball career with 1,360 points and 849 rebounds.
Fugere has maintained a B-plus average in the classroom. She has volunteered locally on behalf of a literacy-outreach program, as a volleyball and bowling coach for physically and intellectually challenged youth and with the Respite Program, serving families with special-needs children.
“Kailey Fugere can really play,” said Gary Martinelli, head coach at Ponaganset High. “She is difficult to match up with because she is so smart and strong. She is very active and has good footwork and great hands.”
Fugere will attend Rhode Island College, where she will play basketball, beginning this fall.
NEW HAMPSHIRE: KIRSTEN O'NEIL, WINNACUNNET
The 5-foot-7 senior point guard has led the Warriors to a 21-1 record and a berth in the Division I state semifinals against Londonderry High, scheduled for March 7. O’Neil averaged 15.6 points, 10.2 assists, 4.0 steals, 3.0 rebounds and 0.7 blocks per game entering the state final four as Winnacunnet chases its sixth straight state title. The Warriors own a 70-1 record with the 2011 Division I Second Team All-State selection and three-year starter in the lineup.
O’Neil has maintained a 3.02 GPA in the classroom. A two-time Division I First Team All-State forward on the Winnacunnet girls soccer team, she has volunteered locally as a youth basketball and youth soccer instructor and as a peer leader for Winnacunnet High freshmen.
“Kirsten O’Neil is a smart player from the guard position,” said Dan Casey, head coach at Dover High. “I have seen her have a big impact on games when she is not shooting well by distributing the ball and creating havoc with her perimeter defensive pressure. She has a great understanding of what her team needs from her in order to win games.”
O’Neil has signed a National Letter of Intent to play soccer on an athletic scholarship at San Diego State University this fall.
MAINE: MEGHAN GRIBBON, WINDHAM
The 5-foot-5 senior point guard averaged 20.4 points, 5.3 rebounds, 4.1 assists and 2.5 steals this past season, leading the Eagles to the Class A Western Conference semifinals. The 2012 Southern Maine Athletic Association Player of the Year, Gribbin is a 2012 Maine Miss Basketball finalist.
Gribbin has maintained a 95 average in the classroom. A member of the National Honor Society and the Spanish Honor Society, she has volunteered locally as an elementary school tutor and as a youth soccer and basketball coach.
“Meghan Gribbin was the catalyst for all of her team’s success,” said Laughn Berthiaume, head coach at Gorham High. “She was able to control the game’s tempo and she knew how to score in multiple ways. If Windham was up late in the game, she was able to dictate how the game would end.”
Gribbin remains undecided upon a collegiate destination.
VERMONT: SARAH ILLINGWORTH, HARTFORD
The 6-foot-1 senior center led the Hurricanes to a 15-5 record and a berth in the Division 2 playoffs against Otter Valley, scheduled for March 7. Illingworth averaged 12.8 points, 10.3 rebounds and 1.4 steals per game entering the postseason. She is a First Team All-Marble Valley honoree and a member of the Vermont Basketball Coaches Association Dream Dozen.
Illingworth has maintained a 4.02 GPA in the classroom and represents one of the state’s top academic candidates in meeting the Gatorade Award’s broad criteria. She has volunteered locally on behalf of a community food shelf for the needy and youth basketball programs.
“Illingworth works really hard and she’s tough on the inside,” said Terry Merrow, head coach at Burr and Burton Academy. “She rebounds well, scores in the low post and can hit that little elbow shot too. She’s a real student of the game.”
Illingworth has signed a National Letter of Intent to play basketball on an athletic scholarship at the University of Massachusetts-Lowell this fall.
In its 27th year of honoring the nation’s best high school athletes, The Gatorade Company, in collaboration with ESPNHS, today announced Oliver White of Noble & Greenough School as its 2011-12 Gatorade Massachusetts Boys Soccer Player of the Year. White is the second Gatorade Massachusetts Boys Soccer Player of the Year to be chosen from Noble & Greenough School.
The 5-foot-11, 165-pound senior forward scored 15 goals and passed for six assists this past season, leading the Bulldogs (13-3-1) to the New England Prep School Athletic Council Class A tournament quarterfinals. A two-time Boston Globe All-Scholastic selection, White is a two-time Independent School League Offensive Player of the Year. He concluded his prep soccer career with 41 goals and 16 assists.
White has maintained a B average in the classroom. He has volunteered locally as a mentor to minority students at Nobles, a youth soccer coach and with sled hockey, a sit-down hockey game for people with disabilities.
“Oliver White has been the primary reason that Nobles has won the league over the past two years,” said Paul Sugg, head coach of Roxbury Latin School. “Without him, they don’t come close to scoring as many goals over the course of both seasons. He is not a selfish scorer who doesn’t contribute in other areas. He works hard, he’s physical and athletic, and he’s a presence at all times.”
White will attend Harvard University this fall, where he will play soccer.
White joins recent Gatorade Massachusetts Boys Soccer Players of the Year Cole DeNormandie (2010–11, Lincoln-Sudbury, Leon Brown, (2009-10, Roxbury Latin), Charlie Rugg (2008–09, Rivers), Jan Trnka-Amrhein (2007-08, Noble & Greenough), and Ben Slingerland (2006-2007, St. John's Prep) among the state’s list of former award winners.
Below are the Gatorade boys soccer Player of the Year recipients from the five other New England states:
CONNECTICUT: ZACH ZURITA, BUNNELL
The 5-foot-9, 155-pound senior forward led the Bulldogs to a 20-2-2 record and the Class L state championship this past season. Zurita scored 43 goals and passed for 14 assists, including 11 goals and three assists in the state tournament. The 2011 Connecticut Soccer Coaches Association Player of the Year and an All-American selection by the National Soccer Coaches Association of America, Zurita had a goal and two assists in Bunnell’s 3-0 win over Avon High for the state title. He concluded his prep soccer career with 96 goals and 42 assists.
Zurita has maintained a B-plus average in the classroom. He has volunteered locally as a youth soccer coach and has worked at Soccer & Rugby Imports in Southport.
“Zach Zurita has got real savvy,” said Brian Quinn, Zurita’s club coach with South Central Premier. “He’s very, very skillful, he’s got great instincts in front of the goal and his work rate is very good. He’s one of the best players the state has produced in a long time.”
Zurita has signed a National Letter of Intent to play soccer on an athletic scholarship at Monmouth University in New Jersey this fall.
Zurita joins recent Gatorade Connecticut Boys Soccer Players of the Year Kevin Michalak (2010 – 11, Farmington), Kofi Agyapong, (2009-10, St. Luke's), Colin Bradley (2008–09 Avon Old Farms), Pat Boucher (2007-08, Cromwell), and Ryan Kinne (2006-2007, Naugatuck) among the state’s list of former award winners.
RHODE ISLAND: COLIN PATCH, LA SALLE ACADEMY
The 6-foot-2 senior defensive midfielder led the Rams to a 15-1-5 record and the Division 1 state championship this past season. Patch scored seven goals and passed for 12 assists while helping the defense record 10 shutouts. An All-American selection by the National Soccer Coaches Association of America, Patch is a two-time Providence Journal First Team All-State honoree. He concluded his prep soccer career with 19 goals and 30 assists.
Patch has maintained a weighted A-minus average in the classroom. He has volunteered locally as a landscaper/painter, on behalf of a homeless shelter and food bank and he has completed a service-mission trip to Costa Rica.
“Colin Patch was the best player in Rhode Island,” said Tony Vieira, head coach of East Providence High. “He’s a good ball-winner with a great range of passing and field awareness. If I had to pick one guy I could steal and put on my team it would have been Colin.”
Patch will attend Connecticut College this fall, where he will play soccer.
Patch joins recent Gatorade Rhode Island Boys Soccer Players of the Year Marcos Ugarte (2010–11, Providence Country Day), Nick Dubee (2009-10, 2008–09, Chariho), and Brett Uttley (2007-08, 2006-2007, North Kingstown) among the state’s list of former award winners.
NEW HAMPSHIRE: BRIAN HART, PHILIPS EXETER
The 6-foot-2 senior forward scored 35 goals and passed for 13 assists this past season to lead the Big Red (18-2) to the New England Prep School Athletic Council semifinals. A Boston Globe All-Scholastic and the NEPSAC Class A MVP, Hart broke the school’s single-season and career records for goals scored.
Hart has maintained a B average in the classroom. Also a hockey standout, he has volunteered locally on behalf of the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life and a youth skating program.
“Brian Hart is an absolute monster, a beast,” said Bill Scott, head coach of rival Phillips Academy Andover. “He’s as good a prep player as I’ve seen in a long time, and I’ve been coaching for 31 years. He’s quick and strong and runs through people, but his skill level is stunningly good.”
Hart will attend Harvard University this fall, where he will play hockey.
Hart joins recent Gatorade New Hampshire Boys Soccer Players of the Year Eric Jayne (2010–11, Hanover), Josh Vlasich, (2009-10, Exeter), Kenny Kolbeck (2008–09 Pinkerton Academy), Brad Hilton (2007-08, Merrimack) and Robbie McLarney (2006-2007, Londonderry) among the state’s list of former award winners.
MAINE: ROBBY LENTINE, WINDHAM
The 5-foot-8 senior midfielder scored 21 goals and passed for 10 assists this past season, leading the Eagles (16-2) to the Class A state championship. An All-New England selection by the National Soccer Coaches Association of America, Lentine was also named First Team All-State and the Maine Telegram Player of the Year.
Lentine has maintained an A average in the classroom. A Spanish tutor in his school, he has volunteered locally on behalf of youth soccer programs and a summer camp for children with life-threatening illnesses.
“Lentine seems to be able to take care of anything at any time,” said Rocco Frenzilli, head coach of rival Portland High. “Last year he was instrumental for them defensively, then this year he stepped up and took over more of an offensive role. He’s the kind of kid who will make you pay if you don’t watch him at all times.”
Lentine will attend Virginia’s Roanoke College this fall, where he will play soccer.
Lentine joins recent Gatorade Maine Boys Soccer Players of the Year Fazal Nabi (2010 – 11, Portland High School), Gabe Hoffman-Johnson (2009-10, 2008–09 Falmouth), Oliver Blum (2007-08, Greely), and Jordan Hale (2006-2007, Falmouth) among the state’s list of former award winners.
VERMONT: JACK SHEA, U-32
The 6-foot-2 senior midfielder scored 13 goals and passed for nine assists this past season, leading the Raiders to the Division 2 state championship game. An All-American selection by the National Soccer Coaches Association of America, Shea was also the Times Argus Player of the Year and a First Team All-State honoree.
Shea has maintained an A-minus average in the classroom. He has volunteered locally as a mentor for elementary school students in the community.
“You can’t usually find a kid who plays as hard as Shea does for as long as he does,” said Jason Miles, head coach of rival Montpelier High. “He’s really relentless, with a great motor. He’s also very skilled, he plays both ends and he’s great in transition.”
Shea has signed a National Letter of Intent to play soccer on scholarship at the University of Vermont this fall.
Shea joins recent Gatorade Vermont Boys Soccer Players of the Year Paul Bianchi (2010–11, Essex), Andrew Mercier, (2009-10, South Burlington), Rob Cole (2008–09 South Burlington), Tyler Macnee (2007-08, Champlain Valley Union) and Andy Borah (2006-2007, Champlain Valley Union) among the state’s list of former award winners.
The 5-foot-11, 165-pound senior forward scored 15 goals and passed for six assists this past season, leading the Bulldogs (13-3-1) to the New England Prep School Athletic Council Class A tournament quarterfinals. A two-time Boston Globe All-Scholastic selection, White is a two-time Independent School League Offensive Player of the Year. He concluded his prep soccer career with 41 goals and 16 assists.
White has maintained a B average in the classroom. He has volunteered locally as a mentor to minority students at Nobles, a youth soccer coach and with sled hockey, a sit-down hockey game for people with disabilities.
“Oliver White has been the primary reason that Nobles has won the league over the past two years,” said Paul Sugg, head coach of Roxbury Latin School. “Without him, they don’t come close to scoring as many goals over the course of both seasons. He is not a selfish scorer who doesn’t contribute in other areas. He works hard, he’s physical and athletic, and he’s a presence at all times.”
White will attend Harvard University this fall, where he will play soccer.
White joins recent Gatorade Massachusetts Boys Soccer Players of the Year Cole DeNormandie (2010–11, Lincoln-Sudbury, Leon Brown, (2009-10, Roxbury Latin), Charlie Rugg (2008–09, Rivers), Jan Trnka-Amrhein (2007-08, Noble & Greenough), and Ben Slingerland (2006-2007, St. John's Prep) among the state’s list of former award winners.
Below are the Gatorade boys soccer Player of the Year recipients from the five other New England states:
CONNECTICUT: ZACH ZURITA, BUNNELL
The 5-foot-9, 155-pound senior forward led the Bulldogs to a 20-2-2 record and the Class L state championship this past season. Zurita scored 43 goals and passed for 14 assists, including 11 goals and three assists in the state tournament. The 2011 Connecticut Soccer Coaches Association Player of the Year and an All-American selection by the National Soccer Coaches Association of America, Zurita had a goal and two assists in Bunnell’s 3-0 win over Avon High for the state title. He concluded his prep soccer career with 96 goals and 42 assists.
Zurita has maintained a B-plus average in the classroom. He has volunteered locally as a youth soccer coach and has worked at Soccer & Rugby Imports in Southport.
“Zach Zurita has got real savvy,” said Brian Quinn, Zurita’s club coach with South Central Premier. “He’s very, very skillful, he’s got great instincts in front of the goal and his work rate is very good. He’s one of the best players the state has produced in a long time.”
Zurita has signed a National Letter of Intent to play soccer on an athletic scholarship at Monmouth University in New Jersey this fall.
Zurita joins recent Gatorade Connecticut Boys Soccer Players of the Year Kevin Michalak (2010 – 11, Farmington), Kofi Agyapong, (2009-10, St. Luke's), Colin Bradley (2008–09 Avon Old Farms), Pat Boucher (2007-08, Cromwell), and Ryan Kinne (2006-2007, Naugatuck) among the state’s list of former award winners.
RHODE ISLAND: COLIN PATCH, LA SALLE ACADEMY
The 6-foot-2 senior defensive midfielder led the Rams to a 15-1-5 record and the Division 1 state championship this past season. Patch scored seven goals and passed for 12 assists while helping the defense record 10 shutouts. An All-American selection by the National Soccer Coaches Association of America, Patch is a two-time Providence Journal First Team All-State honoree. He concluded his prep soccer career with 19 goals and 30 assists.
Patch has maintained a weighted A-minus average in the classroom. He has volunteered locally as a landscaper/painter, on behalf of a homeless shelter and food bank and he has completed a service-mission trip to Costa Rica.
“Colin Patch was the best player in Rhode Island,” said Tony Vieira, head coach of East Providence High. “He’s a good ball-winner with a great range of passing and field awareness. If I had to pick one guy I could steal and put on my team it would have been Colin.”
Patch will attend Connecticut College this fall, where he will play soccer.
Patch joins recent Gatorade Rhode Island Boys Soccer Players of the Year Marcos Ugarte (2010–11, Providence Country Day), Nick Dubee (2009-10, 2008–09, Chariho), and Brett Uttley (2007-08, 2006-2007, North Kingstown) among the state’s list of former award winners.
NEW HAMPSHIRE: BRIAN HART, PHILIPS EXETER
The 6-foot-2 senior forward scored 35 goals and passed for 13 assists this past season to lead the Big Red (18-2) to the New England Prep School Athletic Council semifinals. A Boston Globe All-Scholastic and the NEPSAC Class A MVP, Hart broke the school’s single-season and career records for goals scored.
Hart has maintained a B average in the classroom. Also a hockey standout, he has volunteered locally on behalf of the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life and a youth skating program.
“Brian Hart is an absolute monster, a beast,” said Bill Scott, head coach of rival Phillips Academy Andover. “He’s as good a prep player as I’ve seen in a long time, and I’ve been coaching for 31 years. He’s quick and strong and runs through people, but his skill level is stunningly good.”
Hart will attend Harvard University this fall, where he will play hockey.
Hart joins recent Gatorade New Hampshire Boys Soccer Players of the Year Eric Jayne (2010–11, Hanover), Josh Vlasich, (2009-10, Exeter), Kenny Kolbeck (2008–09 Pinkerton Academy), Brad Hilton (2007-08, Merrimack) and Robbie McLarney (2006-2007, Londonderry) among the state’s list of former award winners.
MAINE: ROBBY LENTINE, WINDHAM
The 5-foot-8 senior midfielder scored 21 goals and passed for 10 assists this past season, leading the Eagles (16-2) to the Class A state championship. An All-New England selection by the National Soccer Coaches Association of America, Lentine was also named First Team All-State and the Maine Telegram Player of the Year.
Lentine has maintained an A average in the classroom. A Spanish tutor in his school, he has volunteered locally on behalf of youth soccer programs and a summer camp for children with life-threatening illnesses.
“Lentine seems to be able to take care of anything at any time,” said Rocco Frenzilli, head coach of rival Portland High. “Last year he was instrumental for them defensively, then this year he stepped up and took over more of an offensive role. He’s the kind of kid who will make you pay if you don’t watch him at all times.”
Lentine will attend Virginia’s Roanoke College this fall, where he will play soccer.
Lentine joins recent Gatorade Maine Boys Soccer Players of the Year Fazal Nabi (2010 – 11, Portland High School), Gabe Hoffman-Johnson (2009-10, 2008–09 Falmouth), Oliver Blum (2007-08, Greely), and Jordan Hale (2006-2007, Falmouth) among the state’s list of former award winners.
VERMONT: JACK SHEA, U-32
The 6-foot-2 senior midfielder scored 13 goals and passed for nine assists this past season, leading the Raiders to the Division 2 state championship game. An All-American selection by the National Soccer Coaches Association of America, Shea was also the Times Argus Player of the Year and a First Team All-State honoree.
Shea has maintained an A-minus average in the classroom. He has volunteered locally as a mentor for elementary school students in the community.
“You can’t usually find a kid who plays as hard as Shea does for as long as he does,” said Jason Miles, head coach of rival Montpelier High. “He’s really relentless, with a great motor. He’s also very skilled, he plays both ends and he’s great in transition.”
Shea has signed a National Letter of Intent to play soccer on scholarship at the University of Vermont this fall.
Shea joins recent Gatorade Vermont Boys Soccer Players of the Year Paul Bianchi (2010–11, Essex), Andrew Mercier, (2009-10, South Burlington), Rob Cole (2008–09 South Burlington), Tyler Macnee (2007-08, Champlain Valley Union) and Andy Borah (2006-2007, Champlain Valley Union) among the state’s list of former award winners.
ESPNHS' Ben Rohrbach previews the Gatorade Boys Soccer Player of the Year race for Massachusetts, today on the Gatorade Player of the Year blog. Among the favorites listed are Concord-Carlisle's Mike O'Brien, and Noble & Greenough's Oliver White.
Rohrbach writes:
Rohrbach writes:
Mike O’Brien
Senior midfielder, Concord-Carlisle (Concord, Mass.)
2011 Team record: 15-3-1 (Division 2)
2011 Team standing: Lost Division 2 state championship game
2011 Goals: 20
2011 Assists: 3
2011 Points per game: 1.00
Career goals: 46
Career assists: 11
Academics: A average
Collegiate destination: University of Pennsylvania
How he’s played herself into the State POY conversation: Tallied four goals and one assist in Concord-Carlisle’s seven-game run to the Division 2 state championship match. Directly responsible for 23 of the Patriots' 63 goals (36.5 percent). 2011 Boston Globe Division 2 Player of the Year. 2011 NSCAA State Player of the Year. 2011 NSCAA Scholar Athlete All-American selection. Three-time Dual County League All-Star.
Oliver White
Senior forward, Noble & Greenough School (Dedham, Mass.)
2011 Team record: 13-3-1 (Independent School League)
2011 Team standing: Lost in New England Prep School Athletic Council Class A quarterfinals
2011 Goals: 15
2011 Assists: 6
2011 Points per game: 1.24
Career goals: 41
Career assists: 16
Academics: B average
Collegiate destination: School Name (commitment)
How he’s played herself into the State POY conversation: Directly responsible for 21 of the Bulldogs’ 45 goals (46.7 percent). Two-time ISL Offensive Player of the Year. Two-time Boston Globe All-Scholastic selection.
Make no mistake, the Gatorade State Boys Soccer Player of the Year race isn’t over yet. Time remains for one standout student-athlete among thousands to rise to the top of our list. Here are some more of many who’ve been in the conversation throughout the 2011-12 campaign.
Devin Devoy: Senior forward, Bishop Feehan (Attleboro, Mass.)
Zachary Herivaux: Freshman midfielder, Beaver Country Day School (Chestnut Hill, Mass.)
Jack Hilger: Senior midfielder, Hopkinton (Mass.)
Jonathan Mendoza: Senior midfielder, Northfield Mount Hermon School (Gill, Mass.)
Chris Murray: Senior midfielder, Canton (Mass.)
Colchester High School's Lauren Bernard was selected as Vermont's Gatorade Player of the Year for girls' soccer when she was a junior. She may have been an even easier selection for the award following her senior season.
It was announced last week that Bernard, a senior forward, was named the state's top girls soccer player for the second consecutive year.
“She’s very strong technically and her left foot is deadly,” Vergennes coach Dwight Irish said. “If she has a little bit of room and she’s anywhere near the goal, she’s going to change the game.”
Bernard collected 24 goals and five assists last fall, when she led Colchester to the Division I quarterfinals. She is a two-time All-American (selected by the National Soccer Coaches' Association of America), a former member of the U.S. Soccer Federation Under-15 Girls National Team and is currently in the USAF's Under-18 player pool.
Bernard has signed a national letter of intent to play soccer at Boston College.
By winning at the state level, Bernard became a candidate for the Gatorade National Girls Soccer Player of the Year Award, which will be announced in May.
Previous winner of the award include Brittany Pfaff (2009-10, Rice), Natalie LeClair (2008-09 and 2007-08, Essex), and Emily Milbank (2006-07, CVU).
MCCORMICK, HOLBROOK SELECT SCHOOLS
Former Rice quarterback Christian McCormick and Milton lineman Jamie Holbrook have each decided where they will play football next season.
McCormick, who is currently spending a year of prep school at the Berkshire School in Sheffield, Mass., accepted a preferred walk-on spot by the University of New Hampshire. Holbrook signed a national letter of intent to play at Southern Connecticut University.
"What really stood out is the campus reminded me of being at home, but with football," McCormick said. "I'm excited about UNH. I know it's the right place for me."
McCormick was named Vermont's Gatorade Player of the Year following his senior season, when he threw for 2,619 yards and 37 touchdowns and led Rice to the Division II state championship. He was also Vermont's quarterback in last year's Shrine Maple Sugar Bowl.
McCormick helped Rice win state championships in basketball in his sophomore and senior seasons.
He also had an opportunity to join UNH as a walk-on last year, but opted for a year of prep school instead.
"Neither me or my dad thought I was ready for college academically," he said. "Holy Cross showed some interest and Wagner did too. There were also some Division III schools interested, but I wanted to try and compete at the highest level I can. [UNH] felt like a winning atmosphere."
Holbrook, who plays on both sides of the ball, also looked at UNH and several prep school options before he chose SCSU, a Division II school that competes in the Northeast-10 Conference.
ESSEX WINS SHOWDOWN
Second-period goals by Steve Morse and Steve Jurkiewicz helped the Essex boys' hockey team extend its regular-season unbeaten streak to 29 games (27-0-2) by beating South Burlington 4-2 Saturday in a battle between the state's two best ice hockey teams.
Essex raised its record to to 14-0-1. The Hornets haven't suffered a setback since they lost to Champlain Valley in last year's Division I championship game.
South Burlington, which entered the contest with a 13-game unbeaten streak, fell to 14-2-0.
After Pat Abbott handed Essex a 1-0 lead with a power-play goal, South Burlington responded with goals by Eric Craig and Sam Finkelstein. Essex regained the lead on goals by Morse and Jurkiewicz, and then J.T. Begnoche added an empty-net goal to complete the scoring.
Essex received 17 saves from Pat Campbell. South Burlington's Nathaniel Young stopped 29 shots.
SHOOTING STARS
Winooski point guard Devon Rollins and Lake Region point guard Kylie Atwood each scored the 1,000th point of their varsity careers recently.
Rollins reached 1,000 points when Winooski defeated Northfield, 67-41, on Feb. 1. Atwood tossed in her 1,000th point during Lake Region's 44-32 triumph over BFA-Fairfax on Monday night.
Rollins, a senior, entered the game six points shy of 1,000, and reached the milestone when he connected on a 3-pointer in the first quarter. He finished the game with 22 points.
Atwood needed 16 points against BFA-Fairfax to reach 1,000. She finished with 17, 13 of which came in the second half.
Roger Brown has been reporting on high school sports in New England since 1992. He publishes the New Hampshire Football Report, and covers high school football recruiting in the Northeast for ESPN/Scouts Inc.
It was announced last week that Bernard, a senior forward, was named the state's top girls soccer player for the second consecutive year.
“She’s very strong technically and her left foot is deadly,” Vergennes coach Dwight Irish said. “If she has a little bit of room and she’s anywhere near the goal, she’s going to change the game.”
Bernard collected 24 goals and five assists last fall, when she led Colchester to the Division I quarterfinals. She is a two-time All-American (selected by the National Soccer Coaches' Association of America), a former member of the U.S. Soccer Federation Under-15 Girls National Team and is currently in the USAF's Under-18 player pool.
Bernard has signed a national letter of intent to play soccer at Boston College.
By winning at the state level, Bernard became a candidate for the Gatorade National Girls Soccer Player of the Year Award, which will be announced in May.
Previous winner of the award include Brittany Pfaff (2009-10, Rice), Natalie LeClair (2008-09 and 2007-08, Essex), and Emily Milbank (2006-07, CVU).
MCCORMICK, HOLBROOK SELECT SCHOOLS
Former Rice quarterback Christian McCormick and Milton lineman Jamie Holbrook have each decided where they will play football next season.
McCormick, who is currently spending a year of prep school at the Berkshire School in Sheffield, Mass., accepted a preferred walk-on spot by the University of New Hampshire. Holbrook signed a national letter of intent to play at Southern Connecticut University.
"What really stood out is the campus reminded me of being at home, but with football," McCormick said. "I'm excited about UNH. I know it's the right place for me."
McCormick was named Vermont's Gatorade Player of the Year following his senior season, when he threw for 2,619 yards and 37 touchdowns and led Rice to the Division II state championship. He was also Vermont's quarterback in last year's Shrine Maple Sugar Bowl.
McCormick helped Rice win state championships in basketball in his sophomore and senior seasons.
He also had an opportunity to join UNH as a walk-on last year, but opted for a year of prep school instead.
"Neither me or my dad thought I was ready for college academically," he said. "Holy Cross showed some interest and Wagner did too. There were also some Division III schools interested, but I wanted to try and compete at the highest level I can. [UNH] felt like a winning atmosphere."
Holbrook, who plays on both sides of the ball, also looked at UNH and several prep school options before he chose SCSU, a Division II school that competes in the Northeast-10 Conference.
ESSEX WINS SHOWDOWN
Second-period goals by Steve Morse and Steve Jurkiewicz helped the Essex boys' hockey team extend its regular-season unbeaten streak to 29 games (27-0-2) by beating South Burlington 4-2 Saturday in a battle between the state's two best ice hockey teams.
Essex raised its record to to 14-0-1. The Hornets haven't suffered a setback since they lost to Champlain Valley in last year's Division I championship game.
South Burlington, which entered the contest with a 13-game unbeaten streak, fell to 14-2-0.
After Pat Abbott handed Essex a 1-0 lead with a power-play goal, South Burlington responded with goals by Eric Craig and Sam Finkelstein. Essex regained the lead on goals by Morse and Jurkiewicz, and then J.T. Begnoche added an empty-net goal to complete the scoring.
Essex received 17 saves from Pat Campbell. South Burlington's Nathaniel Young stopped 29 shots.
SHOOTING STARS
Winooski point guard Devon Rollins and Lake Region point guard Kylie Atwood each scored the 1,000th point of their varsity careers recently.
Rollins reached 1,000 points when Winooski defeated Northfield, 67-41, on Feb. 1. Atwood tossed in her 1,000th point during Lake Region's 44-32 triumph over BFA-Fairfax on Monday night.
Rollins, a senior, entered the game six points shy of 1,000, and reached the milestone when he connected on a 3-pointer in the first quarter. He finished the game with 22 points.
Atwood needed 16 points against BFA-Fairfax to reach 1,000. She finished with 17, 13 of which came in the second half.
Roger Brown has been reporting on high school sports in New England since 1992. He publishes the New Hampshire Football Report, and covers high school football recruiting in the Northeast for ESPN/Scouts Inc.
In its 27th year of honoring the nation’s best high school athletes, The Gatorade Company, in collaboration with ESPNHS, today announced Hayley Dowd of Peabody High School as its 2011-12 Gatorade Massachusetts Girls Soccer Player of the Year. Dowd is the first Gatorade Massachusetts Girls Soccer Player of the Year to be chosen from Peabody High School.
The award, which recognizes not only outstanding athletic excellence, but also high standards of academic achievement and exemplary character demonstrated on and off the field, distinguishes Dowd as Massachusetts’s best high school girls soccer player. Now a finalist for the prestigious Gatorade National Girls Soccer Player of the Year award to be announced in May, Dowd joins an elite alumni association of past state award-winners in 12 sports, including Abby Wambach (1997-98, Our Lady of Mercy, N.Y.), Derek Jeter (1991-92, Kalamazoo HS, Mich.), Candace Parker (2001-02, Naperville Central HS, Ill.), Alexi Lalas (1987-88, Cranbrook HS, Mich.), Heather O’Reilly (2001-02, East Brunswick HS, N.J.) and Mark Sanchez (2004-05, Mission Viejo HS, Calif.).
The 5-foot-5 junior forward led the Tanners to a 22-0-2 record and the Division 1 state championship this past season. Dowd scored 41 goals and passed for 19 assists, recording seven goals and three assists in six postseason matches. An All-American selection by the National Soccer Coaches Association of America, Dowd is a two-time Northeastern Conference MVP. She has 121 goals and 43 assists through three varsity seasons.
Dowd has maintained an A average in the classroom. A member of the Peabody High Captain’s Council, she has volunteered locally as a youth soccer coach.
“Hayley Dowd can score working with her team, she can go 1-on-1 and if she is double-teamed she finds her teammates with passes for easy goals” said Fred Day, Salem High's head coach. “She never stops working off the ball. I would pay to watch her play.”
Dowd has verbally committed to play soccer on an athletic scholarship at Boston College beginning in the fall of 2013.
Dowd joins recent Gatorade Massachusetts Girls Soccer Players of the Year Sam Mewis (2010–11, 2009-10, Whitman-Hanson), Danielle Dakin (2008–09, Minnechaug), Hayley Brock (2007-08, Acton-Boxborough), and Amy Caldwell (2006-07, Braintree) among the state’s list of former award winners.
Here are the winners from the other five New England states:
CONNECTICUT: PAULA HAGOPIAN, KINGSWOOD-OXFORD
The 5-foot-4 senior forward scored 13 goals and passed for 10 assists this past season, leading the Wyverns to a 5-7-2 record. Also the 2011 Connecticut Soccer Coaches Association Player of the Year and a two-time All-American selection by the National Soccer Coaches Association of America, Hagopian led Kingswood Oxford to the 2010 New England Prep School Athletic Council Class B championship. She concluded her prep soccer career with 56 goals and 35 assists.
Hagopian has maintained a 3.73 GPA in the classroom. The first chair clarinet player in the Kingswood Oxford school band, she has volunteered locally as a peer tutor and at an area homeless shelter and food bank.
“Paula is so strong that defenders bounce off her,” said Matt Micros, a club coach with Connecticut FC. “She can hold the ball up well and also spin defenders with ease. What she lacks in technique she more than make up for with power and pace.”
Hagopian will attend Yale University where she will play soccer beginning this fall.
Hagopian joins recent Gatorade Connecticut Girls Soccer Players of the Year Riley Houle (2010–11, Windham), Kate McCarthy, (2009-10, Loomis Chaffee), Jessica Schloth (2008–09, St. Joseph), Alex Uscilla (2007-08, St. Joseph), and Bianca D’Agostino (2006-07, Loomis Chaffee) among the state’s list of former award winners.
RHODE ISLAND: McKENZIE MEEHAN, LA SALLE
The 5-foot-5 senior forward led the Rams to a 20-0-2 record and the Division 1 state championship this past season. Meehan scored 80 goals and passed for 14 assists, including two goals and two assists in a 6-2 win over Smithfield High in the state final. The returning Gatorade Rhode Island Girls Soccer Player of the Year, Meehan is a two-time All-American selection by the National Soccer Coaches Association of America. She recorded 16 hat tricks in 22 games with six four-goal games, four five-goal games and three six-goal games, concluding her prep soccer career with 181 goals and 41 assists.
Meehan has maintained an A average in the classroom. A member of La Salle’s Pegasus Gifted Student Program, she has volunteered locally as a peer Spanish tutor and a youth soccer coach.
“McKenzie Meehan should be on the national team,” said Keith Caldwell, Meehan’s coach with the Scorpions SC club team. “She’s the best goal-scorer I’ve ever seen. She is strong, athletic, tough and she holds the ball well. She’s not flashy. She just scores goals.”
Meehan has signed a National Letter of Intent to play soccer on an athletic scholarship at Boston College beginning this fall.
Meehan joins recent Gatorade Rhode Island Girls Soccer Players of the Year Allison Kelley, (2009-10, 2008-09, La Salle), Katie Reilly (2007-08, St. Mary Academy-Bay View), and Erica Florenz (2006-2007, Scituate) among the state’s list of former award winners.
NEW HAMPSHIRE: MORGAN ANDREWS, MILFORD
The 5-foot-9 junior forward scored 31 goals and passed for six assists this past season, leading the Spartans (11-6-1) to the Division II state quarterfinals. The returning Gatorade New Hampshire Girls Soccer Player of the Year, Andrews is captain of the U.S. Soccer Under-17 Women’s National Team and is a member of the Under-23 National Team. The 2011 National Soccer Coaches Association of America National Girls Youth Player of the Year for club play and a two-time NSCAA All-American selection, she has 83 goals and 35 assists in three varsity campaigns.
Andrews has maintained a 3.03 GPA in the classroom. She has volunteered locally as a youth soccer coach and mentor, and she founded a local “Kicks for Cans” charity program that involves coaches and players donating their time in exchange for canned goods that are brought to area food banks.
“Morgan Andrews, the kid’s a phenom,” said Jason Dewhurst, the director of coaching for the Stars of Massachusetts club team. “She plays way above her years. She always shows up to play, whether it’s training or games, it doesn’t matter. She’s a fierce competitor and wants to win. She deserves all the accolades she gets.”
Andrews has verbally committed to play soccer on an athletic scholarship at Boston College beginning in the fall of 2013.
Andrews joins recent Gatorade New Hampshire Girls Soccer Players of the Year Kailey Blain (2009-10, 2008-09, Merrimack), Kristy Zurmuhlen (2007-08, Fall Mountain Regional, and Lindsey Miller (2006-07, Bishop Guertin) among the state’s list of former award winners.
MAINE: CAITLIN BUCKSBAUM, FALMOUTH
The 5-foot-5 junior midfielder led the Yachtsmen to a 13-4-1 record and the Class B state championship this past season. Bucksbaum scored 10 goals and passed for 11 assists. In her first year at Falmouth High, Bucksbaum was a Maine Sunday Telegram First Team All-State selection and earned First Team All-Western Maine Conference recognition. As a sophomore in 2010, she started for Ardrey Kell High in Charlotte, N.C., which reached the Class 4A state final.
Bucksbaum has maintained an A average in the classroom. A member of Falmouth High’s Environmental Action Committee, she has volunteered locally as a peer math tutor, a youth soccer coach and with the Ronald McDonald House.
“Caitlin Bucksbaum is a good player. Her appetite to get better is amazing,” said Jason Dewhurst, the director of coaching for the Stars of Massachusetts club team. “She’s quick, athletic, has good feet and can strike a ball from distance.”
Bucksbaum joins recent Gatorade Maine Girls Soccer Players of the Year Allison Walton (2010–11, 2009-10, Brunswick, Elise Amioka (2008–09, Marshwood), Rachele Burns (2007-08, Gorham), and Kelsey Wilson (2006-07, Gorham) among the state’s list of former award winners.
VERMONT: LAUREN BERNARD, COLCHESTER
The 5-foot-3 senior forward/midfielder scored 24 goals and passed for five assists this past season, leading the Lakers (7-6-2) to the Div. I state quarterfinals. The state’s returning Gatorade Girls Soccer Player of the Year, Bernard is a two-time All-American selection by the National Soccer Coaches Association of America and was chosen as Burlington Free Press Player of the Year. She is a former member of the U.S. Soccer Federation Under-15 Women’s National Team, and a current member of the Under-18 National Team player pool.
Bernard has maintained a 3.93 GPA in the classroom. She has volunteered locally with youth soccer programs and camps.
“She’s very strong technically and her left foot is deadly,” said Dwight Irish, head coach of rival Vergennes High. “If she has a little bit of room and she’s anywhere near the goal, she’s going to change the game.”
Bernard has signed a National Letter of Intent to play soccer on scholarship at Boston College this fall.
Bernard joins recent Gatorade Vermont Girls Soccer Players of the Year Brittany Pfaff, (2009-10, Rice Memorial), Natalie LeClair (2008–09, 2007-08, Essex), and Emily Milbank (2006-07, Champlain Valley Union) among the state’s list of former award winners.
The award, which recognizes not only outstanding athletic excellence, but also high standards of academic achievement and exemplary character demonstrated on and off the field, distinguishes Dowd as Massachusetts’s best high school girls soccer player. Now a finalist for the prestigious Gatorade National Girls Soccer Player of the Year award to be announced in May, Dowd joins an elite alumni association of past state award-winners in 12 sports, including Abby Wambach (1997-98, Our Lady of Mercy, N.Y.), Derek Jeter (1991-92, Kalamazoo HS, Mich.), Candace Parker (2001-02, Naperville Central HS, Ill.), Alexi Lalas (1987-88, Cranbrook HS, Mich.), Heather O’Reilly (2001-02, East Brunswick HS, N.J.) and Mark Sanchez (2004-05, Mission Viejo HS, Calif.).
The 5-foot-5 junior forward led the Tanners to a 22-0-2 record and the Division 1 state championship this past season. Dowd scored 41 goals and passed for 19 assists, recording seven goals and three assists in six postseason matches. An All-American selection by the National Soccer Coaches Association of America, Dowd is a two-time Northeastern Conference MVP. She has 121 goals and 43 assists through three varsity seasons.
Dowd has maintained an A average in the classroom. A member of the Peabody High Captain’s Council, she has volunteered locally as a youth soccer coach.
“Hayley Dowd can score working with her team, she can go 1-on-1 and if she is double-teamed she finds her teammates with passes for easy goals” said Fred Day, Salem High's head coach. “She never stops working off the ball. I would pay to watch her play.”
Dowd has verbally committed to play soccer on an athletic scholarship at Boston College beginning in the fall of 2013.
Dowd joins recent Gatorade Massachusetts Girls Soccer Players of the Year Sam Mewis (2010–11, 2009-10, Whitman-Hanson), Danielle Dakin (2008–09, Minnechaug), Hayley Brock (2007-08, Acton-Boxborough), and Amy Caldwell (2006-07, Braintree) among the state’s list of former award winners.
Here are the winners from the other five New England states:
CONNECTICUT: PAULA HAGOPIAN, KINGSWOOD-OXFORD
The 5-foot-4 senior forward scored 13 goals and passed for 10 assists this past season, leading the Wyverns to a 5-7-2 record. Also the 2011 Connecticut Soccer Coaches Association Player of the Year and a two-time All-American selection by the National Soccer Coaches Association of America, Hagopian led Kingswood Oxford to the 2010 New England Prep School Athletic Council Class B championship. She concluded her prep soccer career with 56 goals and 35 assists.
Hagopian has maintained a 3.73 GPA in the classroom. The first chair clarinet player in the Kingswood Oxford school band, she has volunteered locally as a peer tutor and at an area homeless shelter and food bank.
“Paula is so strong that defenders bounce off her,” said Matt Micros, a club coach with Connecticut FC. “She can hold the ball up well and also spin defenders with ease. What she lacks in technique she more than make up for with power and pace.”
Hagopian will attend Yale University where she will play soccer beginning this fall.
Hagopian joins recent Gatorade Connecticut Girls Soccer Players of the Year Riley Houle (2010–11, Windham), Kate McCarthy, (2009-10, Loomis Chaffee), Jessica Schloth (2008–09, St. Joseph), Alex Uscilla (2007-08, St. Joseph), and Bianca D’Agostino (2006-07, Loomis Chaffee) among the state’s list of former award winners.
RHODE ISLAND: McKENZIE MEEHAN, LA SALLE
The 5-foot-5 senior forward led the Rams to a 20-0-2 record and the Division 1 state championship this past season. Meehan scored 80 goals and passed for 14 assists, including two goals and two assists in a 6-2 win over Smithfield High in the state final. The returning Gatorade Rhode Island Girls Soccer Player of the Year, Meehan is a two-time All-American selection by the National Soccer Coaches Association of America. She recorded 16 hat tricks in 22 games with six four-goal games, four five-goal games and three six-goal games, concluding her prep soccer career with 181 goals and 41 assists.
Meehan has maintained an A average in the classroom. A member of La Salle’s Pegasus Gifted Student Program, she has volunteered locally as a peer Spanish tutor and a youth soccer coach.
“McKenzie Meehan should be on the national team,” said Keith Caldwell, Meehan’s coach with the Scorpions SC club team. “She’s the best goal-scorer I’ve ever seen. She is strong, athletic, tough and she holds the ball well. She’s not flashy. She just scores goals.”
Meehan has signed a National Letter of Intent to play soccer on an athletic scholarship at Boston College beginning this fall.
Meehan joins recent Gatorade Rhode Island Girls Soccer Players of the Year Allison Kelley, (2009-10, 2008-09, La Salle), Katie Reilly (2007-08, St. Mary Academy-Bay View), and Erica Florenz (2006-2007, Scituate) among the state’s list of former award winners.
NEW HAMPSHIRE: MORGAN ANDREWS, MILFORD
The 5-foot-9 junior forward scored 31 goals and passed for six assists this past season, leading the Spartans (11-6-1) to the Division II state quarterfinals. The returning Gatorade New Hampshire Girls Soccer Player of the Year, Andrews is captain of the U.S. Soccer Under-17 Women’s National Team and is a member of the Under-23 National Team. The 2011 National Soccer Coaches Association of America National Girls Youth Player of the Year for club play and a two-time NSCAA All-American selection, she has 83 goals and 35 assists in three varsity campaigns.
Andrews has maintained a 3.03 GPA in the classroom. She has volunteered locally as a youth soccer coach and mentor, and she founded a local “Kicks for Cans” charity program that involves coaches and players donating their time in exchange for canned goods that are brought to area food banks.
“Morgan Andrews, the kid’s a phenom,” said Jason Dewhurst, the director of coaching for the Stars of Massachusetts club team. “She plays way above her years. She always shows up to play, whether it’s training or games, it doesn’t matter. She’s a fierce competitor and wants to win. She deserves all the accolades she gets.”
Andrews has verbally committed to play soccer on an athletic scholarship at Boston College beginning in the fall of 2013.
Andrews joins recent Gatorade New Hampshire Girls Soccer Players of the Year Kailey Blain (2009-10, 2008-09, Merrimack), Kristy Zurmuhlen (2007-08, Fall Mountain Regional, and Lindsey Miller (2006-07, Bishop Guertin) among the state’s list of former award winners.
MAINE: CAITLIN BUCKSBAUM, FALMOUTH
The 5-foot-5 junior midfielder led the Yachtsmen to a 13-4-1 record and the Class B state championship this past season. Bucksbaum scored 10 goals and passed for 11 assists. In her first year at Falmouth High, Bucksbaum was a Maine Sunday Telegram First Team All-State selection and earned First Team All-Western Maine Conference recognition. As a sophomore in 2010, she started for Ardrey Kell High in Charlotte, N.C., which reached the Class 4A state final.
Bucksbaum has maintained an A average in the classroom. A member of Falmouth High’s Environmental Action Committee, she has volunteered locally as a peer math tutor, a youth soccer coach and with the Ronald McDonald House.
“Caitlin Bucksbaum is a good player. Her appetite to get better is amazing,” said Jason Dewhurst, the director of coaching for the Stars of Massachusetts club team. “She’s quick, athletic, has good feet and can strike a ball from distance.”
Bucksbaum joins recent Gatorade Maine Girls Soccer Players of the Year Allison Walton (2010–11, 2009-10, Brunswick, Elise Amioka (2008–09, Marshwood), Rachele Burns (2007-08, Gorham), and Kelsey Wilson (2006-07, Gorham) among the state’s list of former award winners.
VERMONT: LAUREN BERNARD, COLCHESTER
The 5-foot-3 senior forward/midfielder scored 24 goals and passed for five assists this past season, leading the Lakers (7-6-2) to the Div. I state quarterfinals. The state’s returning Gatorade Girls Soccer Player of the Year, Bernard is a two-time All-American selection by the National Soccer Coaches Association of America and was chosen as Burlington Free Press Player of the Year. She is a former member of the U.S. Soccer Federation Under-15 Women’s National Team, and a current member of the Under-18 National Team player pool.
Bernard has maintained a 3.93 GPA in the classroom. She has volunteered locally with youth soccer programs and camps.
“She’s very strong technically and her left foot is deadly,” said Dwight Irish, head coach of rival Vergennes High. “If she has a little bit of room and she’s anywhere near the goal, she’s going to change the game.”
Bernard has signed a National Letter of Intent to play soccer on scholarship at Boston College this fall.
Bernard joins recent Gatorade Vermont Girls Soccer Players of the Year Brittany Pfaff, (2009-10, Rice Memorial), Natalie LeClair (2008–09, 2007-08, Essex), and Emily Milbank (2006-07, Champlain Valley Union) among the state’s list of former award winners.
ESPNHS is breaking down the race for Gatorade Player of the Year in basketball across each state over the next few weeks. Today, Ben Rohrbach details the girls basketball race in Massachusetts, and to nobody's surprise the frontrunner is Andover guard Nicole Boudreau.
Boudreau, the leader of ESPNBoston.com's No. 1 team in the land, took Gatorade Player of the Year honors last year as well as ESPN Boston's inaugural Miss Basketball award. She has the Golden Warriors undefeated so far, and a favorite to become the first squad to win three straight Division 1 state titles in nearly 15 seasons.
Here's how Boudreau breaks down, courtesy of ESPNHS:
Boudreau, the leader of ESPNBoston.com's No. 1 team in the land, took Gatorade Player of the Year honors last year as well as ESPN Boston's inaugural Miss Basketball award. She has the Golden Warriors undefeated so far, and a favorite to become the first squad to win three straight Division 1 state titles in nearly 15 seasons.
Here's how Boudreau breaks down, courtesy of ESPNHS:
Name: Nicole Boudreau
School: Andover (Mass.)
Grade: Senior
Position: Guard
Height: 5-foot-8
Notes: 2010-11 Gatorade Massachusetts Girls Basketball Player of the Year. Led the Warriors (27-1) to the 2011 Division 1 state title. No. 85 ranked guard in Class of 2012 as rated by ESPNHS HoopGurlz. 2010 and 2011 Division 1 state champion.
Academics: 4.0 weighted GPA
College: Boston College (verbal)
Extracurricular activities: An elite teen golfer who is the junior champion at Andover Country Club, she has volunteered locally as a youth basketball coach and tutor.
Sue Downer, head coach of rival Central Catholic (Lawrence, Mass.): “Nicole Boudreau is their leader, their emotional leader. When they’re down, she’s the one rallying them together. She wants the big shot. Nicole has elevated her game. You know she’s a fantastic shooter, but she’s got a great drive, too. That’s the aspect she’s gotten better at. She can now go inside, which before she couldn’t really do.”
ABOUT THIS BLOG
Scott Barboza
Scott Barboza joined ESPNBoston.com as a high schools editor/reporter in May 2010. He spent the previous three seasons working in the New England Patriots media relations department after a stint at the Taunton Daily Gazette, where he covered everything from Little League baseball to the Boston Red Sox. The Fall River native is a graduate of Emerson College. He can be reached at sbarboza@espnboston.com.
Brendan Hall
Brendan Hall joined ESPNBoston.com as a high schools reporter/editor in May 2010, after four years covering high schools for The Boston Globe. The Westminster, Mass. native also served on the Globe's Bruins beat last season. Hall is a graduate of UMass Amherst. He can be reached at bhall@espnboston.com.
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