ESPN

Brighton High's Malik James and Reading High's Olivia Healy stopped by ESPNBoston.com's Foxborough office yesterday afternoon, where they were officially presented their trophies as the state's player of the year, the "Mr. Basketball" and "Miss Basketball" awards, respectively.

James, a 6-foot-1 point guard, was masterful in Brighton’s run to its first-ever MIAA Division 2 state championship in school history. He averaged 20 points per game over a six-game run through the tournament, which culminated with a 59-41 win over South Hadley in Saturday’s state final at Worcester’s DCU Center. Most dramatically, he led the Bengals to a comeback victory over Scituate in the Eastern Mass. final at TD Garden. Brighton trailed by 11 points with four minutes to go, but James sealed the victory with a three-point play with 1.8 seconds to go.

Healy, a 5-foot-10 guard/forward, led the state in scoring average (27.5 points per game), and shot 54.1 percent from the field -- including a 41 percent clip from three-point range. She also averaged 11.5 rebounds, 5.3 steals and 3.8 assists per game. She leaves Reading as the school's all-time leading scorer of either gender, at 1,897 points, breaking the previous mark set in 1985. In her four seasons with the Reading varsity, the Rockets went 86-7 with four Middlesex League titles, two MIAA Division 2 North titles, an Eastern Mass. Championship and the school's first-ever state title in 2012. The Rockets also endured a 48-game win streak, starting at the beginning of the 2011-12 season and snapping on March 11 in the Eastern Mass. Championship at TD Garden.

Both are expected to fulfill Division 1 aspirations following graduation. Healy signed a letter of intent with the University of Richmond last November, while James is expected to finish up next year at prep school. Yesterday, during the awards presentation, James received his first Division 1 scholarship offer, from Canisius College, for the 2014-15 season.

In its 28th year of honoring the nation’s best high school athletes, The Gatorade Company, in collaboration with USA TODAY High School Sports, today announced Olivia Healy of Reading Memorial High School as its 2012-13 Gatorade Massachusetts Girls Basketball Player of the Year. Healy is the first Gatorade Massachusetts Girls Basketball Player of the Year to be chosen from Reading Memorial 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 court, distinguishes Healy as Massachusetts’s best high school girls basketball player. Now a finalist for the prestigious Gatorade National Girls Basketball Player of the Year award announced in March, Healy joins an elite alumni association of past state girls basketball award-winners, including Candace Parker (2001-02, Naperville Central HS, Ill.), Diana Taurasi (1998-99 & 1999-00, Don Antonio Lugo HS, Calif.), Maya Moore (2005-06 Collins Hill HS, Ga.), Rashanda McCants (2004-05, Asheville HS, N.C.), Shyra Ely (1999-00, Ben Davis HS, Ind.) and Lisa Leslie (1988-89, Morningside HS, Calif.).

The 5-foot-10 senior guard/forward averaged 27.8 points, 11.0 rebounds, 5.3 steals, 3.8 assists and 2.0 blocks per game this past season, leading the Warriors (23-1) to the Division 2 state semifinals. A three-time Middlesex League Player of the Year, Healy is also a two-time Boston Globe and Boston Herald All-Scholastic and ESPN Boston All-State, and led Reading to the 2012 Division 2 state title. She concluded her prep basketball career with a school-record 1,899 points.

Healy has maintained a 3.27 GPA in the classroom. She has participated in an anti-bullying video as part of the Massachusetts Interscholastic Athletic Association 12th Annual Student Sportsmanship Essay/Multimedia Contest and has volunteered locally as part of a fundraising campaign to benefit the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute in addition to donating her time as a youth basketball and volleyball coach.

“Olivia Healy does anything and everything necessary for her team to win,” said Steve Sullivan, head coach at Woburn High. “She is putting up incredible stats while doing all the little things necessary to help her team win in spite of being the focal point of every defense she plays.”

Healy has signed a national letter of intent to play basketball on an athletic scholarship at the University of Richmond beginning this fall.

The Gatorade Player of the Year program annually recognizes one winner in the District of Columbia and each of the 50 states that sanction high school football, girls volleyball, boys and girls cross country, boys and girls basketball, boys and girls soccer, baseball, softball, and boys and girls track & field, and awards one National Player of the Year in each sport. The selection process is administered by the Gatorade high school sports leadership team in partnership with USA TODAY High School Sports, which work with top sport-specific experts and a media advisory board of accomplished, veteran prep sports journalists to determine the state winners in each sport.

Healy joins recent Gatorade Massachusetts Girls Basketball Players of the Year Nicole Boudreau (2011-12 & 2010-11, Andover High School), Lauren Battista (2009-10, Oliver Ames), Bilqis Abdul-Qaadir (2008-09, New Leadership Charter School), Felicia Barron (2007-08, Springfield Central), and Carolyn Swords (2006–07, Lincoln-Sudbury) among the state’s list of former award winners.

LOWELL, Mass. -– Few players across Massachusetts have separated themselves from the pack the way Reading’s Olivia Healy has this season. But you don’t get to 48 straight wins and now two straight Division 2 North titles with one player carrying the team on her back every night.

Championship-caliber teams always get clutch production from serviceable role players. This morning in the D2 North final at the Tsongas Center, in a sluggish day of offense, that fell unto junior forward Sarah Haase. The 5-foot-9 pivot came up with 19 points and 11 boards as the Rockets downed North Andover easily, 50-33, for their second straight D2 North title.

“We’ve been here before, so I kind of expected what the stadium would look like,” Haase said. “We came here early, got a good warmup. I just came to play, and I had my team’s support, my team’s help with the assists and everything. That helped out a lot.”

The Richmond-bound Healy ended up with a quality night as well, tallying a double-double (18 points, 10 rebounds) while facing a box-and-one defense. But her ball movement helped the Rockets break their sluggish offensive start, tallying five assists on the afternoon -– several of those going to Haase.

“She was unbelievable,” Healy said of Haase. “She owned the points, she kept on putting it in strong, but her rebounding was ridiculous too. She got some crucial rebounds, she got them for us at the Comcast Tournament [last month]. She’s been stepping her game up.”

Said Reading coach Kim Penney, “She’s been working hard. We keep telling her, when Liv [Healy] gets the ball down low, you’ve got to dive because she’s going to see you, and she made some nice passes to her.”

Reading lead North Andover 23-11 at the break, holding the Scarlet Knights to just 26 percent from the floor (5-of-19) in the first half. Holding a 31-22 lead after three, the Rockets finished strong, shooting 60 percent from the floor (6-of-10) and going a near-perfect 7-of-8 from the line, including a 6-for-6 clip from Healy.

Defending Lumb: Coming into the tournament with eight losses, North Andover made a surge to its first D2 North Final appearance since 1988 behind the returning health of senior forward Morgan Lumb, a University of Hartford signee.

This morning, the defensive duty fell unto senior guard Katie Starble, who marked Lumb the whole game; and while Lumb finished with 17 points, eight of those points came in the fourth quarter when the lead was already in hand.

“We take pride in our defense, we like to run the floor so hopefully our D sparks that. But it started with Katie tonight,” Healy said. “She had a hand in her face every single time. Yeah, she got some shots off, but everything was contested. Nothing was open for her.”

Swift dishes: This isn’t the first time Healy has seen a box and one, and it may not be the last in her high school career. So the 5-foot-10 senior knew exactly what to do – set up her teammates cutting to the basket.

“We have an offense off of box and one,” Healy said. “If someone sets that, the rest of the team says ‘It’s my time to step up’, and it’s my job to give it to them as much as possible. Bridget [Clements] hitting threes, Katie [Starble] taking that outside shot…I mean, I’m already down low. I would rather see box-and-one more than anything, because it frees up my teammates on the court.”

It’s not often the Knights bust out the defensive call. But NA head coach Sue Breen applauded Mackenzie Mello’s efforts marking Healy around the perimeter.

“She’s just such a good defensive player for us,” Breen said. “I don’t think most teams have a kid that is that quick and long [Healy], and I think Mackenzie just did a great job on her. We haven’t played a box-and-one much this year, because usually we can just go straight up, but we found we needed to do something different because we didn’t want Olivia to score 45 points.”

Reading's Olivia Healy rallied the No. 1 Reading Rockets to a comeback victory over No. 2 Archbishop Williams to take the Comcast IAABO Board 27 Classic championship for the second straight year, with 40 points and 10 rebounds.

Healy, who was also named the tournament's Most Valuable Player for the second straight season, spoke with ESPNBoston.com editor Brendan Hall following the contest:

(Video by Derek Malloy)

WELLESLEY, Mass. -– When the schedule was released for the Comcast IAABO Board 27 Classic, the opening game on the docket raised the eyebrows of many who follow Massachusetts high school girl’s basketball.

Catholic Central League champion No. 2 Archbishop Williams and Merrimack Valley Conference Large champion No. 4 Billerica opened Sunday’s tournament at Babson College in front of a packed house.

After 32 minutes of grinding, defensive basketball it was Archbishop Williams (17-4) who came out on top as they outlasted Billerica, 45-39, in the first girls semifinal game.

Archies started and finished the game strong despite Billerica hanging tough throughout. Both teams employed various zone and match-up defenses that helped dictate the pace of the low-scoring affair.

Archies junior guard Leah Spencer scored seven of her game-high 13 points in the opening quarter, as Archies took a 14-7 lead out of the gate.

Billerica (16-2) trailed for most of the game, until the final quarter of play when they battled back to tie it at 36-36. The Indians overcame a clear height advantage to get to loose balls and grind their way back into the contest.

“Some shots started to fall in the second half,” Billerica head coach Chris Doneski said after the game. “We are usually pretty good at being able to score on the interior but their size really took a lot of that away.”

With 4:37 remaining in the game and the game tied at 36-36, Archies ran off seven straight points in less than two minutes to give them the momentum and cushion to hold on for the win.

Archbishop Williams converted 10-of-13 free throws in the final quarter of play to hold off any final comeback attempt.

Playing their third game in four days, Archbishop Williams battled through some fatigue to get the necessary defensive stops down the stretch.

“This is our third game in four days against three good teams,” Archbishop Williams head coach Jim Bancroft said. “We will take the win and hopefully be ready to go for tomorrow.”

Archies sophomore forward Alana Gilmer scored eight points, grabbed nine rebounds and had four steals in the win. Junior forward Olivia Conrad (10 points) and sophomore center Jaylen Williams (10 rebounds, four blocks) were also key factors in the paint for Archies.

Billerica was led by senior center Joslyn King (10 points, 13 rebounds). King played her best basketball in Billerica’s fourth quarter comeback run. Senior guard Brittany Lomanno and senior forward Danielle Nickerson both had eight points for the Indians.

Clutch Senior: Archie’s senior guard Sara Ryan was big down the stretch with two steals and five points -- including a pivotal and-one conversion, in the final minutes of the fourth quarter to help seal the victory.

The Southern New Hampshire University-bound Ryan scored 10 points to go with four steals on the afternoon.

“She has been on Varsity for four years so she understands what we are trying to,” Bancroft added. “She steps in and talks to the team at the half and at timeouts and gives the team positive feedback. She has turned out to be a really good leader.”

Monday’s match-ups: No. 2 Archbishop Williams will take on No. 1 Reading in Monday’s final. The two top teams in ESPN Boston’s latest girls poll will tip at 2:30 p.m. at Babson.

Reading defeated Natick 64-40 n the second semi-final game. Richmond-bound forward Olivia Healy (30 points) and junior guard Bridget Clements (14 points, all in the first half) led the way for the Rockets.

The consolation game between Billerica and Natick starts the final day of action at 1 p.m.

At the midpoint of the MIAA basketball season, we've asked our panel of experts to submit their picks for ESPN Boston All-State, as well as Mr. and Miss Basketball along with a number of superlatives:

***

Brendan Hall
ESPN Boston High Schools Editor

All-State Super Team
G – Tyler Nelson, Jr., Central Catholic
G – Darien Fernandez, Sr., Wareham
G – Jameilen Jones, Sr., BC High
G/F – Kamari Robinson, Sr., Springfield Central
F/C – Tyler Gibson, Sr., Rockland

Second Team
G – Jaylen Blakely, Sr., Brockton
G – Nick McKenna, Sr., Danvers
F – Nick Cambio, Jr., Central Catholic
F – Brendan Hill, Soph., Mansfield
F – Isaiah Nelsen, Sr., North Andover

Third Team
G – Riyadh Asad, Sr., West Springfield
G – Juwan Gooding, Soph., New Mission
F - Sam Dowden, Sr., Andover
C - Dakari Wornum, Sr., Dorchester
C – Chris Baldwin, Soph., Springfield Central

Girls Super Team
G - Infiniti Thomas-Waheed, Jr., Newton North
G - Donnaizha Fountain, Sr., Cambridge
F - Olivia Healy, Sr., Reading
F - Caitlyn Abela, Sr., Oliver Ames
C - Molly Reagan, Soph., Braintree

Mr. Basketball Finalists
Tyler Nelson, Jr., Central Catholic – WINNER
Darien Fernandez, Sr., Wareham
Jameilen Jones, Sr., BC High
Tyler Gibson, Sr., Rockland
Kamari Robinson, Sr., Springfield Central

Defensive Player of the Year – Drew Healy, Lowell
Coach of the Year – John Walsh, Danvers
Best Shooter – Tyler Nelson, Central Catholic
Biggest surprise (player) – Dakari Wornum, Dorchester
Biggest surprise (team) – St. Peter-Marian
Most underrated (player) – David Stewart, Madison Park
Most underrated (team) – Melrose

All-Defensive
G – Tyree Weston, Soph., New Bedford
G – Marcus Middleton, Sr., Stoughton
F – Isshiah Coleman, Sr., New Mission
F – Prince Unaegbu, Sr., Brighton
C – Drew Healy, Sr., Lowell

All-Shooters
Tyler Nelson, Jr., Central Catholic
Tommy Mobley, Soph., Newton North
Daivon Edwards, Sr., Brighton
Giulien Smith, Soph., Catholic Memorial
Ben Judson, Soph., St. John's Prep

Second half sleepers to watch

Dorchester
The Bears are a streaky team, but also a gritty one, as shown in their 58-57 loss to East Boston on Wednesday. Dakari Wornum has been one of the breakout stars of the first half of the season, but a number of athletic shooters -- including Jeduan Langston, Khalil Newson, Ceejae Agnew-Carter and Dean Lee -- can make this team explode at any moment. The expected return of 6-foot-7 junior D'Bryant Coraprez should bolser the frontcourt too.

Sharon
We knew junior point guard Brian Mukasa (18.8 points per game) was good, and we though he had potential to be this good, but we had questions about the Eagles' supporting cast. Jimmy Fritzon (14.2 points per game) has some answers.

Waltham
Hawks are my favorite to win the Dual County League's Large division, in a year of parity across the board. Keep an eye on Mike Gelineau, one of the area's more underrated shooters.

Case
Most expected Wareham to run away with the South Coast Conference (again), but guess who's sitting at 11-2 and 8-1 in the league? The Cardinals are allowing a league-best 46 points per game, and face Wareham on Wednesday for a first-place battle in the SCC. Keep an eye on 6-foot-8 senior center Matt Plante.

***

Chris Bradley
ESPN Boston correspondent

All-State Super Team
G - Darien Fernandez, Sr., Wareham
G - Tyler Nelson, Jr., Central Catholic
F - Jameilen Jones, Sr., BC High
F - Kamari Robinson, Sr., Springfield Central
C - Tyler Gibson, Sr., Rockland

Second Team
G - Jaylen Blakely, Sr., Brockton
G - Riyadh Asad, Sr., West Springfield
F - Nick Simpson, Sr., Brighton
F - Nick Cambio, Sr., Central Catholic
F - Brendan Hill, Soph., Mansfield

Third Team
G - Nick McKenna, Sr., Danvers
G - Rod Milton, Sr., Worcester South
F - Sam Dowden, Sr., Andover
F - Isaiah Nelsen, Sr., North Andover
C - Chris Baldwin, Soph., Springfield Central

Girls Super Team
G - Kayla Burton, Sr., Newton South
G/F - Donnaizha Fountain, Sr., Cambridge
G/F - Olivia Healy, Sr., Reading
F - Morgan Lumb, Sr., North Andover
C - Molly Reagan, Soph., Braintree

Mr. Basketball Finalists
Tyler Nelson, Central Catholic - WINNER
Darien Fernandez, Wareham
Jameilen Jones, BC High
Tyler Gibson, Rockland
Kamari Robinson, Springfield Central

Defensive Player of the Year - Isshiah Coleman, New Mission
Coach of the Year - Sean Connolly, St. John’s Prep
Best Shooter - Tyler Nelson, Central Catholic
Biggest Surprise (Team) – Wachusett
Biggest Surprise (Player) – KayJuan Bynum, Springfield Putnam
Most Underrated (Player) – Sam Dowden, Andover
Most Underrated (Team) – Dorchester

All-Defensive
G - Marcus Middleton, Sr., Stoughton
G/F - Nate Anderson, Sr., New Mission
F - Isshiah Coleman, Sr., New Mission
C - Alex Cooper, Sr., Wachusett
C - Drew Healy, Sr., Lowell

All-Shooters
Tyler Nelson, Jr., Central Catholic
Tim Dufficy, Sr., Whitinsville Christian
Tommy Mobley, Soph., Newton North
Zack Berman, Sr., Wachusett
Jaylen Blakely, Sr., Brockton

Second-half sleepers:

Andover
If Connor Merinder is back in time for the tournament, then consider Andover a favorite in Division 1 North. Central Catholic has clearly separated themselves from BC High, St. John’s Prep, Lowell, and Andover so far, but if Andover gets a healthy, productive Merinder back, they will make a run to the Division 1 North final. The Golden Warriors have gone 10-2 thus far without the 6-foot-5 forward, who is considered one of the MIAA’s best in a loaded 2015 class. Sam Dowden has done a great job of leading Andover so far, but getting a healthy Merinder makes them a legitimate contender to be at the DCU Center come March.

Worcester South
South became the first team to finally knock off previously undefeated Wachusett in Central Mass. The Cononels, who with the win moved to 8-2, did so without junior point guard Kasheen Cunningham, one of the area’s best outside shooters. South has the best scorer in Central Mass. in Rod Milton, a strong young big man in Khalil Bryan-Robinson, and a constant threat from outside in Cunningham—with Central Mass. Division 1 as up in the air as it has been in years, look for South to make a run to the Division 1 finals at WPI.

***

Ryan Kilian
Founder and Editor-in-Chief, Mass. Prep Stars (www.massprepstars.com)

Boys Super Team
G - Tyler Nelson, Jr., Central Catholic
G - Jameilen Jones, Sr., BC High
G - Malik James, Jr., Brighton
F - Brendan Hill, Soph., Mansfield
C - Chris Baldwin, Soph., Springfield Central

Girls Super Team
G - Morgan Lumb, Sr., North Andover
G/F - Alana Gilmer, Soph., Archbishop Williams
G/F - Donnaizha Fountain, Sr., Cambridge
F - Olivia Healy, Sr., Reading
C - Molly Reagan, Soph., Braintree

Mr. Basketball
Tyler Nelson, Jr., Central Catholic

Miss Basketball
Olivia Healy, Sr., Reading

Defensive Player of the Year
Boys: Kendall Hamilton, Sr., Wakefield
Girls: Infiniti Thomas-Waheed, Jr., Newton North

Coach of the Year
Boys: Mike Kasprzak, Melrose
Girls: John McNamara, Pentucket

Best Shooter
Boys: Tyler Nelson, Jr., Central Catholic
Girls: Morgan Lumb, Sr., North Andover

Biggest Surprise
Boys: Frantzdy Pierrot, Jr., Melrose
Girls: Molly Bent, Soph., Barnstable

Most Underrated Player
Boys: Doug Gemmell, Sr., Central Catholic
Girls: Tess Noguiera, Sr., Pentucket

Most Underrated Team
Boys: Melrose
Girls: Ipswich

Second Half Sleepers

Boys: Wakefield – They have been hanging in the wings with a few losses and have battled some injuries but with a healthy Bruce Brown and continued improved play of Kendall Hamilton, Mikol Blake-Green and others they should be back in the title hunt by the end of the regular season.

Girls: Westford Academy – Westford Academy has played a very difficult schedule, losing to Bishop Feehan, Wachusett and Billerica by a combined five points. They have wins over Lincoln-Sudbury and Arlington Catholic as resume boosters and can play with any team in the state. Juniors Sam Hyslip and Hannah Hackley lead the Grey Ghosts in most statistical categories.

***

Rob Sarmiento
Founder and Editor, Beantown Hoops (www.beantownhoops.com)

First Team
G - Jameilen Jones, Sr., BC High
G - Darien Fernandez, Sr., Wareham
F - Sam Dowden, Sr., Andover
F - Tyler Gibson, Sr., Rockland
F - Doug Gemmell, Sr., Central Catholic

Second Team
G - Jaleel Bell, Sr., Wayland
G - Jaylen Blakely, Sr., Brockton
G - Malik James, Jr., Brighton
G - Tyler Nelson, Jr., Central Catholic
F - Isaiah Nelsen, Sr., North Andover

Third Team
G - Giulien Smith, Soph., Catholic Memorial
G - Juwan Gooding, Soph., New Mission
G/F - Bruce Brown, Soph., Wakefield
F - Brendan Hill, Soph., Mansfield
F - Nate Anderson, Sr., New Mission

Girls Super Team
G/F - Donnaizha Fountain, Sr., Cambridge
G/F - Olivia Healy, Sr., Reading
G/F - Molly Bent, Soph., Barnstable
G/F - Morgan Lumb, Sr., North Andover
F - Sarah Hope, Sr., Medway

Mr. Basketball - Jameilen Jones, BC High
Miss Basketball - Olivia Healy, Reading
Coach of the Year - Mark Antonelli, Somerville
Best Shooter - Tyler Nelson, Central Catholic
Biggest Surprise (player) - Molly Bent, Barnstable (Girls)
Biggest Surprise (team) - North Reading
Most Underrated (player) - Jaleel Bell, Wayland
Most Underrated (team) - Melrose

All-Shooters
Tyler Nelson, Jr., Central Catholic
Sam Dowden, Sr., Andover
Sam Bohmiller, Sr., Franklin
Tommy Mobely, Soph., Newton North
Mike Gelineau, Sr., Waltham

Second Half Sleepers

Boys: Franklin - Well-coached and playing in a tough conference will make them battle ready come playoff time. Plus, they have a player who can make threes in bunches with Bohmiller.

Girls: Arlington Catholic - Seem to always make a run and their style of play is tough to prepare for. They are young in some key positions, but first half of the season experience will show during the playoffs.

With the first MIAA-sanctioned practices of the 2012-13 season set to commence tomorrow, today we're looking at the top storylines and top players from across the state.

Check back with us later in the preseason for our first Top 25 poll and our Preseason All-State Teams. But for now, here are the storylines to watch, and our projected Super Teams.

***

Brendan Hall
ESPN Boston High Schools editor

Reading Machine Rages On
Had it not been for Andover and superstar Nicole Boudreau, the Division 2 state champ Reading Rockets would have been garnering far more attention last season. The Rockets were one of the state's most dominant forces from wire to wire, going 25-0 en route to the program's first state title. They were one of the state's most explosive offenses (64.3 points per game), and blew out nearly everyone -- their average margin of victory was 27.1, with their only threats coming in the North final (49-46 over Arlington Catholic) and Eastern Mass. Final (71-64 over Scituate, in overtime).

The conversation in Reading starts with Richmond-bound guard/forward Olivia Healy, a two-time ESPN Boston All-State and one of the early favorites for our Miss Basketball award. The 5-foot-10 senior can play any position on the floor, excels on the boards, and is as physical as they come. But every superstar needs a supporting cast, and you can't do much better than Assumption-bound guard Morgan O'Brien in that regard.

With Andover expected to level off following the graduation of one of the MIAA's best ever (Boudreau), we're most likely looking at Reading starting the year at No. 1 in our statewide girls' poll, which will be released later this preseason.

Fierce, Fierce City A
Over the offseason, the Boston City League voted overwhelmingly to split into three tiers for boys basketball, based on competitive balance. And with it, the city's "A" division instantly becomes the state's toughest league. City A is comprised of Brighton, New Mission, Madison Park, Charlestown and East Boston -- all teams expected to start the season in our statewide Top 25 poll -- and with the new scheduling setup, we're looking at appointment viewing in the city nearly every night.

Charlestown-Eastie, Mission-Brighton and Eastie-Madison are the city's three fiercest basketball rivalries. Now, on top of those series, we're getting two installments of Mission-Madison, Brighton-Eastie, Charlestown-Mission, Madison-Brighton, and so forth. Brighton and MP figure to be the favorites here, but this is going to be an absolute grinder of a league. Of the highest degree.

Swat Team
Anyone that watched the University of Kentucky last season can tell you how valuable Anthony Davis was despite an unpolished offensive game. Heck, he was named the Most Outstanding Player of the Final Four despite going just 1-for-10 from the field in the championship game.

Last year our Defensive Player of the Year award went to a guard, Stoughton's Marcus Middleton, but I'm looking at a number of frontcourt shot-blockers to contend for the award. Any conversation about swatters in the MIAA has to begin with New Mission's Isshiah Coleman, but keep an eye on Cambridge's Fredens Deneus, a 6-foot-6 junior who is expected to have a breakout season. Rockland's Tyler Gibson, a UMass-Lowell commit, will alter many a shot in the South Shore League. Also keep an eye on Holy Name's Dan Kegbeh, only 6-foot-1 but blessed with some impressive ups.

On the girls' side, Holy Name's Brianna Frias is my early favorite for Defensive Player of the Year. The 6-foot junior committed to Providence over the summer, and averaged six blocks per game last season as the Naps went 20-0 in the regular season and captured the No. 1 seed in Division 1 Central.

Sizzlin' Sophs
Across the state, there are a number of Class of 2015 players to get excited about. Springfield Central's Chris Baldwin has yet to play in an MIAA game, having played his freshman season down the street at Hillside School, but he is already garnering significant hype. Wakefield's Bruce Brown showed freak athletic ability at times during his freshman campaign for the Warriors, and figures to be regarded as one of the state's elite by season's end. Same for Mansfield's Brendan Hill and St. John's of Shrewsbury's Davon Jones.

Central Catholic junior Tyler Nelson is on the short list as everyone's favorite shooter, and deservedly so, but Newton North sophomore guard Tommy Mobley is as automatic as they come. He plays a different role for the Tigers than his older brother, 6-foot-8 Yale forward Greg Kelley, did several years ago. But when you talk about the elite shooters in the state, Mobley has the potential to be in that conversation.

Also keep an eye on Falmouth guard Craig Green, a three-sport star who's already on the radar for track and field. He turned many heads last June, when he placed third in New Englands in the 100-meter dash. He has run as fast as a 10.6 in the event so far in his young career.

On the girls' side, we all know the capabilities of Braintree's Molly Reagan. The 6-foot-1 center was a key cog in the Wamps' run to the Division 1 South title last March, and she already holds Division 1 offers. On the flip side, Archbishop Williams' Jaylen Williams committed to Penn State this past summer despite playing limited minutes for the Bishops.

But the potential speaks for itself. For one, Williams is 6-foot-3 and long. For another, there is plenty of pedigree. She is the daughter of former New England Patriots defensive lineman Brent Williams, and the younger sister of two high Division 1 college football players -- North Carolina offensive tackle Brennan Williams, and Ohio State linebacker Camren Williams.

Open Waters in the North
I'm not sure which will be the more interesting race in the North -- Division 1 girls, or Division 2 boys.

In Division 1 girls, we're looking at a number of contenders in the North. Nobody's counting out Andover in spite of the talent graduated, but it should be an interesting race in the Merrimack Valley Conference with Central Catholic and Billerica figuring to start the year high in many polls. Lincoln-Sudbury will be another contender, led by Lafayette-bound forward Ashley Lutz, as will be Lynn English and reigning Northeastern Conference MVP Catherine Stinson. The ultimate wild card might be Cambridge, led by Georgia Tech-bound guard Donnaizha Fountain. And don't count out Somerville, either, with Indira Evans in the fold.

Division 2 North will be an interesting bracket. New Mission returns a strong core, but so does Brighton, behind returning All-State guard Malik James, forwards Nick Simpson and Prince Unaegbu, and one of the state's best shooters, Daivon Edwards. Ditto Wakefield, with Bruce Brown expected to have a breakout year alongside seniors Kendall Hamilton and Mikol Blake-Green.

SUPER TEAMS

Boys
G - Jameilen Jones, Sr., BC High
G - Tyler Nelson, Jr., Central Catholic
G - Malik James, Jr., Brighton
F - Kamari Robinson, Sr., Springfield Central
F - Tyler Gibson, Sr., Rockland

Girls
G - Donnaizha Fountain, Sr., Cambridge
G - Sarah Hope, Sr., Medway
G/F - Olivia Healy, Sr., Reading
F - Ashley Lutz, Sr., Lincoln-Sudbury
C - Molly Reagan, Soph., Braintree

***

Ryan Kilian
Editor-in-Chief, New England Prep Stars

Central Reign
Can Central Catholic represent Eastern Massachusetts in the state finals this season in Division 1? Central returns a battle tested and veteran group that represented EMass Division 1 as the top seed in last season’s MIAA tournament. Central boasts key returnees Tyler Nelson, Joel Berroa, Doug Gemmell and Nick Cambio.

Veteran Sophomore Talent
Mansfield’s Brendan Hill and Wakefield’s Bruce Brown are two of the top returning players in Massachusetts. They are also only sophomores. Both sophomores started and lead their respective teams deep into tournament play as freshman and we can expect even bigger seasons from both this year.

Best Frontcourt?
Massachusetts has a very strong group of point guards this season but the depth in the frontcourt is down in part of the continued flood of players to prep schools. New Mission (Nate Anderson and Isshiah Coleman) and Central Catholic (Gemmell and Cambio) are at the top of the frontcourt ranks but look out for North Andover and Charlestown to also have improved front lines with the development of returning veterans as well as additions of new talent to the mix.

Replacing Boudreau
It will be impossible to replace two-time Miss Basketball Nicole Boudreau (Boston College), but Andover does return senior Devon Caveany, and the glue of the squad in top defenders Jackie and Rebecca Alois. Expect some more classic Central Catholic and Andover battles for years to come in the MVC.

Special time for City of Braintree
The city of Braintree boasts some the best young female talent in the state, with Braintree High School and Archbishop Williams sharing city quarters.

Braintree returns Coach of the Year Kristen McDonnell and a lineup featuring returning senior Rachel Norton, and sophomores Ashley Russell, Bridget Herlihy, and Molly Reagan. Archbishop Williams returns Southern New Hampshire commits Olivia Conrad and Sara Ryan along with Alana Gilmer and Penn State commit Jaylen Williams.

SUPER TEAMS

Boys
G - Bruce Brown, Soph., Wakefield
G - Tyler Nelson, Jr., Central Catholic
G - Jameilen Jones, Sr., BC High
F - Brendan Hill, Soph., Mansfield
F - Kamari Robinson, Sr., Springfield Central

Girls
G - Kayla Burton, Sr., Newton South
G - Donaizha Fountain, Sr., Cambridge Rindge
G - Olivia Healy, Sr., Reading
G - Tajanay Veiga-Lee, Sr., Fenway
F - Saliah Serrette, Sr., Weston

***

Chris Bradley
ESPN Boston correspondent

Springfield Central Is Back
Saying that Kamari Robinson and sophomore transfer Chris Baldwin are the best frontcourt in the state is no stretch. Robinson helped lead Central to last year’s division 1 state title, averaging a double double while the Golden Eagles went undefeated against MIAA opponents. The 6-foot-7 Baldwin is already drawing in interest from high major division 1 college programs. A strong, athletic forward who is known for his rebounding and sky-rising dunks, he’ll make quite a duo with Robinson, a member of last year’s ESPN Boston All-State Team.

Senior Cornelius Tyson could be primed for a big year as well. The 6-foot-1 guard made quite a showing in last year’s state championship game against Brockton, knocking down four 3-pointers in the second half to lead Central to the Division 1 title.

Can anyone knock off St. John's of Shrewsbury?
The Inter-High has two legitimate Top 25 teams in Worcester South and Doherty. Will this finally be the year that St. John’s doesn’t run away with the Division 1 tournament in Central Mass.? The Pioneers have won five consecutive Central Mass. Division 1 championships, and return yet another talented core from last year’s team. Sophomore point guard Davon Jones has already asserted himself as one of the best guards in the western half of the state, juniors Charlie Murray and TJ Kelley will be a tough duo on the post, and 6-foot-5 senior Ken Harrington is one of the best shooters in central Mass.

Brighton looking for revenge
Last year’s loss to Mahar in the Division 2 state title game was demoralizing to say the least for the Bengals, but another year of maturity should help Brighton come tournament time this year. Junior playmaking guard Malik James will be one of the very best in the MIAA, and he’ll have plenty of weapons around him with forward Nick Simpson and guards Theo Oribhabor and Daivon Edwards. The Boston City League will be a rock fight this year, but battle-tested Brighton will reap the benefits of a tough schedule come tournament time.

New Mission young, but talented
Sophomore guards Greg Bridges, Randy Glenn, and Juwan Gooding will make for quite a show this year when put together with 6-foot-5 forward Isshiah Coleman and 6-foot-7 forward Nate Anderson. The Titans will be young, with less experience at the guard position than many of their opponents, but when all is said and done this could end up being the most talented team in the state this year.

Who will emerge in D3?
Picking favorites in Division 3 is like splitting hairs. Wareham has Darien Fernandez, a waterbug considered one of the best point guards in the state. Danvers returns four starters from last year’s state title team. Quaboag has one of the best inside-out duos in D3 with Thomas Jankins and sophomore Jake Wisniewski. Hopedale has a deep, versatile lineup. Whitinsville Christian has won three straight central Mass. championships. Out in Pittsfield, St. Joseph Central returns the majority of their core from last year’s state finals team—including scoring guard Taverick "Tank" Roberson. Any of these teams could emerge and make a deep run into the tournament in February and March.

SUPER TEAMS

Boys
G - Malik James, Jr., Brighton
G - Tyler Nelson, Jr., Central Catholic
F - Jameilen Jones, Sr., BC High
F - Kamari Robinson, Sr., Springfield Central
F - Tyler Gibson, Sr., Rockland

Girls
G - Kayla Burton, Sr., Newton South
G - Sarah Hope, Sr., Medway
G - Donnaizha Fountain, Sr., Cambridge
F - Casey McLaughlin, Sr., Central Catholic
F - Olivia Healy, Sr., Reading

Reading High junior guard/forward Olivia Healy has committed to the University of Richmond for the 2013-14 season, according to her AAU basketball program, Mass. Rivals.

The 5-foot-10 Healy was one of the most dominant two-way players in the state this past season, throttling the Rockets to an undefeated season (25-0) and the MIAA Division 2 state championship, the first such state title in the program's history. For her efforts, she was named to the Super Team of ESPN Boston's MIAA All-State Team, averaging 20.9 points and 12 rebounds, and was named the Middlesex League's MVP for the second straight season.

With the unveiling of our MIAA All-State Teams for Boys and Girls late last week, the 2011-12 basketball season has come to close. But before we officially slam the book on another exciting season of hoop, and move on to spring sports, I wanted to get out a few thoughts on the landscape for next season.

To whet your appetite for the 2012-13 season, here are my early projections on the state's must-see teams to watch:

BOYS

Central Catholic - Plenty of talent returning with this squad, which captured the No. 1 overall spot in Division 1 North despite missing Luis Puello (ankle) for most of the season. ESPN Boston All-State guard Tyler Nelson returns as one of the state’s top shooters, but the Raiders also return all three of their regular bigs in Joel Berroa, Doug Gemmell and Nick Cambio.

New Mission – Apparently it’s never too early for bulletin board fodder, because head coach Cory McCarthy is already making some barnstorming rounds, telling ESPNBoston.com this afternoon that if the Titans don’t win the Division 2 state title next year, “I should be fired.” Bold, yes, but it’s hard not to like a lineup of Isshiah Coleman, Nate Anderson, Greg Bridges, Damion Smith and Shaquan Murray. There is some promising talent in those ranks.

Mansfield – Folks are talking about the Hornets being one of the South region’s top teams in two years’ time, between promising freshman Brendan Hill and sophomore Michael Hershman. I’m of the camp that believes with those two versatile parts, paired with a terrific coach in Mike Vaughan, the future is now.

Taunton – Shaquille O’Neal Davis. That’s legitimately his full name, and one you certainly will not forget by this time next year, for reasons that have nothing to do with The Big Aristotle.

West Springfield – Terriers return virtually everyone, including Chris Lipscomb, Paul Bessette, Andy McNulty, Dewey King, and leading scorer Riyadh Asad. West Side is the early favorite next year in Division 1 West.

St. John’s (Shrewsbury) – Junior transfer Tarik Octave was one of the nice surprises of the playoffs, and freshman Davon Jones has shades of former Pioneers great David White all over him (Doesn’t hurt that Jones was also the Pioneers’ starter at safety last fall, too). A boat load of underclassmen return, including Ken Harrington and T.J. Kelley, which should more than make up for the graduation of Matt Palecki.

Danvers – Falcons graduate 6-foot-7 center George Merry, an ESPN Boston All-State selection, but return some terrific guards. Nick McKenna, Nick Bates, Eric Martin and Dan Connors can all shoot the ball, and are perfectly-suited for John Walsh’s four-out offensive system. My early pick to repeat at D3 champs.

BC High – Eagles return what ought to be one of the state’s best backcourts in point guard Charles Collins and ESPN Boston All-State swingman Jameilen Jones. Throw into the mix one of the region’s best basketball minds in Bill Loughnane (he of four state titles) and it’s hard to think of the Eagles as anything but a favorite in the South.

Springfield Central – A plethora of talent graduates, including Chris Prophet, Lee Turner, Jevaughn McMilian, and ESPN Boston Super Teamer Tyrell Springer. But All-State forward Kamari Robinson should have another terrific season, and the way Cornelius Tyson exploded onto the scene in the Division 1 state final makes us all wonder if he’s about to realize the potential that many in the Springfield area have been talking about for so long.

Stoughton – Super Teamer Aaron Calixte and Defensive Player of the Year Marcus Middleton formed the state’s best backcourt in 2011-12. If all goes as planned, they’ll be well-equipped to defend that notion next season.

Wareham – Vikings might not endure an unbeaten regular season again next year. But another year of All-State point guard Darien Fernandez means they’re not going anywhere.

GIRLS

Braintree – Wamps started three freshmen this year: Ashley Russell, Bridget Herlihy, and 6-foot-1 center Molly Reagan. Expect them in conversation for state title contention from now until their time runs out in 2015.

Archbishop Williams – Ditto the Bishops, who have two 6-foot freshmen to look forward to the next three seasons. Add in sophomores Olivia Conrad and Leah Spencer, and their fiery mouthpiece Sara Ryan, and this could be another top-five team come December 2012.

Reading – The Rockets made a flawless run through the Division 2 gauntlet, winning their first Division 2 state title in school history as one of two final unbeaten squads in Massachusetts. Two-time Middlesex MVP and ESPN Boston All-State Olivia Healy returns, as does guard Morgan O’Brien.

Andover – Golden Warriors are expected to come down to Earth with the graduation of two-time ESPN Boston Miss Basketball, Nicole Boudreau, and UConn lacrosse commit Ally Fazio. What might be overlooked amidst Andover’s unprecedented run to a third straight state title is that there were plenty of terrific complimentary backcourt pieces in the underclass.

Central Catholic – Raiders treaded water after some injuries early on. But once junior forward Casey McLaughlin was back to full strength, they made a run all the way to the Division 1 North semifinals. Have to imagine they’ll be in conversation again next year.

WORCESTER, Mass. — Reading was honored before the Div. 2 state championship game for the sportsmanship the Rockets have shown in the 2011-12 season.

Apparantely being a good sport isn’t the only thing the Rockets were good at this season.

Reading captured its first-ever state championship in dominating fashion with a 48-27 victory over Tyngsboro at the DCU Center.

Olivia Healy warmed up in the second half and finished with 16 points, 11 rebounds and six assists, while Melissa DalPozzo chipped in 10 points and eight rebounds.

The road has been 14 years long for head coach Kim Penney to a championship year, and the excitement and emotions were all over her face after the satisfying victory.

“We had a lot of alum in the crowd and we’ve got a lot of the people over the years that played for us that feel like they won it today with the girls,” said Penney, who had to take a moment to collect herself. “It was an emotional roller coaster. It hasn’t set in yet.”

Defense Wins Championships: It’s a cliché that has been uttered over and over again in the game of basketball, but when you can hold your opponent to under 20 percent shooting for the game and count on one hand how many field goals the Tigers were able to score in a 16 minute span then that cliché sounds more and more like reality.

The Tigers scored three field goals between the second and third quarters as the Rockets outscored their opponents 27-8 in that span.

“We are a pretty tall team and we have long arms,” said Healy. “We have been working on our close outs more, so we are not over-running them so they don’t have the open drive. It was basically just getting our hands up and making them shoot over us.”

“It was a little bit different than the last couple of games when we were playing post players, while this team was more of a perimeter (team),” echoed Penney.

Quiet Night from Healy -- not so quiet: Things weren’t easy for Healy offensively in the first half and most of the third quarter.

The junior wing was 1-for-8 in the first half for just three points, and she was consistently missing shots from inside the painted area that usually are automatic buckets for a player of her caliber.

The hustle to keep getting to the hoop in the second half started to pay off, as she got to the line nine times in the second and completed seven of them. Healy finished with 13 points, five rebounds and four assists in the final 16 minutes to keep the scoreboard tilted in the Rockets’ favor.

“There was one time when I went up for an easy lay-up and I went up two times, three times and it just wasn’t falling in," said Healy. "We stayed with it and the shots were going to fall in the second half,” said Healy. “We just had to adjust and get used to our surroundings.”

The MIAA will crown six state champions in boys and girls basketball on Saturday at Worcester's DCU Center. Here are my thoughts on how those six games will play out:

DIVISION 3 GIRLS: PENTUCKET (22-4) VS. SABIS (21-5)
Pentucket Players to Watch: Tess Nogueira, Jr. C; Leigh McNamara, Sr. F; Sarah Higgins, Sr. F; Nicole Viselli, Jr. G; Alex Moore, Jr. G; Kelsie McNamara, Fr. G
Sabis Players to Watch: Jazmine Collins, Jr. G; Janaiya Sanchez, Fr. G; Shyanne Washington, Jr. F; Madison Sinkfield, Fr. F; Casie Thurber, Soph. C.
Analysis: After coming close the last couple of years, Sabis finally got over the hump in their competitive Western Mass. bracket, to land here at the DCU Center. Plain and simple, these Lady Bulldogs are on a mission; and led by a core that includes the dynamic Collins, this is a well-oiled machine. Unfortunately (and this will be the operative word for many of my picks), they run into a Pentucket team that is quite simply swarming on defense. The Sachems' lineup =is among the best in Division 3, and they're on a roll. Pentucket is also motivated -- the last time they were here, in 2010, the Sachems were penned as a favorite, only to run into a gritty Lee team that, quite frankly, pressed like kamikazes. Hall's Pick: Pentucket over Sabis

DIVISION 3 BOYS: DANVERS (20-4) VS. ST. JOSEPH CENTRAL (20-5)
Danvers Players to Watch: George Merry, Sr. C; Nick McKenna, Jr. G; Nick Bates, Jr. G; Eric Martin, Jr. G; Jon Amico, Sr. G.
St. Joe's Players to Watch: Taverick "Tank" Roberson, Jr. G; Mike McMahon, Sr. F; Joe Wiggins, Sr. F; Lavante Wiggins, Jr. G; Jon Bianchi, Jr. G
Analysis: Credit to St. Joe's for playing an ambitious non-league schedule, which included a rockfight of a bout with Holy Name back in December, and get ready to be introduced to the spunky power that is Roberson -- in my opinion, he's every bit of a tank as his nickname suggests. But after putting in arguably its best performance of the year Monday night in the Eastern Mass. Finals against Wareham, I'm convinced Danvers will come out on top in this one. the 6-foot-7 Merry can step out on the perimeter and facilitate offense for shooters like McKenna and Bates, as much as he can take it inside. Danvers coach John Walsh goes with some of the same offensive principles as his cousin Watertown head coach and two-time D3 state champ Steve Harrington. And if you thought Harrington's four-out, drive-and-kick, dribble drive-oriented motion offensive was frustrating enough, imagine what it's like with size.
Hall's Pick: Danvers over St. Joseph Central

DIVISION 2 GIRLS: READING (24-0) VS. TYNGSBOROUGH (23-1)
Reading Players to Watch: Olivia Healy, Jr. G; Morgan O'Brien, Jr. G; Melissa DalPozzo, Sr. F; Katie Clements, Sr. G; Katherine Callahan, Sr. G.
Tyngsborough Players to Watch: Lauren Iadarola, Jr. F; Amanda Hogan, Jr. G; Helena Hamilton, Sr. F; Morgan Mitchell, Jr. C.
Analysis: The Mid-Wach C champion Tigers avoided a clean sweep of Central Mass. on Wednesday with a dominant 50-35 win over Palmer out in Springfield, getting quality production out of Iadarola, Hogan and Hamilton along the way. But Reading has had the tougher route here, putting away stalwarts Wachusett, Bishop Feehan, Arlington Catholic (twice) and Scituate to get to DCU Center floor. Look for Healy to get hers, but most crucial in the Rockets' overtime defeat of Scituate on Tuesday night was the play of O'Brien, who scored 33 points. Look for her to be the X-factor in this one.
Hall's Pick: Reading over Tyngsborough

DIVISION 2 BOYS: BRIGHTON (21-4) VS. MAHAR (21-3)
Brighton Players to Watch: Malik James, Soph. G; Theo Oribhabor, Jr. G; Daivon Edwards, Jr. G; Prince Unaegbu, Jr. F; Jerard Mayes, Sr. F; Tre Dowman, Sr. C
Mahar Players to Watch: Travon Godette, Sr. F; Jesse LaCroix, Sr. G; Phil DiPhillipo, Sr. G; Josef Whitman, Jr. F; Nate Martin, Sr. C; Darwin Duncan, Sr. F.
Analysis: The relationship between Brighton coach Hugh Coleman and his mentor, legendary Charlestown coach Jack O'Brien, is well-documented. There are ripples of O'Brien's system and tactics sprinkled throughout the Bengals; and we can assure you, there are tons of coaches in Eastern Mass. rooting for Coleman, as good a guy as they come, on Saturday. That aside, the Bengals figure to be favorites in this one. Godette, DiPhillipo and LaCroix combined for impressive whipping of St. Bernard's on Tuesday, but they haven't seen anything like Brighton. Hardened by a brutal schedule, the Bengals lost their best player, sophomore Nick Simpson, before the playoffs, yet somehow haven't dropped off. There's plenty to like -- a frustrating extended 2-3 zone, a swarming press, and a gifted shooter in Edwards -- and I think this will be another big one for promising sophomore point guard Malik James.
Hall's Pick: Brighton over Mahar

DIVISION 1 GIRLS: ANDOVER (26-0) VS. HOLYOKE (22-2)
Andover Players to Watch: Nicole Boudreau, Sr. G; Ally Fazio, Sr. G; Devon Caveney, Sr. G; Angelice Gonzalez, Jr. G; Jackie Alois, Jr. F; Rebecca Alois, Soph. F.
Holyoke Players to Watch: Monique Heard, Sr. G; Alison Littles, Sr. C; Kirsy Segarra, Jr. G; Nyomi Walker, Jr. F; Selena Yates, Sr. G.
Analysis: Our friend and Pioneer Valley legend Adam Harrington is getting giddy over this "dream matchup", Western Mass.'s premier point guard versus, quite frankly, the best female guard to come through Massachusetts in over a decade. We think the crowd on hand will be impressed with Heard, but the Golden Warriors -- despite usually being undersized -- have proven again and again to be unstoppable. It just seems whatever the score is going into the fourth quarter, the Warriors simply turn around and take ownership of it. When you have a team of athletes that get up and down as quickly as these girls, plus a superstar with NBA range, that's a vicious combination.
Hall's Pick: Andover over Holyoke

DIVISION 1 BOYS: BROCKTON (23-2) VS. SPRINGFIELD CENTRAL (23-1)
Brockton Players to Watch: Jaylen Blakely, Jr. G; Drew Fiske, Sr. F; Jahleel Moise, Sr. F; Jean Thomas, Sr. F; Will Baker, Sr. G; Sayvonn Houston, Sr. C; Jamal Reuben, Sr. F; Jarrod "Bubba" Shelby.
Springfield Central Players to Watch: Tyrell Springer, Sr. G; Lee Turner, Sr. G; Chris Prophet, Sr. G; Kamari Robinson, Jr. F; Jevaughn McMillian, Sr. C; Trevor Bacon, Sr. F; Cornelius Tyson, Sr. G.
Analysis: This might be the best matchup of the day. I picked Springfield Central to win it all before the tournament started; and since the Eagles are still in it, I'm sticking with the pick. The X-factor here might be the health of McMillian, a game-changing 6-foot-7 shot-swatter who injured his ankle in Tuesday night's thrilling semifinal win over St. John's (Shrewsbury). If he can't go or is less than 100 percent, that could make the matchup down low with Brockton's 6-foot-6 Sayvonn Houston -- by many accounts, one of the state's most efficient true five -- very interesting. Yet it seems the Golden Eagles thrive on adversity -- in the Western Mass. Final, with Springer and Prophet fouled out -- Robinson held his own to stave off a furious Commerce comeback bid. On the flip side, the Boxers have been on a mission since getting trounced by nearly 20 by Charlestown right before the start of tournament play. Blakely has been one of the best point guards of the tournament, and the Boxers have gotten crucial shooting out of Baker, Fiske and Reuben. Look out for Moise, an athletic shot swatter with quality defensive skills.
Hall's Pick: Springfield Central over Brockton

(Video courtesy of Lucas Shapiro)

BOSTON — Brian Buckley probably stated it best after his Scituate girls basketball team battled with Reading in a clash between two teams with a combined 47-0 coming into the TD Garden.

His words were simple and straight to the point.

“It’s a shame somebody had to lose,” he said.

It was probably a sentiment felt throughout the building, but in a fight for a chance to play in the state championship at the DCU Center the Rockets (24-0) were the ones that escaped unscathed with a 71-64 victory in overtime in the Div. 2 state semifinals.

The game had a little big of everything. From drama, to big-time players making big plays when it mattered to those same players filling up the stat sheets at an impressive rate. Morgan O’Brien led all scorers with 33 points for the Rockets. Her teammate, Olivia Healy, was all over the place with 21 points, nine rebounds, eight steals and five assists.

The Sailors (24-1) were led by Shannon Brady and her monster 28-point, 17-rebound double-double.

“Maybe a year from now, maybe even a month from now, they will realize that they were in one of the greatest games we ever witnessed in girls basketball at the Garden,” said Buckley. “I’ve been coaching since 1974 and I have not been in a better game where we lost where I’m more proud of my team tonight.”

Reading coach Kim Penney agreed with Buckley’s sentiments.

“It was exciting, what a game,” she said.

Brady Extends It: Brady put up monster numbers in the game, but it was her play in the final moments that stood out the most.

O’Brien hit 1-of-2 from the line to give the Rockets a 59-57 lead, and the Sailors gobbled up the rebound on the second missed shot with 14 seconds on the clock. Kate Lemire, who came off the bench and was thrust into the point guard role, brought the ball up the court and found Annie Miller on the wing late.

The plan was to get Brady the ball in the post and let her do her thing. Reading also knew that too. With a couple of defenders draped all over her in the post, Brady rose and sent a right-handed hook shot into the hoop before the buzzer blew.

“We tried to get it inside to (Brady), especially at the end of the game,” said Buckley.

The result was discouraging for Penney, but she knew it wasn’t a lethal one.

“We were trying to double her the whole time in the halfcourt set,” said Penney. “We were going full court at the time and we didn’t have anyone fronting her at the time. They are a great team. They push the ball up the court so quickly. (Brady) hit the shot and we knew we didn’t lose, but we knew that we had to keep plugging and win the whole thing,”

O'Brien Steps Up: Healy is always the first name that comes up when the Reading girls basketball team comes up in conversation.

This time O’Brien decided to enter her name into that equation.

The junior stepped up in the second half when Healy was struggling with her offense to keep the Rockets close and ultimately help them get over the top. O’Brien scored 27 of her 33 points in the second half, and it was her persistence to get to the line that stood out in the final 20 minutes of play.

“The past few games I haven’t been taking it to the hoop a lot, because the other teams know that I’m a shooter and they were blanketing me,” said O’Brien, who was 12-of-17 from the stripe in the second half. “I knew I had to pick it up this game and I knew I could get to the hoop.”

O’Brien hit a jumper to take a 58-55 lead after Katharine Callahan kept the possession alive. She also scored six of the 12 points in the overtime session for the Rockets to run away from the Sailors.

LOWELL, Mass. -- Olivia Healy remembers the Tsongas Center floors all too well.

Once a junior high student cheering from the stands in 2008, she notes watching her Lady Rockets drop a 52-40 semifinals loss to Lincoln-Sudbury and the lingering feeling of unfinished business she left with.

A 49-46 win over second-seeded Arlington Catholic (21-4) in the Division 2 North finals on Saturday and a first ever team trip to the TD Garden on Tuesday to face South champions Scituate (24-0) have sent her out of arena with a much happier disposition this time around.

“There is a picture of us with our faces painted sitting at the Tsongas,” said Healy of 2008. “We were like 'We are going to get there some day' and now we are here.”

Leading for three quarters the top-seeded Rockets (23-0) dominated the boards to out-rebound AC 37-22.

Despite consistently playing from behind, a quick 3-pointer by senior Emma Roberson at 11.8 seconds was a late sign of hope for the Cougars as it cut the score to 49-46. Despite setting up an open 3-point effort for AC'S Melissa Rogers along the sidelines, the freshman caught the back corner off the rim to close the final seconds.

The defending state champions struggled to control Healy and teammate senior Melissa DalPozzo below the rim, with Dalpozzo grabbing 13 rebounds and Healy 12. Healy led her squad in scoring with 12 points.

“We have been focus on (rebounding) all season,” said Reading coach Kim Penney. “The team that out rebounds the other has a better chance. Even if you miss your own shot, you can get a second or third look at it.”

Technical Fall: A final quarter technical by the Cougars lead way to an important nine points run for Reading.

Up 30-29 late in the third, junior Morgan O'Brien and Healy caught open lanes for four points before getting the call. After hitting both field goals, the Middlesex Large champs rotated senior Katie Clements up the perimeter for an open planted trey and a 39-29 lead at 6:50 in the final quarter.

“Yesterday we really worked on our role,” said Healey. “Kat(ie) had those sideline jumpers and she (practiced) it for 30 minutes. She did exactly what she was supposed to tonight.”

The Roberson Factor: Roberson poured in 19 points and 25 total to help keep the Cougars within range throughout the second half. Using speed to counter the Rockets size, AC's quick guard moved easily through the defense for quick lay-ins following Reading baskets.

A full-court layup to even the score at 43-40 with two and a half minute left epitomized the seniors night.

“Players who have done it in the past just step up,” said AC coach Dave Brady. “We needed to look up and get down the court quicker. I was impressed with how she did.”

A Slight Flight Delay: Both teams struggled to open the match and took most of the first quarter to get rolling. The teams combined for 15 turnovers in the first quarter and could only score two a piece for the first five and a half minutes.

A clean 3-pointer at the top of the arc by Healy at 1:10 helped both teams start rolling as they went into the break tied at 7-7.

The win was the second against AC for Reading, who beat them 58-32 in February.

“To beat them in this big climate,” said Penney. “They are so together and locked in on what we are doing. (Our girls) really earned their right to be here.”

READING, Mass. -- One team was playing for the third time in three days, but it certainly didn't look like it.

That team, No. 2 Reading, outplayed No. 4 Arlington Catholic Sunday in the finals of the Comcast IAABO Board 27 Basketball Classic and came away with a 58-32 victory. It marks the first time in school history that the Rockets ended the regular season undefeated at 20-0.

“These kids were really tired,” said Reading coach Kim Penney. “For them to come out and play this hard is really a testament to their guts and desire to want to win.”

In yesterday's semifinals, Reading played so sluggish in the first half that it trailed Bishop Feehan by 11 points at halftime. This time around, it took only three minutes for it to get a lead it would never relinquish.

“We knew we didn’t play well against them when we played them in the preseason,” said Reading junior guard Olivia Healy (20 points, eight rebounds), who was also named the tournament’s Most Valuable Player. “We really wanted to attack them and show them what we’re made of. We wanted to show them how strong we still were. We know we’re going to see them again. They’re a good team.”

Reading found ease in spreading the AC (19-2) defense, utilizing backdoor cuts to get players behind the defense and get easy looks at the basket. When those lanes were not available, the Rockets were particularly effective in following their shots and getting second-chance opportunities.

Reading controlled the boards the whole game, outrebounding AC 37-19.

During four minutes of play spanning the end of the first quarter and opening minutes of the second, it went on a 12-2 run to stretch its lead to 14 points.

It certainly made it more difficult to keep up when Reading had difficulty missing most of its shots. Morgan O’Brien and Katie Clements combined to make seven 3-pointers in the game, and ended with 17 and 13 points respectively.

“Katie has been hitting a few three’s for us every night,” said Penney. “She’s not hesitating at all, she’s very confident. She’s a senior and she’s playing very well right now. I’m happy for her.”

“I think with these girls, when you take the element of winning and losing out of it, we just want to play hard every night,” she added. “If we win, great. If we lose, well we tried our best and that’s all I can ask. Today, they did their best and wound up on the winning end of it.

Healy hounds Roberson: The matchup of the game was Healy on Arlington Catholic’s Emma Roberson. She is the catalyst to most of what AC does: she’s a high-energy guard that can shoot well and is not afraid to play physical under the basket and fight for rebounds. For most of the game, Healy shadowed Roberson around the paint, while the rest of the Reading defense set up in a zone.

Overall, Healy was successful in her efforts, holding Roberson to 9 points in the game.

“Emma is an excellent player, so we just wanted to contain her,” said Penney. “I’m sure they’re tired too, since they played yesterday too.”

Healy said guarding Roberson was more of "a mental game", and hustle.

“I wanted it a lot today, and I knew that she was a great competitor," Healy said of Roberson. "I’ve seen her play during the summer across the country. It was just a matter of playing as hard as you possibly could after three days. I thought I was going to get boxed out really hard and I got some splits (in the defense) in the first half. Emma did a great job on me in the second half, so it was a battle of that matchup there.”

No pain, no drain: After playing three games in a row, no one would blame Reading if it needed a well-deserved few days off to rest for the upcoming MIAA tournament. Penney is giving her team that, with three days off before it comes back for a scrimmage on Thursday against Pentucket. It remains to be seen how beneficial or detrimental the time off will be, since Reading is expected to receive the week off at the beginning of the tournament that is granted to the No. 1 seed.

It would be no surprise to see the two teams play each other again in the tournament. In fact, some even welcome the challenge.

“Oh, I hope we see them again,” said Penney.

ESPN Boston will be unveiling its first MIAA girls basketball poll of the season later today. Here are ESPN Boston's preseason MIAA All-State girls basketball teams:

FIRST TEAM
G – Nicole Boudreau, Sr., Andover
G – Lexi Sells, Sr., Bishop Feehan
F – Elizabeth Belanger, Sr., Acton-Boxborough
F – Ariel Ward, Sr., East Longmeadow
F – Bri Schnare, Sr., Wachusett

SECOND TEAM
G – Monique Heard, Sr., Holyoke
G – Tianna Johnson, Sr., New Mission
G – Dana Theobald, Sr., West Springfield
F – Jen Narlee, Jr., Medfield
F – Olivia Healy, Jr., Reading

THIRD TEAM
G – Kayla Burton, Jr., Newton South
G – Brooke Stewart, Sr., Masconomet
G – Emma Roberson, Sr., Arlington Catholic
F – Casey McLaughlin, Jr., Central Catholic
F – Jen Gonsalves, Sr., Harwich