After finishing last season with a total of only four wins and 16 losses, the Bromfield girls varsity basketball team hopes to make a strong comeback this year and make it to the Central Massachusetts district tournament.
“We are going to do a lot better than last year because there is a lot more focus and determination,” said senior co-captain Katja Lierhaus.
In a week and a half of preseason play, the girls held their own in a round-robin scrimmage against ranked division one opponents. They lost to Holy Name despite a tough game and were victorious over North Middlesex Regional.
“I think our team blends well together,” said Molly Papazian, a senior guard. “We can only go forward and build on last year.”
With six new players on this year’s squad, the girls spent the preseason fine-tuning their skills and learning how to play together.
Coach Mike Dube, who is returning for his second season, said the biggest objective for this year’s team is to play as a cohesive unit.
“Practice is enjoyable so far, and that is a real compliment to the team,” he said. “They have great chemistry, and it is really the upperclassmen who have helped the younger players gain confidence.”
Junior Casey Magrath, the team’s starting point guard, returns this season for her third year of varsity play after a year off. Magrath suffered from a torn ACL, but now she said she’s greatly anticipating the season’s start.
“I miss playing and I’m ready to get back into it,” she said.
Coach Dube said he’s equally excited for Magrath to be back on the team.
“Casey makes a big difference,” he said. “We didn’t have a point guard last year and had people taking turns. It’ll really help having a real point guard.”
The girls’ most noticeable weakness is their lack of height, but Dube said he isn’t concerned.
“We have no height, but we should be able to make up for it. We are a good defensive team, and we are pretty quick,” he said.
Like Dube, Lierhaus is focusing on the other strengths of her team.
“There is a lot of variety; we’ve got a few three-point shooters, drivers, and post players,” she said. “We are really well rounded.”
Overall, the team holds a positive outlook for the fast approaching season. The team’s starting shooting guard, junior co-captain Montana Burke, said she has a good feeling about the season and is happy that Magrath will be back on the team.
“I am worried about our competition and the inexperience of our younger girls. But overall, I love how positive we are,” she said.
Dube has also noticed the girls’ positive attitude and strong work ethic.
“They [the players] have been working hard, and I am excited to see them continue to work hard,” he said. “I am looking forward to them getting better and better.”
The girls compete in the Midland-Wachusett D league against Maynard, Littleton, Murdock, West Boylston, Tahanto Regional, and Ayer. All league games are important, but Dube predicts West Boylston will be the most challenging competitor.
The girls play their first home game today (Friday, Dec. 16) at 7 p.m. in the Bromfield School gym against non-league opponent Oakmont Regional.
