Senior Montana Burke, seen here in a recent game, was recognized last week for making her 1,000th point in her high school career. The last player to attain the same goal was Montana’s sister Lindsey in 2008. (Photo by Lisa Aciukewicz)
With their regular season drawing to a close, the Bromfield Lady Trojans are striving for a strong finish to their near-perfect 8-1 league season, with a final league game scheduled for Wednesday, Feb. 13 against neighboring Littleton.
The last three weeks have been especially eventful for the close-knit team in ways both good and bad.
First, senior Montana Burke scored her 1,000th point on Jan. 25 in a game against Tahanto. Before last Thursday’s game, Coach Mike Dube presented her with the game-winning ball to commemorate her accomplishment.
Then, just a week after Burke reached this milestone, she was injured when she collided with fellow teammate Rylee Osgood. The collision sent both players to the hospital, where Burke received stitches and Osgood was treated for a concussion. With these two key players unable to play, the Trojans suffered their first defeat in the league last Tuesday. It was a tough loss for the team, as they lost to their rivals, the West Boylston Lions.
Last Thursday, Burke had her stitches removed and was ready to play, while Osgood, still recovering, cheered on her team from the bench. Despite still being short a starter, the girls came back and defeated the Murdock Blue Devils 60-33.
The Trojans won once again in Tuesday’s game, with a 37-15 victory over the Maynard Tigers. The victory was especially sweet, as Tuesday was Senior Night. Seniors Casey McGrath and Montana Burke were recognized, as well as senior Daren Kanaan, team manager. All three seniors received bouquets of flowers.
From left: Coach Mike Dube stands with seniors Casey Magrath, Dareen Kanaan, and Montana Burke who were recognized for their contribution to the team. (Photo by Christina Perini)
Team chemistry wins games
Looking back on this season, Coach Mike Dube is pleasantly surprised by the girls’ success. “I didn’t expect us to be where we’re at right now with the kids we lost last year, but everybody else has really stepped it up.” When asked the secret to the Lady Trojans’ success this season, Dube attributed it to the team’s cohesion. “The kids just all get along so well. We have a lot of young kids, and the upperclassmen are just great with them. It really helps with the team chemistry.” He described this chemistry as one of his favorite parts of coaching. “It’s not easy to get everybody on the same page and I think we do a pretty good job of that here.”
Captain Montana Burke is also pleased with the team’s hard work. “The previous year we did really well, but I knew we could do even better, and we’ve proven that so far.” Being a senior she, understandably, wants the season to last as long as possible. When asked what strategy she might employ to do this, she replied with a smile, “We’re just gonna work hard and try our best against the next couple of teams we play.”
Left: Amy Hunter (24) clashes with Maynard’s Anna Magnuson early in the game.
Right: Sue Ross takes it to the hoop.
(Photos by Christina Perini)
