By HockomockSports.com Staff

2023-2024 Hockomock Girls Basketball Preview

Attleboro

2022-2023 Record: 16-7
2022-2023 Finish: Reached Div. 1 Round of 32
Coach: Brianna Bracken
In each of the past two seasons, Attleboro has won 16 games and given Franklin a challenge for the Kelley-Rex division title. Entering their third year with head coach Bri Bracken, the Bombardiers return just two starters, after the transfer of talented forward Vanessa Ellis, so there will be several new players that will need to deliver important minutes as Attleboro makes a push for the elusive first Hockomock title.

Senior guard Kayla Goldrick is the team’s top scorer, and she will be back at the point this season. A strong defender and a versatile player on the offensive end, Goldrick’s leadership will be critical. Junior Avery James is the only other returning starter, and she gives Attleboro a potent weapon from the perimeter. Senior Rylie Camacho came back from an injury midway through last season, and she is another sharpshooter from the wing and versatile defender who can guard a couple of positions. Senior guard Merry Bosh will give the Bombardiers important depth in the backcourt.

The Bombardiers will need to make up for the loss of Ellis in the frontcourt, but they do have some size in the post with sophomore forwards Tia Williamson and Lily Didick, who are both listed at 6’0. Senior guard Molly Moore and forwards Dharma Hines and Flojona Sanon will give the Bombardiers much-needed experience and junior guard Shamilah Bodden brings a lot of energy off the bench. Sophomore guard Christelle Saint-Vil is another newcomer to the roster who could make an instant impact.

“We need to initiate scoring opportunities off our defense and use our quickness and athleticism to create scoring,” Bracken said. “We are excited for what is in store for our program this season. Practices have been tough, and the girls are getting better and better every day.”

Canton

2022-2023 Record: 4-16
2022-2023 Finish: Missed postseason
Coach: Jim Choquette
Coming off one of the best seasons in program history and graduating three of the best players in program history, it was no surprise that the Bulldogs had a transition year in 2022-23. The Bulldogs struggled at times offensively, but they allowed only 46.6 points per game, which was the third lowest in the league (behind only league champs Foxboro and Franklin), and Canton will try to build on that defensive effort to make a push back up the standings.

The Bulldogs graduated five players from last year’s team, so there are opportunities for other players to step into bigger roles this season. Seniors Fatima Sidibay and Jess Wright provide plenty of length and energy in the post and should give Canton a solid foundation defensively and on the glass. Junior center Tess Giglio is another player that the Bulldogs will lean on in the post. Junior guards Caira McKinney and Ava McCoole will bring needed experience to the backcourt.

Senior forward Mercia Kolokithas is the team’s top returning scorer, and she will force defenses to stay honest on the perimeter. Sophomore guard Deanna Kolokithas is another shooter that will give Canton’s offense a boost. Sophomore guard Alyssa Wong is an addition to the lineup who could make an instant impact along with freshman forward Madison McCabe. With five sophomores and freshmen and only three seniors, the Bulldogs are continuing to build for the future.

“The girls have worked extremely hard to get to this point,” said Canton coach Jim Choquette, “and we have high expectations of ourselves to coach and play as a team.”

Foxboro

2022-2023 Record: 24 -1 (Davenport champion)
2022-2023 Finish: Won Div. 2 state title
Coach: Lisa Downs
How do you follow up a near-perfect season and a Div. 2 state title? Foxboro’s plan is to return almost the entire roster and make another run at a championship. The Warriors bring back all five starters and all of the rotation players from last year’s title-winning squad and have added a crop of talented freshmen who will add depth and competition within the team. Foxboro won’t be defending its D2 title, since the Warriors are moving to D3 this winter, but regardless of division this looks like one of the top teams in the state.

Senior Camryn Collins, the reigning league MVP and HockomockSports.com Player of the Year, is back to lead the team this season and she’ll be joined in the backcourt by junior Kailey Sullivan, both of whom are approaching the 1,000-point marks for their careers and are strong competitors on both ends of the floor. Junior center Addie Ruter was the breakout star of last year’s tournament run and she will be back to dominate the middle. Senior Erin Foley is a tenacious defender who knocked down some big shots during the playoffs and classmate Isabelle Chamberlin is an underrated rebounder and post defender who helps give the Warriors balance.

The starting lineup is as good as any in the state but the Warriors also have players coming off the bench who were major factors in the state title. Junior Ava Hill is an athletic winger who can score in multiple ways and defend a couple of positions. Sophomores Kylie Sampson and Adrianna Porazzo also saw time as freshmen and fit well into Foxboro’s high-tempo system. The Warriors have added three freshmen to this year’s team, including point guard Alaysia Drummonds, who spent the summer playing with the varsity and already looks capable of fitting into the rotation.

“The talent pool and depth of our roster this year far exceeds any I have ever had the opportunity to coach,” said Foxboro coach Lisa Downs. “I decided to keep a lot of players because they will continuously challenge each other, which will prove invaluable to them individually and our team as a whole. I’m extremely excited to see what they are able to accomplish this season.”

Franklin

2022-2023 Record: 18-5
2022-2023 Finish: Reached Div. 1 Sweet Sixteen
Coach: John Leighton
Franklin has won five straight Kelley-Rex division titles and, even after graduating four starters from last year’s team including top scorer Katie Peterson, the Panthers remain the team to beat for the league title. Things may look a little different this season, as Franklin won’t have the same amount of length in the lineup (only one player listed above 5-foot-9), but they still have plenty of athleticism and depth.

Junior guard Chloe Fales will be the key returning player from last year, after averaging nearly 11 points per game in her debut varsity season. A talented scorer at all three levels and a solid defender, Fales will be the team’s top threat this winter. Several other players are ready to step into bigger roles this year, including senior Sasha Tracey who is an agile defender and three-point shooter. Junior point guard Elle Bonacci is a strong ball-handler and shooter, while senior Norah MacCallum has great size on the wing and is another versatile defender who can guard multiple positions.

Typically, Franklin tends to reload rather than rebuild and there are several new faces who are going to step in and will be expected to contribute right away. Junior forward Olena Malymina gives the Panthers a little bit of size at 5-foot-10 and freshman guard Kaylee Fernandes will bring fresh energy and skill in the backcourt.

“Every season presents its own challenges and opportunities,” said Franklin coach John Leighton. “I am excited to work with this group of girls as they gel into a strong, smart, and selfless team.”  

King Philip

2022-2023 Record: 11-10
2022-2023 Finish: Reached Div. 1 Preliminary Round
Coach: Jeff Miszkiewicz
Last season, King Philip leaned on 6-foot-3 senior center Emily Sawyer on both ends of the court. She was second in the league in scoring and teams avoided trying to challenge her at the rim. This season, expect the Warriors to look much different, as they focus on their athleticism and attacking teams in transition to compete for the Kelley-Rex title and make another state tournament appearance.

The Warriors bring back three players with starting experience. Senior forward Maddie Paschke is the team’s top returning scorer (8.2 ppg) and she gives them length and physicality in the paint and the agility to get out and run with any forward in the league. Senior Kylie Watson gives KP a scorer on the wing, someone who can take the ball to the basket and knock down the mid-range shot, and a three-year varsity player with much-needed experience. Senior guard Jordan Bennett is a tough perimeter defender and a streaky outside shooter who will force defenses to stay honest at the three-point line.

Sophomore guards Jessi Persky and Maddie Keough both saw plenty of time as freshmen and could be poised for breakout seasons in the backcourt. Keough is the team’s top outside threat, while Persky is aggressive taking the ball to the basket and getting out in transition. Senior Kaelyn Clancy is another high-energy defender and another shooter on the wing and classmate Lilli Hickey will give KP another spot-up shooter on the outside and leadership on and off the court.

“Obviously, we will be a much different team than in years past, but our principles will remain the same,” said KP coach Jeff Miszkiewicz, now in his third season in charge. “Overall, this team loves to compete. We’re going to bring it every night.”

Mansfield

2022-2023 Record: 13-9
2022-2023 Finish: Reached Div. 1 Round of 32
Coach: Heather McPherson
Mansfield graduated seven players from last year’s team, including top scorer Abby Wager, so matching the 13 wins of 2022-23 will be difficult. The Hornets remain confident that an influx of talented younger players who look ready to contribute right away and a few familiar faces who are back to provide much-needed leadership can keep them in the hunt for a tournament berth.

Senior forward Kara Santos will draw most of the attention to start the season. As the team’s top returning scorer (12.4 ppg), Santos gives Mansfield a strong presence in the post on both ends of the floor and a double-double threat every night. Senior Keira Fitzpatrick returns to provide experience in the backcourt and looks ready to have a breakout year, after being behind several upperclassmen last season. Her energy defensively will give the Hornets a big lift. Junior Ella Palanza is a solid wing scorer who has versatility in her game, taking players to the basket while being able to knock down shots on the perimeter. Palanza is another player who could break out with more opportunity on the ball.

There are several underclassmen who are ready to step into the squad this year, but also a couple of returning players who will be making big jumps in terms of playing time and expectation. Sophomore guard Katelyn Trolio adds more speed and defensive intensity in the backcourt, while junior Frankie Spagna gives Mansfield a different look in the post with her length and ability to knock down short jumpers.

“We haven’t had a ton of time but this team has proven to be gritty!” said Mansfield coach Heather McPherson. “In a short time they have shown the ability to adjust and improve. While I think we will have some mistakes as a result of inexperience, I think this team will show tremendous growth as the season progresses.”

Milford

2022-2023 Record: 5-15
2022-2023 Finish: Missed postseason
Coach: Austin Costa
There is a lot that is going to be new about Milford this season. The Hawks graduated their top three scorers from 2022-23 and TJ Dolliver stepped down as coach at the end of the season. New head coach Austin Costa has a team with as many freshmen as seniors (three) but has the length and athleticism to cause teams some trouble this year, as evidenced by the team’s overtime win in the season opener.

Scoring was a struggle last season, as Milford scored a league-low 36.9 points per game, but the Hawks are hoping that some of the returning players are ready to take on bigger roles and produce. Senior Maeve Driscoll, who hit a clutch three to force overtime in the first game, will be a steadying influence in the backcourt, and classmate Erin Michelson is a four-year varsity player who has good size on the wing. Senior forward Khatrina Leger battled injuries last season and her healthy return gives Milford another strong rebounder and post defender.

Junior TJ Downing showed flashes last season of being a consistent scoring threat and her team-high 14 points in the opener is a sign of her potential to give the Hawks an offensive boost this winter. Juniors Olivia Baglione and Cae Pellegrini bring varsity experience to the lineup and defensive versatility. Sophomore Katelyn Kearnan (at 5-foot-10) is another lengthy forward who is going to take on more responsibility on the offensive end, along with classmate Ava Baglione, whose speed should help in Milford’s more up-tempo game plan.

“Milford is looking to use their length and athleticism to disrupt teams and to push the tempo of the game,” Costa explained. “We are a young and dynamic team that is eager to compete this year.”

North Attleboro

2022-2023 Record: 6-14
2022-2023 Finish: Missed postseason
Coach: Ashley Kepaa
North Attleboro is in search of its first playoff appearance since the 2016-17 season and, after Nikki Correia stepped down this offseason, the Rocketeers are turning to a former player to try and get back into the postseason hunt. Ashley Kepaa, who graduated from North in 2009 and had a successful stint as coach at Bedford, inherits a squad with just one senior but four returning starters with plenty of varsity experience.

Katie Corsetti is the lone senior for the Rocketeers this season. She gives North length and skill in the post and has developed a good shot to go along with her ability to finish at the rim. Junior guards Sam Sweeney and Sam Faria will provide the leadership in the backcourt. Faria can extend the defense with her shooting and has great vision running the point. Sweeney is the team’s top returning scorer from last year (7.5 ppg) and is a solid, all-around guard who makes an impact on both ends of the floor.

Also returning this season is junior forward Maryellen Charette, who gives North more scoring punch from the block and a strong rebounder and defender, despite her typically having to go up against much bigger players. Freshman guard Uliana Malynka is a newcomer to watch out for this season. A transfer student from Ukraine, Malynka gives North additional length and athleticism in the backcourt.

“I am super excited to be at the helm this year,” Kepaa said. “My return back home has been so fun and better than I could have ever expected. I got gifted a really good group of girls with great attitudes who have worked extremely hard these past 2 weeks. We’re all eager to get started.” 

Oliver Ames

2022-2023 Record: 11-10
2022-2023 Finish: Reached Div. 2 Round of 32
Coach: Brian Costello
After nearly five full decades with one coach, Oliver Ames has its third new coach in the past three seasons. Former Canton assistant boys coach Brian Costello takes over this winter and he has a talented group of players that could pose a challenge to Foxboro in the Davenport division and looks capable of making a run in the Div. 2 state tournament as well.

One of the reasons for the high expectations at OA this season is the return to full health of senior forward Sarah Hilliard. Fresh off being named league MVP during volleyball season, Hilliard was part of a state title three years ago and averaged nearly 10 points a game last year, despite playing through a back injury. Senior Kaydance Derba is another holdover from the 2021 title team, and she gives a relatively young roster experience, size, and outside shooting. Senior Katherine Farley is a strong rebounder and post presence coming off the bench and classmate Annie Reilly and junior Zoey Swanson give OA plenty of depth in the frontcourt.

While the Tigers will benefit from the experience and leadership of the upperclassmen, there is a lot of exciting potential in the group of underclassmen that debuted last season. Sophomore guard Kamryn Derba is a dynamic scorer who grew into the point guard role over the course of her freshman year. Sophomore Avery Gamble is a solid, all-around guard who seems to do everything well and is a great foil for Derba at shooting guard. Sophomore Maeve Horsman is moving into the starting lineup this season after showing flashes of her ability to crash the boards, finish at the rim, and defend multiple positions. Sophomore Mari Rhodes and junior Hannah Dupill will be able to come off the bench and produce in the backcourt.

“I’m really excited about the season,” Costello said. “We are a young team, half the roster is in 10th grade, but we have great senior leadership and it’s a group of players who put in a ton of work in the offseason. This is a close group; they work hard for one another. They are well aware of the tradition and history of OA basketball and are ready to step up.”

Sharon

2022-2023 Record: 5-15
2022-2023 Finish: Missed postseason
Coach: Matt DellaBarba
Sharon is looking to make progress under second-year head coach Matt DellaBarba following last year’s five-win season. One of the challenges for the Eagles, who return six players who averaged more than 10 minutes per game, is trying to find ways to replace the production of Jasmine Davis, as the league’s leading scorer won’t be back for her senior season. Things will look different for the Eagles, but DellaBarba is confident Sharon’s experienced roster can make a push up the standings.

The Eagles bring back four starters from last year. Senior guard Rachael Hager missed a lot of time in 2022-23 with an injury and having her shooting range and ball-handling in the backcourt for a full season will be key to Sharon’s offense. Junior Olivia Landstein and senior Carmen Leonardi will give the Eagles more experience in the backcourt and plenty of energy on the defensive side of the ball. Senior Eva Poulton emerged as a solid scorer and rebounder last season and her development could give the Eagles a good balance with the perimeter game of Hager.

Senior guard Natalie David and juniors Bailey Garte and Thea Caproni also return after getting minutes last season and all three will give Sharon defensive versatility and shooting on the wing. The Eagles are also bringing up a trio of juniors, Lauren McLoughlin, Serene Bien-Aime, and Kiran Koster, who impressed while getting significant minutes on JV and look ready to contribute on the varsity level.

“As a whole, our program is deeper and more balanced this year and the girls are improving every day at practice,” DellaBarba said. “I’m excited about the energy this group has brought to practice every day and we are looking to build on our performance every day.”

Stoughton

2022-2023 Record: 3-17
2022-2023 Finish: Missed postseason
Coach: Eric Adams
Stoughton won three times last season under first-year head coach Eric Adams. The Black Knights only graduated two players, so they’ll be hoping a more experienced roster, once healthy, can make a push up the league standings and maybe get into the hunt for a playoff spot.

After an impressive rookie year, sophomore Kirsten McKay is back and is a playmaker on both ends of the court. She averaged 10.5 points and four steals per night and her ability to create her own offense will be crucial. Senior Katrina Varnum is battling an early-season injury, but she provides the Black Knights with strong rebounding and defense (three blocks per game) in the paint. Junior Raina Tat stretches defenses with her ability to knock down threes (2-1/2 threes per game) and junior forward Leah McCarty had a big sophomore season at nearly seven points per game and her development as a post scorer will be important to give the Black Knights balance offensively.

The Black Knights are battling some injuries in the early going but it is giving some of the new players a chance to get valuable experience. Freshman forward Raine Tat grabbed nine rebounds in the season opener and classmate Imani Ashu is another player who could jump right into the lineup. Sophomores Isabel Belmonte and Cecelia Squires (seven points in the season opener) will give Stoughton solid depth off the bench this year.

“Stoughton is looking to keep pushing the pace and continue to force turnovers on defense,” said Adams. “There is lots of potential with this year’s team to have a winning 2023-2024 season.”

Taunton

2022-2023 Record: 5-15
2022-2023 Finish: Missed postseason
Coach: Gretchen Rodrigues
Taunton started well under first-year coach Gretchen Rodrigues, winning four of its first five games, but the Tigers couldn’t sustain that momentum for the rest of the season, winning just once more. The Tigers only graduated one player from last year’s team and have a year of experience under Rodrigues’ system, so expectations are high this fall to make a push for a playoff spot.

Senior guard Cali Melo had a breakout season, taking on far more of the scoring load after the transfer of Kameron St. Pierre and leading the Tigers at more than 11 points per game. Melo continues to provide the same level of intensity on defense while running things on offense. Junior Chelsea Bousquet is ready for a bigger role this winter, adding more speed to the Taunton backcourt. Sophomore forward Taryn Campbell impressed as a freshman, showing the agility and range of a guard with the length of a post player. Senior Lexi Haywood is another threat from the outside and junior forward Jillian Doherty, who is returning from a shoulder injury that limited her minutes last season, will provide Taunton with scoring in the post.

Sophomore Mia Torres brings speed and energy on the defensive end and could be an impact player in Taunton’s press and create easy offense with turnovers. Senior Madison Oliveira could see big minutes this season with her ability to take defenders off the dribble and hit from the mid-range. Senior Aaliyah Yera is another player who could make a bigger impact, as she is one of the team’s top three-point shooters.

“I’m extremely excited to see our team perform,” Rodrigues said. “We are going to play a run-and-jump style, looking to create a lot of turnovers for quick transition buckets. We seem much more experienced this year, and I am hoping it transitions into the games.”