A New Year for Weston Girls' Basketball

Coming into the season this year, I knew things were going to be different from years past. New coach, new schedule, and new teammates. 

I returned to the team this year on the first day of tryouts, Nov. 28, as the only senior girl playing. That in itself is an interesting feature to a team's chemistry. The three girls in my grade who were on varsity last year and are not playing this year are involved in other activities this winter, and I am sure they will be very happy with whatever they are doing. When I asked them why they were not joining back with the team for the final season, most of them admitted that it had to do with the fact that our coach, Linda Martindale, who was new our freshman year, left to coach at Newton North High School. I personally think that is an incredible opportunity for her, and the school will greatly benefit from her experience and zest as a coach. This year, the basketball program at Weston opened its arms to a new string of coaches (for the boys' and girls' teams) and I must say that I don't mind the surprise change.

For the girls' varsity team, Mark Madden is our new coach. So far the team is getting along very well with him and we look forward to progressing through the season. Something great about Coach Madden is his goals for the program, short-  and long-term. In his years at Weston, Coach Madden intends to weave the basketball girls into the community to help the younger players improve their skills and become more dedicated to the team in the future. We also plan on going into the classroom at some point to read to the kids and help out in other ways. The boys' team has also stepped into the community, with their recent volunteer work serving food to the elderly last Thursday. Good things are to come this winter from the Weston sport teams, you can count on it! 

We girls took our first 'W' in a big season opener against Concord-Carlisle in their gym on Friday. With a final score of 44-39, the Wildcats were able to keep the lead all four quarters and surprise the Patriots with the unsuspected strength of the young Weston team.  

The varsity team consists of juniors Saliah Serrette (captain), Alissa Duffey, Nicolette Kombouras, and Hannah Graves. The sophomores are Gene Miller, Chaunce Lee and Sharlea Brookes, and the freshmen are Tally Shea, Lane Cronin, and Riley Barsamian. Our manager is sophomore Talia Cramer.

As with field hockey, most of the DCL 'big' schools will be played twice this year, so you can expect to see more competitive games. Click here for the online schedule.

We play at Newton South today at 5:30 p.m. and from there we have a week off before our next game. If you get a chance, please try to make it out to a game or two this season once the schedule gets into its regular working order. Come see the boys too! When we are away, they are home, so no matter what, you are in for a good show on most Tuesdays and Fridays through these winter months. 

Look forward to seeing you there!