LYNN — The Classical girls basketball team is back for the 2019-2020 season, and the Rams are intent on building from the positive momentum they gained last year. Classical earned a spot in the Division 2 North tournament with an 11-9 record before getting eliminated by Wilmington in the first round. But despite the early exit, Classical coach Tom Sawyer was happy with the way last year unfolded.
“We had a good season last year, good enough to get into the tournament and play Wilmington for the second year in a row,” said Sawyer. “Obviously we wish we had won that game, but it was tied with less than 30 seconds to go and we competed the whole way.”
The Rams lost four seniors from that team — Keyanni Jordan, Skyler Crayton, Jazzmine Masse and Rebecca Walker. All were key contributors to Classical’s success, but Sawyer is excited to see who steps in to fill the void this year.
“We’ll obviously miss those four as they were a big part of the team, but the good part about losing those four is that four more players get to step in and make a difference,” Sawyer said. “We’ve got a great group of seniors to help lead the way for us and we have a number of players coming through the ranks to help out as well.”
Leading the way for Classical this season will be the senior core of Amber Crayton, Kiara Edmonds, Jean Gupton-Morrison and Lindsey Valeri.
Crayton, Edmonds and Gupton-Morrison also share the experience of playing on the Classical volleyball team this fall, which went 18-2 and made it all the way to the Division 2 North quarterfinal. Sawyer believes that winning attitude may rub off on the basketball team.
“Those girls had a really successful run this fall, and part of high school sports is learning how to win,” said Sawyer. “When you come from a program that wins a lot, you get used to winning and you expect to win. We’re hoping that trickles into the basketball season.”
Sawyer will also look to some up-and-coming players who spent time on the varsity squad last year. Juniors Sailor Brinkler, Amelia Pedro, Sajada Dean and Chantelle Blanco will all play a role on this year’s Rams team.
“Those girls were all on the varsity team last year, so they all know what it takes to make an impact,” said Sawyer. “We’re expecting them to be able to step in and fill some of those minutes that we need filled.”
The preseason is certainly a compact one this year, as Classical has only one week to prepare for the season opener. After snow cancelled school twice early in the week, the Rams have really only had one practice so far. With scrimmages against Reading and North Reading scheduled for Saturday and Wednesday, respectively, Classical will have to cram a lot of practice into a short time frame.
“It’s probably the shortest preseason that we’ve ever had,” Sawyer said. “It’s unfortunate, but everyone is in the same boat. We have some younger players on our roster where this is pretty much brand new to them, so we’re just going to have to put in the work.”
Classical opens the season next Friday at Salem (7).