LYNN — The St. Mary’s girls basketball team played more games (23) and won more games (20) than any other team in the state last winter,
“Given the circumstances, I think we got as much out of last year as we possibly could have,” said St. Mary’s coach Jeff Newhall. “The whole season was a tribute to the administration, the players following the protocols and everyone making sure safety was a priority from start to finish. We’re incredibly proud of what we were able to accomplish.”
But the Spartans didn’t escape scot-free, as five key seniors — Catholic Central League co-MVP and 1,000-point scorer Maiya Bergdorf, Nicolette D’Itra, Pe’jae Parent, Van Nguyen and Alyssa Grossi — have graduated after collecting 80 wins, one CCL Cup title, two Div. 3 North titles, two Div. 3 EMass titles and one Div. 3 state title over their four seasons.
“We certainly lost a lot of talent and leadership from that group,” said Newhall. “There’s no way you can replicate what they were able to accomplish, so we just have to turn the page and try to be the best we can be.”
But the cupboard is far from bare. Junior guard Yirsy Queliz, who was the other CCL co-MVP from last year, returns after she was the top defender on a Spartans team that allowed the second-fewest points per game in program history — grabbing 46 steals along the way. She was just as good offensively, notching 9.3 points per game and only making 32 turnovers for the entire season. As she heads into this year, she’s already scored 582 career points.
Additionally, junior Kellyn Preira is back for her second season in the starting rotation and Bella Owumi, who became the youngest varsity player in program history last year when she played as a sixth grader, is also looking to take the next step. Junior Niya Morgen has transferred into the program after two years in Swampscott, and with a mix of senior experience from Olivia Abbott and Abby Constine as well as the youthful talents of players like Juliana Conte, AJ Hyacinthe and Brooke Moloney, the Spartans are in a good spot.
“The makeup of the team is obviously much younger this year, but we do have a lot of talent,” said Newhall. “Our expectations remain high and we plan on competing for the top spot in our division.”
The Spartans kicked off practice nearly two weeks ago, and in that time they’ve had scrimmages against Newburyport and North Andover.
“The scrimmages were exactly what you wanted as a coach, because there were some good things and some bad things,” said Newhall. “The main thing is that we got better from them, and that’s all that matters.”
One of the other fun aspects of the St. Mary’s season is also returning this year, as the Spartans will be making their annual trip down to Florida for a few games prior to Christmas break.
“It’s great to be able to do the trip again and it will be fun making our first trip to southwest Florida,” said Newhall. “But we have three games before that trip starts, so we need to be focused on those first and foremost.”
The Spartans will open up the season Friday night (6:30) on the road against Pentucket.
“Pentucket has been one of the best teams around for the past 15 years, and we don’t expect any different Friday,” said Newhall. “We’re looking forward to starting off the season, and hopefully we can start it off with a win.”