RallyNorth.net

Keri Guertin remembers the day Haverhill High coach Kevin Woelfel threw her out of practice.

She didn't like the way he was refereeing an intrasquad scrimmage, and in a moment of frustration, she threw a basketball at a teammate.

After upsetting Central Catholic a month ago, Methuen achieved another landmark victory last night. This one, however, needs an asterisk placed next to it.

The Rangers' pressure defense and timely fast-break offense overcame early foul trouble to gallop past Haverhill, 51-24, their first win over the Hillies since January 4, 2001, a span of nine consecutive setbacks.

On Jan. 25, 2005, Haverhill High freshman Michelle Stanley received a bone-marrow transplant. Three years later, she shrugs off the idea of self-pity.

"There's not really a lot of room to be upset all the time," she said.

In consolation games, Haverhill outlasted Pelham 44-25 and Timberlane stifled Alvirne 44-30 despite missing standout University of Maine recruit Sam Wheeler, who was out sick.

Haverhill pulled away from Pelham with a 10-2 advantage in the third quarter behind leading scorer and all-tourney pick Michelle Stanley, who scored 10 of her 13 points in the second half. Melissa Ganem had seven points and was tough on the boards for the Hillies (3-4).

For the Hillies (2-4), who had an impressive 18-point second quarter, Christia Ouellette hustled for 12 points and Michelle Stanley added 10, six coming on a pair of 3-pointers.

"We had our moments, and we're scrapping," said Haverhill assistant Mike Woelfel. "It's not from a lack of trying."

Whenever Haverhill girls basketball Kevin Woelfel walks into Mansfield Gym, he looks up at the program's six state championship banners.

"It means a lot to me," he said, "because I know how much hard work the players put in."

Frankly, it could be a long winter for the Haverhill girls and boys basketball teams. The talent pool is limited and the numbers are way down. When you only have 45 boys out on all levels and 35 girls, there is a serious problem.

2006-07 record: 8-10, didn't qualify for state tournament

Returning starters (1): Colleen Garvey, 5-9, Jr., forward

Returning lettermen: Wanda Latorella, 5-2, Sr., guard; Christia Ouellette, 5-6, Sr., forward; Michelle Stanley, 5-4, Sr., guard