RallyNorth.net

Methuen Girls Basketball Preview

2006-07 record: 11-10, lost in Division 1 North first round

Returning starters (3): Lea Freeman, 6-0, Sr., center; Kierstyn Donnelly, 5-8, Jr., guard; Rashidat Agboola, 6-0, Soph., center

Returning lettermen: Anna Mackey, 5-5, Sr., guard; Sujaliz Dominguez, 5-7, Sr., guard; Jessi McCarthy, 5-10, Sr., forward; Lindsay Pare, 5-10, Jr., forward; Ashley Adams, 5-6, Soph., guard; Katelyn Ortiz, 5-4, Soph., guard; Megan Cessa, 5-7, Soph., forward

Newcomers: Rachel Condon, 5-3, Soph., guard; Hayley Dolbeare, 5-3, Soph., guard

Candidates in all grades: 70

Captains: Kierstyn Donnelly, Lea Freeman, Lindsay Pare

Returning leaders: Rashidat Agboola 9.2 ppg; Lea Freeman 7.6 ppg

Returning honorees: Rashidat Agboola, MVC All-Star; Lea Freeman, MVC All-Star

Assistants: Kristi Gallo, Jillian Middlemiss, JV; Julie-Anne Plouffe, Frosh.

Opener: Dec. 11 hosts Wilmington, 7:30 p.m.

Odds and ends: Behind Anna Aguirre (18.3 ppg), the Rangers equalled their win total from the last three years combined. ... The Rangers qualified for the tournament for the first time since 2000-01. ... Rashidat Agboola came into her own late last year. She could be a force in the post. ... Megan Cessa and newcomers Rachel Condon and Hayley Dolbeare were stalwarts on the soccer team. ... Katelyn Ortiz will likely run the point with Kierstyn Donnelly and Ashley Adams helping out. ... Kristi Gallo, who graduated from MHS in 2002, has joined the staff. She was an MVC All-Star for the Rangers. ... Lea Freeman was the MVC Division 2 MVP in volleyball.

Coach Karen McLaughlin (4th year, 19-42): "I have athletes. We're excited about the season. They played a lot of basketball throughout the summer. ... Losing Anna Aguirre (is big) She handled the ball for us and was our leading scorer. I think the kids relied on her. I think the points will be distributed among them. Absolutely (making the state tournament) is a realistic goal."