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PMA wins sixth straight

METHUEN — Considering the circumstances, Joe DeBlois' expectations of a .500 season may have seemed lofty.

After all, he had assumed the head coaching position of Presentation of Mary's girls basketball team just a couple of weeks before the season started. Bob Melillo, the Commonwealth Conference Small Coach of the Year rewarding a 14-7 season, had left to helm the Haverhill program.

Additionally, 6-3 junior center Jessica Goulet transferred to Whittier, joining talented graduates Becky Smith (CAC Small Player of the Year) and Jessica Brasil (CAC Small All-Star) in their departure from the Panthers.

But not only has PMA persevered through the upheaval, it has prospered into a 10-3 record and a six-game winning streak including last night's 55-47 victory over Greater Lawrence Tech. 

"I thought we'd be a .500 team but the girls have really come together and exceeded expectations," DeBlois explained. "We have a balanced attack with five starters that know and play their roles, they're working hard and that good team chemistry has us exceeding our goals."

Senior Kate St. Peter's strong offensive rebounding turned into the Panthers' first four baskets and a quick start that parlayed into a nine-point lead.

But behind a rattling pressure defense and some unexpected offensive contributions, the Reggies slowly narrowed the gap to one point in the third quarter.

"We went to a full-court, man-to-man defense looking to force some turnovers,” Greater Lawrence head coach Tara Mansour-Neilon said.

Sophomore Megan Harris came off the bench for 12 points including a 3-pointer that got the Reggies rolling. Center Vanessa Noesi also pitched in a much-appreciated eight-point effort.

Before the lead totally evaporated, junior point guard Danielle Silva (14 points) settled PMA down and broke through several double-teams for clutch fourth-quarter jumpers.

"When the other team is pressing, Danielle can get by her defenders,” DeBlois said, “and even when she’s double-teamed, she’s able to get her shots. She’s our true point guard.”

St. Peter (game-high 17 points) ended up fouling out with four minutes remaining, but sophomore reserve Kaylyn Michaud saved PMA’s bacon with huge rebounds that limited Greater Lawrence’s possessions and kept the Reggies at arm’s length.

"Kaylyn sparked us, especially on the boards,” DeBlois said. “She was doing everything that Kate usually does.”

Sophomore Shabeli Villa (11 points) joined reliable scorer Paolo Gutierrez (12 points) as offensive forces for the Reggies (4-7).