They’re so good they’re scary.
The Medford Mustang Cheerleaders won the Greater Boston League title during its annual Spooky Halloween Cheer/GBL Tournament, Sunday, Oct. 21, at Medford High.
The annual spook-tacular drew a crowded field of over 27 teams competing in six different divisions. Medford out-scored second place finisher Malden High, 73-68.8, to capture the GBL crown. Both schools earned the right to compete at the MSSAA North Regional Cheer Tournament at Beverly High, Nov. 11.
This marks the second consecutive year Medford has won the prestigious championship, and ninth since 1998.
“In cheerleading, you have to earn your way to the State Final and winning your league is one step towards that goal,” said Medford Coach Michelle Kimball.
Representing the Medford High Cheerleaders were tri-captains Mikayla DeRienzo, Brianna Dalessandro and Nicole Dello Russo, as well as Dominique Savoia, Shayla Squillante, Stephanie Silva, Grace Owens, Brianna Hardy, Alycia Neirinkx, Hailee Centrella, Christina Bramante, Nicole Cloutier, Tina Aiello, Andrea Galica, Olivia Barrows, Katie Baldwin, Ashley Morris, Alyssa DeRienzo and Gina Dello Russo
Each team had to score 67 points or better in order to advance to the regional tournament. Medford will have to score 80 points or better for a shot at the state title, Nov. 18 at Shrewsbury High.
Although the Mustangs performed its routine well, Kimball feels there’s room for improvement, with a few lingering issues in stunting and tumbling department.
“We know we need to clean that up prior to the regional,” said Kimball.
The team will work on those facets competing at Whitman Hanson’s Invitational, Saturday, Oct. 27. “We hope to improve our overall performance before the Nov. 11 regional.”
The coach also thanked Medford High Athletic Director Bob Maloney, the parents, the Stonehill Cheerleaders and a number of former Medford High Cheerleaders, who all chipped in to help make this competition a great success.