From cellar dwellers to state tourney contenders, the Medford High girls basketball team have endured a rollercoaster of emotions over the course of the season.
After stalling out to a disastrous during the first month and a half of the season, the Mustangs have since made an abrupt about face, clinching its third consecutive Greater Boston League championship, while also securing a spot in postseason play.
Not bad for a team many had written off after the opening month.
“We started out 1-7 this year and people didn’t have much hope for our team,” Medford Coach Leo Burke said. “The girls have turned it around and made believers out of the doubters.”
The team displayed plenty of that can-do enthusiasm in its 48-34 win over Chelmsford Feb. 14.
A power trio of upperclassmen dominated the Senior Night festivities. Mariah Vasquez netted 11 points and six rebounds. Aleigha McAusland-Ace mustered nine points and three assists. Lydia Regan also responded with four points, five rebounds, as Medford avenged a early season to the Lions.
This Senior Night ceremony was special for Coach Burke. This year’s group of seniors were the incoming freshmen class during his first year on the job. Other seniors who have contributed this year were Martha Nkangabwa, Haley Donahue, Susie Smith and Kathleen O’Callahan.
“This group of seniors have played a major role in helping to revamp the girls basketall program to what it is now,” Burke said. “They’ll be greatly missed.”
In other action Medford won its third consecutive Greater Boston League title with a 51-40 win over Everett, Feb. 8.
Led by juniors Sarah Donnelly (16 points) and Kelley Foley (14 points), the Lady Mustangs held a slim 25-24 lead at halftime, but were able to put Everett away with their defensive pressure in the second half.
Burke had high praise for sophomores Hannah O’Leary, Claire Doncaster and senior Kathleen O’Callahan, who stepped it up in the second half on the defensive end, containing the Everett back court.
With the win the Mustangs were able to secure a spot in the state tournament.
Medford was slated to wrap up its regular season docket Wednesday, Feb. 20 against Revere High School at 7 p.m.