Winter Sports

Division II girls basketball season preview

Here's a look at how the Division II girls basketball might play out in 2014.

Here's a look at how the Division II girls basketball might play out in 2014.

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Coe-Brown (last year: 16-6): Last year's runner-up, the Bears return all five starters and their top two players off the bench. Tops among them are senior forwards Jenny Schlim (division first team) and Abby Ahern (division second team) player a year ago. Coe-Brown has a new coach this year, as Joe Vachon steps in to lead the Bears.
Lebanon (last year: 14-6): The Raiders biggest addition this season might be the return of longtime head coach Tim Kehoe. After reaching the final in each of the previous three season, Lebanon was bounced in the quarterfinals a year ago.
Merrimack Valley (last year: 18-4): The defending champs lost three key players from last season, but return one of the division's top players in junior Mayson Kimball, along with senior point guard Cassidy Huckins.
Hanover (last year: 18-3): Like the Pride, the Marauders also return one of the division's top players in junior Lexie Hamilton, who has earned all-state honors in her first two seasons as a varsity player, along with senior JJ Daniel.

Milford (last year: 18-3): The Spartans lost three key seniors from last year's final four team, and have a new head coach in Rich Parent, but Milford returns senior guard Adelle Pitsas (division second-team) along with forwards Jess Ryan and Rebecca Cleary. Milford should also get a boost from the return of Kaitlyn Matthews, who missed all of last year.
Souhegan (last year: 15-5): Despite losing nine seniors - including all five starters - the Sabers have a lot of young talent coming up. Souhegan will rely on seniors Hannah Kenney, Kate Heaney and Katie Almeida early on.
Portsmouth (last year: 13-7): Like Souhegan, the Clippers were hit hard by graduation. Portsmouth will look to its lone returning starter, senior Isabelle Pafford for leadership, while sophomores Libby Underwood and Heather Durand continue to grow.
Bishop Brady (last year: 18-3 in Division III): The Giants make the jump up to Division II after reaching the final four two years in a row. Brady has three starters back, including seniors Melissa Mallahan and Sarah Thomas. The Giants should also get solid play from sophomore Riley Bennett and freshman Sam Will.

Pembroke (last year: 13-7): The Spartans were a team no one wanted to play in the postseason a year ago, and they return four starters from last season. Pembroke is another program with a first-year head coach in Jason Button.
St. Thomas (last year: 7-12): A year ago, the Saints were a program in turmoil, following the midseason ouster of head coach Sabrina Payeur. John Simmers steps in as the team's third coach in a year, and the team has a trio of returning starters, including junior point guard Reagan Williams.

The rest: ConVal, Goffstown, Hollis Brookline, John Stark, Kennett, Kingswood, Manchester West, Plymouth, Timberlane, Windham.

Championship: Coe-Brown over Milford.

Tournament dates