After press time:
Melrose falls to Burlington 45-34 (Jan. 3)
By JENNIFER GENTILE
MELROSE—It’s been a winning week for the Melrose High girls’ basketball team, who picked up two non-league wins over the holiday break by taking out Shawsheen Tech and Beverly to remain 2-4 on the season.
They started their winning ways on Dec. 23 when they hosted Shawsheen at the Melrose Middle School gym and rolled to a 48-18 win.
It was an overall convincing victory for Melrose, according to coach Andrea Razi Thomas. “We dominated on all fronts. We led the whole way, forcing them into turnovers with pressure full court defense.”
That including a giant 19 steals as a team.
Leading scoring for Melrose was senior captain Scarlett D’Addio and senior Sophia DiCalogero, who both had 10 points.
“We had 15 players enter the game and contribute. This was a real team effort and a fun way to bring us into a few days off for the holiday break,” says the coach. “Our team played unselfishly and with joy. Two wins in 2024 is a bright spot entering the new year.”
But Melrose really made their mark when they competed in the Beverly Holiday Tournament on Sunday on the road and took on Beverly and walked away with a convincing 40-35 win. Senior Sophia DiCalogero led the team in scoring with 18 points.
“Sophia’s stellar defense earning her way to the All-Tournament Team,” says her coach. “She had an excellent game on both ends of the floor, scoring on steals and also setting teammates up with great passes.”
Melrose took a small lead in the first quarter using a strong full court defense but it remained a close game throughout. Beverly made a second half run but Melrose was able to regain composure and hold on to the win.
Junior forward Kayla Good led the team in rebounding and had a few strong finishes helping to seal the deal.
A minor blip on the schedule was a 62-34 loss to North Reading on Friday, Dec. 27 on the road. Despite the outcome, it was a shining moment for one Melrose hoopster. Freshman Zoe Breay earned her first start of her young career and had a very impressive showing, scoring 16 points. “Zoey also defended North Reading’s top player,” says coach Razi Thomas. “She shined on both ends of the court.”
As they turn the page into 2025, the coach sees stuff to work on. “I see a lot of promise as we head into the new year. Our defense is looking far more aggressive, skilled and on track to allow for wins than this time last year.”
But, these non-league wins are already twice the wins they experienced last season. And improvement is always a good thing. Notes the coach, “Games like this are a reminder that the competition in the Middlesex league does not represent all basketball in the state. We are a solid team and program and can compete and beat many programs.”
The coach also wants to thank to 1986 Melrose grad and Hall of Fame member Marianne Burke who helped spearhead the First Annual MHS Girls Basketball Alumni Game and Youth Clinic. “Marianne tossed our jump ball for the game and coached the alumni squad in a fun and competitive game,” says Razi Thomas. “We had about 50 elementary and middle school kids participate in our clinic before our energetic alumni game. It was great to see so many alumni and their parents back in the gym.”
Melrose will travel to Burlington this Friday evening for a 7:00 p.m. game against the (2-1) Red Devils.