Win over Waltham is a fine finish for squad
By JENNIFER GENTILE
MELROSE—It was a season for highs and lows for Melrose, but one that saw marked improvement for the Melrose High girls basketball team, who finished their season on Monday with a victory over 48-43 win over Waltham.
With a final 6-14 record, Melrose added a 5-game win improvement from 2024, with hope for the future. They topped off their season with that win over Waltham in a senior led event, with senior captain Alex Leeman going out in style with what may have been a career best performance against the Hawks.
Leeman led in scoring 15 points and holding her cousin and sharpshooter Avery Leeman [of Waltham] to far below her scoring average. “Alex shot the lights out and is a defensive stud,” said Melrose coach Andrea Razi Thomas.
This is the second time Melrose has closed with Waltham, and a bit of revenge was in store, as Melrose finished their season in 2024 in a buzzer beating loss. “This year we held the lead the whole game, even leading by double digits before weathering a run from then to hold on to the 4-point win,” reports the coach. “But Waltham is a D1 team that has earned a spot in the playoffs, so this shows again we can compete. Next year we will need to get more consistent showing our ability to compete for full games more often.”
Last Friday, Melrose had an enjoyable outing against league rival Watertown, which also served as the backdrop of Senior Night at the MVMMS gym. Those being honored were outgoing seniors captains Scarlett D’Addio, Alex Leeman and seniors Olivia Dellaporta and Sophia DiCalogero. Melrose played strong against Watertown in most of the quarters and saw senior captain Scarlet D’Addio lead with 12 points, three of them on treys. DiCalogero chipped in with her own 8 points.
Melrose took an early lead on a series of threes in the first by D’Addio and Zoe Breay and were only down 14-16 at the end of the first. They were outscored in the second despite baskets from DiCalogero, an impressive trey from Ella Beshel and a clean foul line appearance by Alex Leeman. With Melrose down 21-32 at half, they were prompted to refocus at halftime. With an intense focus on defense, led by Leeman and DiCalogero, Melrose was able to strip the ball and score on a series of baskets by Leeman and D’Addio.
Melrose fought a spirited fourth, with nice contributions from Kayla Good (3 points), D’Addio and DiCalogero, but Watertown took this one, 49-35.
Acknowledging that this a season of high and lows, coach Razi Thomas gave the team credit for their competitive drive. “We competed in nearly every game. We never lost our belief that every game was winnable. We took some huge strides forward this season as I’m incredibly proud of this group overall.”
The Middlesex League, including the Freedom division, packed a punch this year. Says the coach, “It’s full of talent and competition. In the years to come, we will be climbing the league and amidst the higher-level teams. I think opponents see that too.”
But the team has proven they can compete with those “larger” in all sense of the word.
“Lexington was our best league game,” says the coach. “We shared the ball extremely unselfishly and played lock down defense. It was special to have our fans stand and clap showing pride in team effort our crew put forth that night on the road, despite the loss.”
As for her four seniors, Alex Leeman, Scarlett D’Addio, Olivia Dellaporta and Sophia DiCalogero, their successors will be filling big shoes. These girls have been with Razi-Thomas in these two formative years of coaching.
“They are big losses to our program and will be missed. Captain Alex Leeman is an elite defender and passionate teammate and leader. She can score at 3 levels and leads by example with her work ethic,” she says. “Captain Scarlett D’Addio’s love for the game and commitment is energizing to be around. She was a role model this year to younger players and regained her confidence on offense and grit on defense and the boards after her ACL recovery season last year. Forward Olivia Dellaporta is a gem! She’s funny, hardworking and athletic. She makes practice a joy and her energy can lighten the intensity of things at perfect times! She can rebound and defend with the best of them! Sophia DiCalogero is a scorer with a nose for the ball. This year she added some stellar defense when she was called upon to match up with some top players. The class of 2025 has started a turnaround in this program! All four made and impact and will be missed.”