Veteran Sandwich Girls' Basketball Team Will Make Some Noise

By: Dan Crowley
Published: 12/07/12

 More than half the team is back from last season and those new to the varsity squad are all talented players. This winter the Lady Knights will put a strong team on the court and they’ll be looking for both a league championship and another run at the state tournament.

“We have the caliber of players to do it,” Coach Chris Gendreau said. “Our goal is to win the Atlantic Coast League and get back to the state tournament.”

Last year Sandwich finished the regular season with a record of 14-8. They lost in the opening round of the tournament to Hingham (69-56).

The Lady Knights will be led by a trio of senior captains, Erin Gendreau, Sidney Miller and Julia Sullivan. Gendreau returns to the point guard position for SHS and creates problems for opposing teams with her quickness and shooting ability. She can pull up and knock down a 3-pointer or drive to the hoop. She is also a playmaker, who can recognize defenses and get the ball inside. An Atlantic Coast League All-Star last year she averaged 15.5 points per game. Miller will take the floor at the small forward position and will be looked to for her rebounding ability and defense. Sullivan also has a good 3-point shot and can pull up and hit the net from anywhere inside the arc.

Senior Kylie Dolan is another returning veteran player who the team will look to for her defense and rebounding. Senior Erin Hurley brings versatility and talent. Her speed and quickness, along with physical play will open up the floor. Junior Lea Adams was an ACL All-Star last year and will be counted on again this season to come up big for the Lady Knights. She is solid from outside the arc, can drive to the hoop and is physical off the glass. Senior Ashley Smith is a good catch-and-shoot player with accuracy. Her quick release from the floor should put points on the board.

A talented group of players will be joining the varsity squad this season. Stephanie Briggs, Megan Reardon and Caroline McKenna add versatility and talent to the team. The trio will see time off the bench at different positions. Kasey Noonan could see time at point guard, while Shannon Mosher and freshman Carly Whittle will be counted on down low.

“I’m very encouraged with what I’ve seen in the preseason,” Coach Gendreau said. “We have fantastic senior leadership, with a real good mix of kids this year. They are an easy group to work with. This year we have the added dimension of size and ability under the hoop, which will give us more options. We’re a very athletic team and we’ll be banking on a fast-paced game. We’ve got to get to the 50/50 balls, play defense and rebound. Our goal is to have our defense create the offense. There is a toughness and edge to these kids, but they’re sweethearts off the court.”

Sandwich will play their home opener Tuesday when they host Martha’s Vineyard at 4 PM.

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