Magicians Get Their Mid-Season Grades

While some of the Marblehead High School’s athletic teams are in the early stages of their 2010-2011 campaigns, several are nearing or beyond the midway point in their schedules- a perfect time for reflection and performance evaluation.

Boys Basketball: A

An 8-1 team is an easy “A,” right? Yes. In fact, there is only one small factor holding this team from the highest honors: the road ahead. Last season the Magicians struggled in foreign facilities despite playing exceptionally well at home. The team’s one was played in Peabody, and although the team is outscoring opponents by an average of 13 points, the remaining schedule holds five road games and three home matchups. Will the team hold up down the stretch when traveling? Can the rotation of players stepping up on a nightly basis continue? If the answer is yes, and there are few indications it won’t be, the Magicians boys' basketball team could end up Marblehead High School’s team of the year.

Girls Basketball: B+

At 7-4 this squad holds one of the best records for an MHS girls basketball team in recent memory. They have beaten the teams they should beat, and maybe a few they shouldn't have. Coach Skip Likins says his players need to learn how to win; how to maintain leads late in games and use the running clock to their advantage. The remaining schedule is tough, pitting the girls against two teams they fell to already this year, but even a .500 record in the second half will spell success for this unit.

Boys Hockey: B

Yes, a 6-3-1 team can fall short of an “A.” Again, bear in mind the recent success and expectations. After a trip to the state semi-finals last year and returning the core of that unit this year, and going three straight without a victory () is certainly below this team’s potential. Coach Jackson has preached mental toughness all year, and they will  need as much of it as they can muster diving head-first into the meat of their schedule.

Girls Hockey: A+

To call 2009-2010 a “down” season for might rank as understatement of the year. Now standing at 6-2 in 2010-2011, including some major blow-out wins, the girls hockey squad is turning heads across the North Shore.

Swimming: A+

in all six meets this year and conference/section/state qualifiers in more than 10 events. ‘Nough said.

Indoor Track: Incomplete

The holds a record of 4-1, while the. Both teams had high expectations coming in to the year, which they have satisfied thus far. However, unlike most teams on this list, these teams will be defined by their ability to make a mar in tournament meets. For programs building  wining traditions, the regular season doesn’t mean much and success cannot be measured until division tournament is under way.

Wrestling: D

The saving grace for this , which not only accounts for the winless record, but gives hope for future success.