Magicians Win North Shore Championship

The following story was submitted by Derek Norcross:

As the final seconds ticked off the clock in the North Shore Girls Travel Basketball League Finals, Nicole Freddo turned and launched a half court 3-pointer that hit nothing but the bottom of the net.

It was the exclamation point to a thrilling championship game and the culmination of a near perfect season for the Marblehead 7^th grade girls basketball team.

Marblehead ended their season with an 18-2 record by defeating arch-rival Ipswich 31-18, in a game that was much closer than the final score.

Marblehead entered the NSGTBL tournament as the number one seed after compiling a stellar 15-2 regular season record. Their only regular season losses were to traditional rival Swampscott and to a very strong Ipswich squad that featured two of the strongest players in the league.

As the double-elimination NSGTBL tournament began, Marblehead had a first round bye but drew Swampscott as their first opponent after the Big Blue dispatched Gloucester.  The contest was close one as Swampscott’s strong inside game gave Marblehead problems.

Lindsay Walker had her typical “Silas-esque” performance, one that has made her a force in the low post and kept Marblehead close. Both Chloe Ferrucci and Montana Joyce had outstanding games off the bench. An under-the-weather Jenny Norcross helped spark a second half burst that kept the Blue at bay as the Marblehead squad held off Swampscott 43-38.

In the 3^rd round, Marblehead met up with Ipswich, who had dispatched Danvers in the prior round. Nicole Freddo kept the ‘Headers close early as Ipswich’s dynamic duo continued their excellent play.

In the second half, Marblehead ratcheted up their defensive pressure and along with extremely patient guard play by Colby Shea, Ashley Stiles moved Marblehead into the lead. Abby Settlemeyer shut down the inside on defense as her sister Kate provided an offensive spark and Marblehead took the game 32-30.

The win propelled Marblehead directly into the Finals where they would wait for the winner of an Ipswich- Danvers game in the consolation bracket.  As expected, Ipswich earned the right for a rematch with Marblehead by defeating the Falcons 25-20.

The Final was held at Gordon College and the stands were packed with passionate Marblehead and Ipswich fans, anticipating the inevitable clash between these two North Shore titans.

Both teams showed early signs of nervousness. Many fouls, turnovers and missed opportunities by both squads marred the competitive first half and the score was knotted at 6 at halftime. Coaches Shawn Shea, Randy Stiles and Doug Settlemeyer calmed the Marblehead hoopsters during halftime and then proceeded to diagram and instruct the girls on a second half strategy.

Their words must have resonated as the Marblehead girls charged out of the break and took control of the game. Defensive wizard Megan Ryan played suffocating defense on the leagues top point guard and forced Ipswich to rely on their star forward. However when she was confronted by constant double and triple teaming by the rest of the Marblehead squad, she was unable to respond and eventually got into foul trouble.

The rest of the Ipswich team was overmatched by the constant pressure exerted by Marblehead. Montana Joyce played the off-guard position terrifically and allowed Marblehead guards Ashley Stiles, Colby Shea and Jenny Norcross to move the ball flawlessly in the latter part of the half and the offensive execution led to some easy buckets. A clutch Kate Settlemeyer basket finally deflated an exhausted Ipswich team. Lindsay Walker led all scorers.

The final Nicole Freddo hoop led to a cheering celebration of Marblehead’s total team victory.  All season long the Marblehead team played relentless defense to compliment a patient, complex offense.  This team earned their title through hustle, hard work and awesome coaching.  Each girl contributed mightily to their championship season and they look forward to defending their NSGTBL title next season. Way to go girls!!!