Lady Spartans Look Back at Season

The girls’ basketball season came to an end after a 67-42 loss to No. 2-ranked Swampscott in the second round of the North Division 3 State tournament on Saturday night in Swampscott.

The No. 7-ranked Spartans finished the year with an overall record of 12-9, including an .

Sophomore Stephanie Bramante recalled her most memorable moment from the season.

“Although there were many, I think it would be our home game versus Watertown,” Bramante said. “We lost to them the first time we played them on their home court, but it was sweet to get revenge. We played great as a team and worked hard for the win.”

Success Under a New Coach

The Spartans were guided under first year coach Sarah Mills and Bramante had nothing but high praise for the rookie coach.

“Many teams thought we wouldn’t have gotten as far as we did with a new coach and young team,” Bramante said. “She was a great coach and cares a lot about our team’s success.”

“She taught us a lot about teamwork and that by being young, we need to work even harder against our competition,” Bramante said. “It starts with practice.”

Young Squad Steps it Up

The lady Spartans lost a group of talented seniors last year and Bramante knew the team had big shoes to fill.

“I think our success came from the work we put into practices and each week was a new game plan for us so we were always focused on what we had to do individually and as a team going into each game,” Bramante said. “Also, before the season, we wrote down our team goals and we referred to them when we needed so I definitely think this helped with our success when we knew what we wanted to accomplish.”

Sideline Support

Bramante tore her ACL in a game versus Melrose earlier this year ending her season sooner than planned, but she was the ultimate teammate cheering on her team from the bench.

“I will always cherish every minute I was out on the court and cheering for the team from the bench,” Bramante said. “I’m so proud of our team and our accomplishments this season and I can’t wait for the next year’s season.”

Memorable Moments

Senior captain Betsy Albiani had many memories from the season, but her last home game at Stoneham High stands out the most.

“The most memorable moment for me was probably my Senior Day game against Wakefield,” Albiani said.

Albiani also spoke highly of Mills, who was promoted from the junior varsity position.

“Coach Mills did a great job this year as the new head coach,” Mills said. “Most of us knew her already which really helped us out.”

Albiani said that the team lost key players from the last season, but due to their hard work the squad would not skip a beat.

“We play together as a team which is part of the reason why we were successful this year,” Albiani said. “We continued to work hard in the offseason and throughout the year at practices.”

While the Spartans didn't achieve their ultimate goal of winning a State title, Albiani said the relationships she formed with her teammates will last forever.

“I will take away the friendships I have made,” Albiani said. “The memories we had together as a team will never be forgotten.”