Girls Basketball Team is Playoff Bound After Win

There are still seven games remaining in the regular season for the Wilmington girls basketball team. But head coach Jay Keane's charges already know they're adding at least one more game to the schedule.

On Tuesday, the erased a 28-22 deficit at the intermission, and turned on the jets in the second half to snag a 56-47 victory. With the win, the locals are now 10-3 and qualified for the Division 2 playoffs.

"There was a lot excitement after the game, and I let them enjoy that moment," said Keane. "Starting (Wednesday), we have to get right back to work. But qualifying for the playoffs in just 13 games is a tremendous accomplishment for the girls."

The victory also helped Wilmington keep pace with Melrose and other teams eyeing the Middlesex League Small School Division crown. The Wildcats and Melrose are each 4-1 in league play. While Melrose is just 6-5 overall, one of those wins was a 15-point decision against Wilmington.

In the victory over Belmont, Emily Crannell led the way with 17 points and Michelle Woods chipped in 14 markers of her own.

"It's hard to single out anybody on this team," said Keane. "Everyone has a role to fill and they're all doing that. They just want to win and they're not worried about the headlines. There are no individual agendas. The goal is to win, and everything is willing to do their part to make that happen."