MEDFIELD, Mass. — During the summer, when the Northeast High School Senior Showcase shone a spotlight on top MIAA boys, I wondered why a similar exposure event didn't exist on the girls side. Fast forward three months, and a group led by Medfield coach Mark Nickerson has successfully pulled it off.
The first Eastern Mass. Showcase took place at Medfield High on Tuesday, bringing two rosters of 25 top girls in the region together for a 40-minute game. Like the boys showcase, it is not officially sanctioned by the MIAA, though coaches still had to obey the association's rules about out-of-season coaching. Foxboro coach Lisa Downs led one team while three of her players suited up on the other side, led by Millis coach Dave Fallon. Even though Nickerson had three of his players in the showcase, he was restrained to cheering on the sideline.
"It's the first time I've come to a game and I don't really care who wins," he said. "It's an unnatural feeling for me."
This first attempt couldn't have gone much better. The crowd was large and Team Downs prevailed in a high-intensity but high-scoring, 86-75 contest. Though the fallout on the recruiting front will eventually matter, the Eastern Mass. Showcase showed us some of the many stars who will influence the upcoming season. Here are eight players who stood out.
