HANOVER, Mass. — For most of this region, the New England Spring Showdown is the unofficial launch of the grassroots girls basketball season.
The Select Events tournament brought most top programs to the South Shore area, including Hanover's Starland Sportsplex, which served as center stage for the weekend. With the first live period next weekend, this was a meaningful tune-up in front of Div. 2 and Div. 3 college coaches before Div. 1 gets to join the mix.
With most elite programs obligated to follow their respective circuits, this is also one of the few showcases all season where we get to see top New England teams face off against each other. The rivalries get tense and the bragging rights matter.
Saturday and Sunday were long, but I truly enjoyed watching hoops and chatting with players, parents and coaches. I focused most of my time on the circuit teams who won't compete locally much during the rest of spring and summer. But I also fit in some rising programs I'm intrigued by. I can't see everyone; the best 2027 groups I missed were iBelieve's Select 40 squad, NSSA's Hoop Group team and XLP's top team. I'll try to catch them at a future tournament.
Our first list of standouts highlights the Class of 2027.
