We are fast approaching the second-best part of the MIAA season: February break.
The last week of the regular season packs in a ton of fantastic tournaments and showcases around Massachusetts. But the Comcast/Board 27 Tournament consistently leads the way, and it's once again loaded with some of the state's best girls teams.
This year, the tournament is at Emmanuel College spanning Feb. 15-17. The two girls brackets include Bishop Feehan, Medfield, Woburn, Foxboro and Wachusett — five of our top eight squads — plus three additional tough opponents in Norwood, Central Catholic and Wellesley. Nearly every game will be must-see (find more info here).
Little changes in this week's Top 10 update, but that's merely biding time for a huge week of prove-it hoops. Let's set the stage.
1. Bishop Feehan (17-2)
Previous ranking: 1
Next game: at Cathedral, Feb. 11, 6:30 p.m.
Hand up — I'll take an L. Since I knew I'd be attending the Cathedral matchup Tuesday as well as Bishop Feehan's Comcast Tournament games, I decided to skip watching the Shamrocks last week. That was a huge mistake because they played in the two best games of the week: a nail-biting, 58-55 road win at Dartmouth and a dramatic, 63-61 loss at St. Mary's.
I'm playing these ranking conservatively and keeping the Shamrocks at No. 1 for multiple reasons. They did not have Brown commit Charlotte Adams-Lopez, who returned to the lineup and scored 11 points against Central Catholic. The end result of the St. Mary's game was controversial (more on that in a moment) and the teams still split the season series. But this is a tenuous spot that I'm willing to change next week.
2. Medfield (15-1)
Previous ranking: 2
Next game: vs. Bellingham, Feb. 11, 6:00 p.m.
The Warriors will almost certainly complete an undefeated Tri-Valley League season as long as they can get past Bellingham. But then the schedule gets interesting. Medfield sneaks in a huge nonleague trip to St. Mary's on Feb. 12 (I plan to be at this one) before the Comcast Tournament. Then at Emmanuel, they'll start by facing Foxboro and could meet Bishop Feehan in their bracket championship. A 4-0 week would be a tall order, but if it happens, you'll see Medfield atop these rankings next time.
3. St. Mary’s (17-2)
Previous ranking: 3
Next game: vs. Acton-Boxboro, Feb. 10, 6:00 p.m.
Video and photo evidence available pretty clearly shows Lily Norton did not get her game-winning floater off before time expired against Bishop Feehan. That's the reality — but the reality is also that St. Mary's stormed back from multiple deficits against our top-ranked team and won/forced overtime on Friday. The Spartans should be proud regardless of the controversy, and they've earned the right to be considered a No. 1 contender alongside Feehan and Medfield. They can prove it again against the Warriors on Wednesday before hosting their annual Spartan Classic tournament.
4. Woburn (16-0)
Previous ranking: 4
Next game: vs. Arlington, Feb. 11, 5:00 p.m.
The Tanners are two wins away from yet another undefeated Middlesex League season. They have to get past Arlington and Reading first before turning to Comcast, which they had hosted up until this year. Woburn's first matchup will be against Central Catholic, and the winner gets the winner of Wachusett vs. Norwood. If we get a Woburn-Wachusett battle, that would be a huge test for two Division 1 title contenders who have rolled over most of their local opponents.
5. Norwell (15-1)
Previous ranking: 5
Next game: vs. Middleboro, Feb. 11, 6:30 p.m.
We're up to 13 games on the under-40 points allowed tracker for Norwell. That includes a more convincing, 60-30 victory against Pembroke last Wednesday. Maddie Oliver has really hit a groove, scoring 20-plus points in her last three contests. The Clippers will stay home to host their own Norwell Tournament during vacation, which begins with them facing Needham.
6. Foxboro (15-1)
Previous ranking: 6
Next game: at Mansfield, Feb. 11, 6:30 p.m.
Last week, I talked about the Warriors defense, and though the under-40 streak ended for them, they still showed it off, particularly against Oliver Ames. More impressively lately has been the offense, which has cleared 60 points (and often much more) in 10 games of their current 11-game win streak. As mentioned, Foxboro is a Comcast participant and will face Medfield (and Bishop Feehan if both win). I'm super excited for that first matchup of two reigning state champions who love to push the pace in transition.
7. Cathedral (13-4)
Previous ranking: 7
Next game: vs. Bishop Feehan, Feb. 11, 6:30 p.m.
Tuesday represents the biggest challenge remaining for the Panthers after Bishop Feehan cruised past them, 75-48, in the first matchup Jan. 24. Cathedral can rain buckets when it's at its best, having scored 73 or more points in three of its last four games. But that 48-point dud is tied for its second-lowest output against an in-state opponent this winter. I plan to attend this game, and I'm excited to be in one my favorite gym environments in the state. The Panther fans always bring it.
8. Wachusett (15-1)
Previous ranking: 8
Next game: at Bishop Fenwick, Feb. 10, 6:00 p.m.
The Mountaineers continue to have their foot on the gas. That's highlighted by their most recent 83-point onslaught against Leominster, in which their trio of Jaelynn Scott (25 points), Sophie Gibbons (24 points) and Teegan Lanpher (20 points) all caught fire. The Comcast Tournament represents a statement opportunity for a team I fear I've ranked too low for too long. Wachusett will face Norwood first, then the winner of Woburn vs. Central Catholic.
9. Notre Dame Hingham (14-1)
Previous ranking: 9
Next game: vs. Dennis-Yarmouth, Feb. 10, 6:30 p.m.
The Cougars pack in five home games in eight days to end the season, but they should be able to handle each opponent, with Malden Catholic likely representing the toughest challenge. They do not compete in any Feb. break tournaments.
10. Braintree (16-1)
Previous ranking: 10
Next game: at Milton, Feb. 11, 6:30 p.m.
Coach Kelley Macdonald was the latest guest on our HoopWise Podcast, where she talked about what's brought this team to its status a real Division 1 championship contender. Braintree is one win away from a perfect season in Bay State Conference play. Then it joins the Mansfield Women's Roundball Tournament, a quality four-team showcase that includes Mansfield, Westford and Natick.
On the radar:Â Dartmouth, Quincy, North Quincy, Norwood, Pittsfield, Walpole
Dartmouth remains our clear No. 11 squad, especially after nearly taking down Bishop Feehan at home. I think I've slept a bit on Norwood and Walpole. The Mustangs are second in the Division 2 power rankings and just dominated in a 62-33 win against Westwood. Walpole is 11-6, but that includes losses to Bedford, Bishop Feehan, Braintree (twice), Norwood and Newton North. The Timberwolves just scored a big Bay State Conference win against Natick and are in the Division 2 mix.
