Even though more than a month remains until the start of the winter high school season, coaches are already wondering about the challengers they'll meet on the road to a championship.
This year, it feels like there's great uncertainty about the elite schools outside of a select one or two programs. Who are the realistic frontrunners in the MIAA divisions? Who could surprise some people? I was excited to learn what coaches thought.
We asked more than 30 MIAA coaches around the state about a wide range of topics as part of our first anonymous girls coaches' survey. Part 1 of our four-part series centered on the top players you'll see in action this winter.
Here is Part 2, focusing on the top teams that coaches are monitoring around the state.
Who is the best team in your MIAA division? Why?
Let's take this one division at a time.
Few argue that Wachusett is the clear favorite in Division 1 and perhaps the best team in the entire state. The Mountaineers return Scott, Lanpher, Sophie Gibbons, Kyla Yurkus and more from their title-winning roster. After Wachusett, a handful of other Division 1 schools received mentions. Bishop Feehan is a consistent contender and the reigning runner-up, while Natick has standouts like Bridget Pole and Kayla Dunlap returning from its breakout season last winter. One coach said not to sleep on Worcester South, which moves up to Div. 1 after making two straight Div. 2 finals appeartances.
Much like me, coaches believe Division 2 is stacked. It starts with two-time defending champion Medfield and division newcomer St. Mary's, coming off three Div. 3 titles in four years.
"These are successful programs with deep rosters and tons of players to watch," one coach said of both teams. "Year after year, they produce talent and compete at a high level. Their success isn’t just about one season as it’s built on strong identities, culture, and player development that keep improving season after season. Coaches and fans alike know to expect tough competition and rising prospects whenever these programs take the floor."
The Div. 2 responses leaned towards those two schools, but teams like Whitman-Hanson and Foxboro (a returning Div. 2 member after playing two seasons in Div. 3) were also nominated. Generally, the feeling is that Division 2 has a slew of challengers to Medfield.
"There are about ten teams that could win the championship," one coach said.
Because of the MIAA realignment, Division 3 is taking on a different look with Cathedral and Bishop Fenwick in the mix. One coach mentioned those Catholic Central League schools plus East Bridgewater and Pembroke as early favorites. Pittsfield and Pentucket were noted as well.
With Cathedral gone from Division 4, the door could be open for a new school, like back-to-back runner-up South Hadley, to claim a championship.
"South Hadley returns their entire team pretty much and has lost the last 2 years in the Div. finals to Cathedral (which is moving to 3)," one coach mentioned.
MIAA PREVIEWS: North Quincy |Natick | St. Mary's
Which MIAA team will break out and contend for a state championship? Why?
The answers were all over the map, and personally, this really helps me prepare for the winter. Here's a summary.
In Division 1, King Philip has a few fans. The Warriors bring back much of the roster that broke through to the state quarterfinals, including Tatum Morgan, Katie Stierer and more.
"I think King Philip has a chance to make a big jump this year," a opposing coach said. "They have a great core of returning players and made huge strides last year. I see them as one of the best teams in the Hockomock League and a team that has a chance to string together a bunch of playoff wins."
Worcester South got another nod here, as did perennial Division 1 contender Woburn. Springfield Central earned recognition as a program that typically flies under the radar during the regular season before emerging as a championship threat.
"Although we don't get to see them a ton because they are out in Western Mass., they are consistently great and always develop the pieces and are there in the end," a coach said of Springfield Central. "No one wants to match up with them in the tournament. Watch out for Andover having a huge year as well."
In Division 2, teams are eyeing Whitman-Hanson, which reached the semifinals as a No. 7 seed last year.
One coach said not to gloss over Foxboro; despite graduating multiple stars, the Warriors seem to always be in the hunt under longtime coach Lisa Downs.
Another coach said to keep an eye on Archbishop Williams. The Bishops made the Round of 16 as a No. 21 seed in the first season under coach Sarah Behn, and they have a talented returning core led by Merrimack commit Jenna Mishou.
"This squad brings in several new faces and a strong post presence, which will anchor them inside. With reliable shooters on the perimeter and tough guard play, opponents will find it very difficult to defend," the coach said. "The combination of inside dominance and outside threats makes this team versatile and dangerous on both ends of the floor."
MORE MIAA PREVIEWS:  Bishop Feehan | King Philip | Bishop Fenwick
Pembroke leads the schools building hype in Division 3. The Titans have three college commits so far in Alissa Marcella, Fay D'Angelo and Sophie Derochea.
"I think Pembroke will make a run in D3 this year," one coach said. "Their side of the PL is wide open and Pembroke in an incredibly tough place to play. Their guard play and defense will carry them deep in the tournament."
Pittsfield, East Bridgewater and Old Rochester also received shoutouts in Div. 3, and one coach pointed to Bishop Fenwick as a bounce-back candidate following its 10-12 season last year. In Division 4, at least one coach believes Millis can challenge South Hadley for the crown.
"(Sophomore) Caroline Connors is legit. Millis is extremely well-coached and they know how to compete," they said. "Coach Fallon will have them playing at their best at tournament time."
