With a new coach and revamped lineup void of seven graduated seniors, the Marauders hope to rally around a returning core of six players and new program leader Antonia Macklin and return to the Division 1 state tournament.
“We’re anticipating playing a lot of the girls this year,” Macklin said. “We’re young and rebuilding. [Developing players] is one of the main things that we are focusing on.”
This year’s squad will be led by the six returning players, including three senior captains, scoring leader Sophia McClendon and guards Leah and Erin Attridge.
Macklin takes over for Shantell Jeter, who led Belmont to a 13-7 record in her final of three seasons. Macklin not only has experience as a basketball coach, but also as a player. One of the all-time greats in Boston high school girls basketball at The English High School, Macklin played college ball at the University of Iowa, where she was part of a historic Final Four run in the 1993 NCAA tournament.
With the season opener in Watertown, the senior captains emphasized the importance of offseason work. Many players competed in AAU club basketball while developing their strength in the gym.
“Our practices and games in the offseason have helped us to grow and maintain skill from past seasons,” Erin Attridge said. “And they have strengthened our speed and agility.”
This preparation has been important for such a young roster, which includes two freshmen, Ellie Siegert and Gwen Cornett. Belmont will also rely heavily on sophomore point guard Sarah Geller, who was the starting point guard last year as a freshman, as well as juniors Stella Ivkovic and Rebecca Christensen. Look for McClendon, who averaged a team-best 15.5 points per game last year, to shoulder the lead scoring role.
The team hopes to improve on last year’s first-round exit in the state tournament. Players and coaches alike emphasized building team chemistry.
“It has been something we have been working on, on and off the court,” McClendon said. “We need to make sure to stay focused.”
The home opener and first conference game is set for Tuesday, Dec. 16, when Belmont will host Wakefield. Other notable games include Arlington at home on Dec. 19, Winchester at home on Jan. 16 and Lexington at home on Feb. 6.