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Streaking Panthers a threat in North Shore Invitational

Friday, February, 15 By Matt Jenkins
Staff writer

Bishop Fenwick girls basketball coach Tim Harrington needs another victory for his team to qualify for the Division 2 North tournament.

Two weeks ago, Harrington would have been thrilled to see Beverly High on the schedule for such an important game. But not anymore.

The Panthers, once 3-11, are riding a three-game win streak heading into tonight's battle with Salem. Although Beverly can't qualify for the postseason, it is playing very good basketball at the right time.

Beverly and Fenwick kick off the 11th annual North Shore Invitational Tournament tomorrow afternoon (2 p.m.) at Danvers High School. The winner will move on to the final to play the winner of Danvers and Masconomet (6 p.m.) Monday night.

"I told the girls that peaking at the 15th game is better than not peaking at all," Beverly coach Matt Smith said. The Panthers defeated Revere and Lynn Classical before scoring a great upset over Northeastern Conference Large power Lynn English earlier this week.

Smith is playing all 14 girls on his roster, only six of whom are seniors. The kids are finally feeling like they can compete with anyone in the league, he said.

"I think the biggest thing is that they're playing to win and not playing not to lose," Smith said. "On opening night we lost to Peabody by four points, and it was like losing by four to a good team was an accomplishment. Now, instead of losing to a good team by four, we're beating them by four. Our confidence level is developing."

That doesn't bode well for the Crusaders.

"They're playing their best basketball. They could have packed it in and played out the season, but haven't," Harrington said about Beverly. "That says a lot about the girls on Beverly and the coaching staff. That says a lot about about their game character. I'm happy for them and am looking forward to playing them."

Senior center Breezy Dwyer, a three-year starter, has been the backbone of the Panthers, and junior forward Meg Chatellier has had a breakthrough season. Chatellier was recently named a NEC all-star.

Alex Vavladelis, another senior, has also been instrumental in Beverly's resurgence, and freshman Jen Ashton is one of many reasons the Panthers should be optimistic about the future.

Seniors Michelle Lubas, Sammy O'Neil, and twin sisters Amy and Alicia Couture have also been solid for Beverly.

"Last year was different. I had four girls who were pretty good basketball players and I played six, seven, and rarely eight players a game," Smith said. "This year I've got a bunch of girls who can all play, which is nice because the younger kids are getting a lot of experience and playing time. Winning is going along with that now."

Adding excitement to this first round matchup is the Beverly flavor of the Fenwick roster.

Abby Poeske, Lizzie Trainor, Amelia Santos and Amy Pelletier are Beverly residents who will be playing for the Brown & Gold.

"If you need extra motivation, there it is," Harrington said. "These girls (on the two teams) talk to each other and know each other. It's nice to see some different teams, and we love playing local teams. Playing close to home, friends and family can come | which is not always a possibility with our (Catholic Central) League games.

"Mike O'Brien (North Shore Invitational director) does a first class job. We're happy to be invited."

Fenwick is also happy about the return of senior forward Lauran DiCarlo, who has missed several games due to injury.