A Fight to the End

     Head coach Dan Langmead had high hopes for the girls 2013-2014 varsity basketball team. The Lady Lancers finished the season last year with not the best record, but with very close games. Coach Langmead's goals were to start off the season strong and make it to the tournament, as well as make a new, positive name for the Norton girls basketball program. The Lady Lancers experienced a disappointing season, but continued to fight hard no matter what the outcome was at the end of the game.

     The Lancers season ended with another loss, making the ending record 0-20. Sure the season didn't turn out the way they wanted, but they always managed to fight through the tormenting crowds and keep their heads up and try to continue to play hard on defense to the end of the game, no matter what the score was. Captains Meg Pestana and Sam Lang always continued to be supportive and pick people up while they were down. If someone missed a layup, you could guaranteed that both captains would come over, tap you on the back and say "Hey, shake it off. Next play." This is what the Lancers needed to keep up their defensive game to get some stops and try to get some baskets at the other end of the court. 

     Offensively, when the Lancer's would take the time and slow the ball down to run the play correctly, it was very effective and would break down the other teams defense, opening up the lane to go to the hoop or freeing up a shooter to take the outside shot. Junior, Ashley Pelletier has a great shooting season as well as Junior Chloe Gill and Freshman Maddie Murphy. Guard Marisa Amato did very well moving and handling the ball to keep the offense moving. On the defensive end, Senior captains Meg Pestana and Sam Lang did a great job making sure no player from the opposing team had an easy post touch. Sam Lang lead the team in taking charges. She was always willing to sacrifice her body to take the charge. Meg rarely let the guard get it into the post. She played great defense on the tallest girls in the TVL and it showed. 

    Starting next season, Coach Langmead hopes to pick up were the team left off this season. He hopes that all the girls will play as much basketball as they can before the start of next season so that the girls are physically and mentally prepared to play again. The team is going to greatly miss the two seniors Meg and Sam, but next season as a team they hope to make the tournament. The girls are looking forward to a good season next year. The incoming seniors hope to make it a good one seen as it's their last season. Best of luck during the next upcoming season.