MHS GIRLS BASKETBALL
LAST YEAR: The Cavaliers went to the state title game, falling to Delcastle.
COACHES: Melvin Mayo took the head coaching position after Suzanne Street resigned to pursue a career in administration. Mayo was the junior varsity head coach last winter. He’s assisted by Cathy Corcoran and Jared Stevens.
RETURNING STARTERS: Britney Agostini (5-7, sr.); Tiana Cuttino (5-7, sr.).
REST OF THE ROSTER: Bianca Richards (5-10, so.); Alexis Wilson (5-5, so.); Cierra Jones (5-5, jr.); Siobhan Thompson (5-6, jr.); Theresa Butler (5-6, sr.); Taylor Aiello (5-5, sr.); Tierra Rahming (5-6, sr.); Diamyn Robb (5-8, jr.).
LOOKING AHEAD: A new era begins on the floor and bench. Coach Mayo is guiding a varsity program for the first time, and all-state center Chelsea Davis has taken her talents to Florida State.
“Everything is very new,” said Mayo, who worked with most of the girls on the JV team last season. “I’m not going to say it will be a tough season, but it will be one where everyone has to learn a lot.”
Fortunately, returning starters Cuttino and Agostini embraced leadership roles in the offseason to help push their new teammates. Cuttino was the team’s leading summer league scorer, and has been working hard since last season ended. Even with softball commitments, Agostini was a regular at basketball conditioning sessions.
Basketball-wise, Agostini and Cuttino will play all over the floor. They in the backcourt last season, and are solid outside shooters and dribblers.
The Cavs have just one 5-10 player (Richards) and are mostly guard-sized. They’ll attack defensively and push the pace to take advantage of team speed.
“Defense will be a key for us,” Mayo said. “We need to cause a lot of problems through pressuring the ball. If we can create turnovers and run, that’s to our advantage.”
