NICE “TOWNIE” NIGHT
In women’s college hockey action, Salem State improved to 3-7-1 with a 5-0 lambasting of Anna Maria. Leading the way for the Lady Vikings were senior wing Danielle Kelley (a dominating performance with an eye-popping 9 shots on net, a plus 5 rating, a goal, and 2 assists) and junior center Rose Sullivan (2 goals, 2 assists, a plus 4 rating, 4 shots on net, and 12 of 17 faceoffs won). Also pitching in was talented senior wing Jacqueline Sindoris who added 4 shots on net.
During a 4-2 setback to Williams in men’s hockey, Amherst (3-3-1) freshman wing Sean Wrenn contributed 2 assists and 3 shots on net and is fast emerging as an impact player for the Mammoths.
HOME, BOYS, HOME
The men’s collegiate hockey players can now return home to help their parents with chores as Christmas break has arrived. As usual, several “Townies” are making their presence felt on the ice. UMass-Dartmouth junior backliner Patrick Wrenn (3 assists) is a team leader and gives the Corsairs a physical presence in front of the net. Worcester State freshman phenom Will Ahearn (4 goals) has already received MASCAC player-of-the-week recognition and is fast emerging as an elite forward for the Lancers. Amherst freshman wing Sean Wrenn (goal, 3 assists) has capitalized on his opportunities and is seeing plenty of regular duty for the Mammoths.
LET THE DEFENSE BEGIN
As the number of “wannabees” line up in an attempt to dethrone Division 4 state hoop champion Pope John XXIII, Coach Leo Boucher and the Tigers served notice that they are ready and waiting for all “comers.” Despite a sluggish first quarter on opening night, PJ rounded into form and vaporized a much-improved St. Joseph Prep to the tune of 85-41. Senior forward Conor Kelly helped the cause with 15 points, 7 rebounds, 3 assists and 4 steals.
TIME FOR A BREAK
As the women’s hockey collegians head into their well-deserved Christmas break, several “Townies” are enjoying sensational campaigns. Northeastern freshwoman Micaela Sindoris has been a pleasant surprise for the #3 ranked Huskies and is sure to emerge as an elite forward in the not-to-distant future. The Salem State trio of seniors Jacqueline Sindoris (8 goals, 41 shots), Danielle Kelley (5 goals, 4 assists, 34 shots) and junior Rose Sullivan (4 goals, 4 assists, 54% faceoffs won) have sparked the Lady Vikings to a 4-game unbeaten streak (3-0-1) heading into the break. The sudden surge has seen Salem State outscore their opponents by a 16-3 margin and given hope for a first-ever New England Hockey Conference playoff bid.
A SHOOTING STAR
At the Billerica High School fall sports award banquet, junior Nolan Houlihan was recognized for his selection as a Merrimack Valley Conference All Star. In his first year as the starting quarterback, all Nolan did was set a school record in his first game with 6 TD passes. He was also chosen as the team captain for the 2019 season.
CHARLESTOWN LITTLE LEAGUE HAS CHRISTMAS LIST ITEMS
Charlestown Little League still has hats, shirts, pullovers and other items left for sale for Christmas gifts. Email the league at [email protected] and let them know what you’d like. Also, the team store is open on its website, which has more options for fan wear.
Charlestown boys basketball falls to Brockton in season opener
By Cary Shuman
The Charlestown High School boys basketball team lost to Brockton High, 70-54, last Friday in its non-league season opener.
Hugh Coleman was making his debut as Charlestown’s head coach following a highly successful reign at Brighton High School where he led the Bengals to their first state championship.
Senior point guard Tim Smith led the Townies with 17 points and six assists. Junior forward Julian Curry had 11 points and seven rebounds.
The Townies have a challenging non-league schedule this season, with games against Lynn English, Xaverian, New Bedford, and Snyder High School (New Jersey). They’ll also play Brighton, East Boston, O’Bryant, New Mission, and West Roxbury.
With a 21-game schedule, Coleman said the goal in the regular season is to qualify for the MIAA Tournament and earn one of the four berths in the Boston City Championships.
“That’s our goal,” said Coleman, who is trying to restore Charlestown as the king of Boston and Massachusetts basketball, a position it held during his tenure as an assistant on Jack O’Brien’s staff. “We have a tough schedule, but we feel we can reach our goals if we continue to work hard.”
Coleman was set to lead Charlestown in to action Wednesday night against Lynn English, who is coached by Antonio Anderson, a former University of Memphis star who went on to play for the NBA’s Oklahoma City Thunder. Coleman mentored and coached Anderson in Lynn. Derek Coleman, Hugh’s younger brother and a former Charlestown High and Robert Morris standout, and Antonio Anderson, were friends and basketball teammates.