Whitman-Hanson Express

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Panthers are ready for Thanksgiving

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Turkey and football. 

Name two things that are more synonymous. 

Good luck, especially if you’re from the towns of Whitman, Hanson or Abington. 

That’s right. Those three towns are set to see their local high schools clash for the 111th time this Thursday at 10 a.m. at Abington. 

The Panthers are 5-5 on the season. 

They’re coming off of a 21-14 non-playoff victory over Westwood in which senior Ben Pace racked up three interceptions from his safety position.

W-H also owns wins against Pembroke, Foxboro, Silver Lake and Plymouth North. 

Abington sits at 4-6, fresh off a 28-0 loss to Rockland in the state quarterfinals. 

W-H leads the all-time series 60-47-3. 

Elsewhere around W-H: 

The Massachusetts All-State Championships were held on Saturday, Mov. 19, at Devens, Massachusetts. Whitman-Hanson had one runner entered in the meet.  Junior Sky Bucci-Anderson finished 101st among 189 of the state Div. 1 cross country runners, covering the 5K course in a time of 20:30. 

On the mat, W-H cheer placed fourth at states on Sunday, Nov. 20. 

— Nathan Rollins

Panthers are Back

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Thanks in large part to Ben Pace, the Whitman-Hanson Regional High football team is back on track. 

The senior captain hauled down three interceptions from his safety position in a 21-14 victory over Westwood in a non-playoff game on Saturday, Nov. 12. 

The Panthers’ defense was stout all contest. Fellow senior Nick Beauregard also came down with a pick of his own. 

Also on defense, classmate Collin Murphy added two sacks, bringing his season total to 10. 

On the other side of the ball, the Panthers were balanced all night with seniors Trevor Googins, Evan Casey, and Will Frazier all scoring on the ground. 

The win leveled W-H’s record at 5-5. 

The Panthers are back 

— Nathan Rollins

Tournament heartbreaker

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On the heels of a shutout  win in their tournament opener, the Lady Panthers soccer team fell to Notre Dame Academy 4-0.

 “It’s amazing how much adversity our tea, has faced this season with injuries, but the girls and coaches never gave up,” Athletic Director Bob Rodgers Tweeted after the Monday, Nov. 7 game. “They made us all proud.”

After a scoreless first half, Notre Dame poured on the offense, scoring their first goal five minutes into the second half. There was only 15 minutes to play when they capped off the scoring with their fourth goal.

The girls’ soccer team defeated Amherst-Pelham, 6-0, in their opening game of the MIAA tournament on Sunday, Nov. 6.

Makenna Marshall opened the scoring for W-H with a blast from 20 yards out, according to AD Bob Rodgers, and Kennedy Frazier doubled the goal with a put back off a Savannah Kamperides cross. The score remained 2-0 until the half.

The Panthers came out flying in the second half with goals from Anna Schnabel, Elizabeth Kowlski, Olivia Godwin and Ella Nagle. The defense of Brooke McAloney, Lexi Cole, Hayley Gillis and Kamperides were strong all night, helping goalkeeper Aylla Dernier earn the shutout. Ayla Dernier was outstandind in the midfield.

Season Preview: Youth movement for girls’ soccer

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Junior Savannah Kamperides vs. Plymouth South. / Photo by: Sue Moss

The defending Division 2 state champs have plenty of new faces around.

The Whitman-Hanson Regional High girls’ soccer team has its work cut out for it in 2022. 

Patriot League All-Stars Olivia Borgen, Ava Melia and Nora Manning have all graduated from last year’s D2 state title team. Borgen (Penn State) and Melia (Bryant) are both playing Division 1 soccer. Melia anchored the backline, while Borgen (team-high 23 goals and 14 assists) and Manning (12 goals and team-high 15 assists) provided some serious firepower up front. 

Senior captain Kayla Cassidy, who is committed to play D1 herself for the University of Cincinnati, was supposed to shoulder even more of the load on offense. Except Cassidy, who pumped in 18 goals last fall (good for second on the team), tore her ACL and is out for the season. 

“That’s big loss,” Floeck said. “That, on top of the senior class that we lost.” 

It doesn’t end there. 

Senior midfielder Madelyn Allen is also expected to miss most of the season due to injury.

There’s more. 

“Between June and July, five of our players suffered season-ending injuries,” Floeck said. “It has been like nothing that I’ve ever seen. We’ve even had some other younger players that have shown well that have suffered some serious injuries that appear to have them out for the season.” 

So who is healthy?

For starters, junior captain Makenna Marshall is and will lead the defense. Marshall has been on varsity since her freshman year. 

“We’re really looking for her to provide that leadership on and off the field,” Floeck said. “She is a tremendous player. She has the respect of all her teammates and she’s been through the biggest games we’ve played in. We’re relying on her to be the leader of the team and for our back line.”

Fellow junior Savannah Kamperides joins her back there.

“Savannah played an important role for us last year so this year we’re looking for her to come back and be strong on the back line,” Floeck said. 

While just juniors, Marshall and Kamperides are elder statesmen on the team, which features just one healthy senior in Ella Nagle. 

“As our lone senior on the field right now we’re counting on her to kind of shoulder some of that load (on offense),” Floeck said. 

Sophomore Maddie Fitzgerald should also play a key role on offense. 

“She played significant time for us last year as a freshman and we’re really counting on her to step up and be a catalyst for our attack,” Floeck said. 

It’s definitely a youth movement for the Panthers. 

“We have some freshmen that are really being thrown into the fire,” Floeck said. “Even our bench is all freshmen and sophomores. Our mantra to get better every day and if you’re doing that hopefully the results are going our way.”

Floeck said he’s excited about the development of his program. 

“We want to make sure we do it the right way,” he said. “We have a great opportunity that we’re not graduating much so if we can develop these players the right way this can really set us up going forward. We understand we’re going to make mistakes or they’re going to be in satiations they’ve never been in but we’re trying to work through that with them. Our league is not forgiving nor is the fact that I’m sure everyone wants to have a shot at us because we have had such success in the league over the years.”

The defending D2 champs are back in action on Thursday, Sept. 15 when they host Plymouth South at 6:30 p.m. 

“We want to see growth,” Floeck said. “We know that there’s going to be growing pains. There are things that we’re used to our teams being able to do that we’re just not there yet and from a coaching staff perspective we have to realize that and be there to support our kids when we put them in some situations like a Whitman-Hanson-Hingham rivalry or Plymouth North or Silver Lake. Everything is an opportunity. We just want to keep a positive attitude and focus on the things that we can control. We’re hoping to get better every day and see where that puts us.”

Season Preview: New boys’ soccer coach stressing fun, resiliency

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The Panthers scrimmage. / Photo by: Sue Moss

Fun is the name of the game.

First-year Whitman-Hanson Regional High boys’ soccer head coach Dan Rudolph wants his team to have some fun this fall. 

“They should enjoy practices, they should enjoy game day — just have a positive experience,” said Rudolph, who spent the past five years as Hingham’s JV coach. 

Rudolph also wants his group, which finished 2-14-2 last fall, to play competitive soccer. Part of that is learning from your mistakes, especially in a tough Patriot League. 

“We all agreed on and promised each other that we know we’re going to face adversity this season, playing against some good teams,” Rudolph said. “But we’re a good team too and we all agreed when we do come up against some adversity, we’re going to come out the next day and try to come up with some solutions with some of the things we can improve upon. We’re going to be resilient all season. There’s going to be some challenges, but we’re going to embrace them.”

Rudolph lauded his group of seniors (Andrew Chichlowski, Chase Fostello, Jack Navicky, Manny Osorio, Jackson Preskins and Devin Walsh) for leading the charge in that mindset. 

“We have a great group of senior leaders,” Rudolph said. “I’ve seen leadership from people in all different classes. All these kids are going to make contributions.” 

As for who is going to be contributing to the Panthers’ offense this season, Rudolph said he believes the goal scoring will come from a bevy of sources. 

“We’re a team,” Rudolph said. “We’re going to get goals from a lot of different people.”

Down the other end, sophomore Dillon Galanis takes over in net for Andrew Sullivan. 

W-H is back on the pitch Thursday, Sept. 15 at 4 p.m. when it visits Plymouth South. 

“We’re a good team,” Rudolph said. “I hope to see exciting, great soccer. I think there’s potential here and we have hard working kids. These guys are going to go hard.

“We already know there’s going to be some tough games but we’re coming out the next day and we’re going to be better. We’re in it for the long haul.” 

Season Preview: Boys’ golf driving for improvement

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The Whitman-Hanson Regional High boys’ golf team has nine new golfers.

For the Whitman-Hanson Regional High boys’ golf team, the goal is pretty simple this autumn.

“To improve every day,” said head coach Brian Dempsey, now in his 11th year leading the Panthers. “Regardless of wins and losses, we’re really trying to emphasize the advantage that each player has to get better, whether it be getting out on the course, going to the driving range, practicing putting, or even watching instructional videos. It’s cliché, but every day is an opportunity to improve, and with such a short season, we can’t let any of them slip away.”

The Panthers, who went 4-12 last fall, graduated their top golfer in Pat McBroom, but do return some talent in sophomore Cooper Britton, senior captain Harry Chase, classmate Nick Manganiello and junior captain Blake Belcher. Each should find themselves near the top of the leaderboard. 

“Of course, any or all of this could change throughout the season, but we’re confident that this range of players and experience could work to our advantage,” Dempsey said. 

As for newcomers, W-H has plenty. Nine to be exact. They’re also loaded with upperclassmen; of the 16 players on the roster, nine are seniors and five are juniors with just one sophomore and freshman. Dempsey said he believes his squad’s strength will be its leadership. 

“In some ways, upperclassmen are more relaxed and confident, and having graduated a handful of players that played in a majority of our matches last year, we’ll take that approach and hope for the best,” he said. 

W-H tees off its season Thursday, Sept. 8 at 3:30 p.m. when it hosts Hanover at Ridder Farm Golf Course. 

“Early on, I really just want to see more confidence from our team,” Dempsey said. “Because golf is such a mental game, there have been several times in the past where players immediately go through the schedule to see where they will win or lose. This year, I’m hoping to see players spend more time on bettering themselves and entering each match knowing that they’ve done all that they can to succeed for that day, that match, and that round.”

Season Preview: Field hockey ‘starting over again’

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Todd Humphrey addresses his team during its scrimmage. / Photo by: Sue Moss

The Whitman-Hanson Regional High field hockey team has a new look this season.

Todd Humphrey has a lot of new faces running around at practice. 

“Over half the team has never been on varsity, some are just starting out,” said the seventh-year Whitman-Hanson Regional High head field hockey coach, who graduated 17 seniors off last fall’s first-ever state tournament squad. 

The Panthers, who finished 3-12-2 last season, return just three starters. 

One of them is senior Reagan Heath, who is back in goal. 

“She has been working to improve her skills and is looking to support her team between the pipes this year,” Humphrey said. 

Junior Julia Cosgrove — who netted a two goals and added two assists at forward last season — will switch back to defense. 

“Her stick-handling ability should help us transition the ball from defense to offense,” Humphrey said. 

And sophomore Lillie MacKinnon will run the show at midfield. 

“She has impressive ball handling skills and is great at moving the team up the field,” said the coach. 

But other than that, Humphrey is looking at nine new starters. Two of them will be senior forward Abbie O’Neill and Kate Marino. They’ll captain the team along with Cosgrove. 

“Abbie is all about hustle and making plays, she is tough in front of the net,” Humphrey explained. “Kate is an all around player with a solid plethora of field hockey skills, she is willing to do anything to help the team. Paige is highly skilled and experienced, who really knows the game well. Each captain sincerely values their leadership role and is willing to help their teammates improve.”

Sophomores Ava Ferreira and Brooke Kreckler will join Marino and O’Neill at forward. As for the the midfield, juniors Hannah Battell and Lauren O’Neill will flank MacKinnon, while junior Maddy Geagan and sophomore Brooklyn Uzzell will slide in next to Cosgrove on defense. 

Despite the new look, Humphrey said he doesn’t feel like the Panthers’ lack of experience will necessary be a weakness because a lot of his squad plays multiple varsity sports. 

“The players that are new to field hockey are picking up the game rather quickly,” he said. “They also have demonstrated a desire to improve and really have desire to do well at field hockey.”

W-H is back in action Monday, Sept. 12 at 4 p.m. in Pembroke. 

“This season we are starting all over again,” Humphrey said. “I am looking forward to watching our players come together as a team and improve their field hockey skills as the season progresses.” 

Season Preview: Football team hoping to compete for a league championship

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Senior captains (left to right): Evan Casey, Maddox Colclough, Cam Burrows and Will Frazier

The Whitman-Hanson Regional High football team’s head coach has lofty goals as he aims to put it all together in Year No. 2.

Are you ready for some football?

Second-year head coach Zack Botelho and his Whitman-Hanson Regional High squad certainly are. 

“The excitement level is super high,” Botelho said. “We to play physical football and compete for a league championship this year.” 

Whitman-Hanson hasn’t won the Patriot League crown since 2001 (that’s 21 years ago for those keeping track). If it’s going to end that drought this fall, Botelho knows getting off on the right foot is crucial. 

“We want to start strong. We didn’t last year,” Botelho, whose team finished 2-9 last season in his first year at the help said, said. “But just having been in the league for a year, I’ve seen it and am able to game plan better.”

It’s always key when you can return your quarterback, and the Panthers do in senior captain Cam Burrows. 

“He’s been outstanding so far,” Botelho said. “He’s explosive.”

Behind Burrows, the Panthers also bring back senior captain and running back Will Frazier, who will be joined by fellow senior captain Evan Casey and classmate Trevor Googins in the backfield. 

Seniors Pat Dolan, Braden Kain, Sam Pace and Matt Phelps all have some experience under their belts at wide receiver, giving Burrows some solid options to pass to. 

Senior captain Maddox Colclough will anchor the offensive line. He will play both ways up front along with classmates Noah Hopkins and Connor Sottak. 

Casey returns at linebacker, while Phelps, a safety, and cornerbacks Frazier, Googins, Kain and senior Chris Currier hold down the fort in the secondary. 

W-H opens its season Friday, Sept. 9 at 7 p.m. at home against Pembroke. That will be followed by a tough five-game stretch that features road games against Foxboro (Sept. 16 at 7 p.m.), Rockland (Sept. 23 at 7 p.m.) and Hingham (Sept. 30 at 7 p.m.) before returning home to face Silver Lake (Oct. 7 at 7 p.m.) and Marshfield (Oct. 14 at 7 p.m.). 

You think Botelho will find out what his team is made of after the first month? 

“Definitely,” he said. “We just want to compete for a full four quarters from whistle to whistle.” 

Lucas has coaches taking notice

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Lucas has coaches taking notice

Mallory Lucas got it done on and off the field during her time at the Dexter Southfield School. 

And for her work, Lucas has received high recognition. 

The Whitman native was named to the United Soccer Coaches High School Scholar All-American Team. 

Lucas was one of 72 girls from across the country to receive this honor, with only three from Massachusetts. 

In the classroom, she was the Class of 2022 valedictorian, an AP Scholar with Distinction and PSAT National Merit Commended Scholar. 

On the pitch, the midfielder wrapped up her career as Dexter Southfield’s all-time leading goal scorer. She found the back of the net 75 times to go with 33 assists. The four-time team MVP was an All-State selection twice and All-New England selection as a senior. 

Lucas is set to gear up for the Ivy League institution of the University of Pennsylvania this fall. She will major in biology and minor in cognitive science, on a pre-med track. 

—Nathan Rollins

Making an NBA mock draft of the last four years of players at Whitman-Hanson Regional High

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In honor of last week’s NBA Draft, the Express made a mock draft of players — both boys and girls — to hit the court for Whitman-Hanson Regional High over the past four years.

1. Orlando Magic — Stevie Kelly, G

The former Patriot League MVP, who fueled the Panthers to the 2019-20 Div. 2 state crown, will add some much-needed toughness to the the Magic’s young backcourt. There isn’t much he can’t do.

2. Oklahoma City Thunder – Nate Amado, G

Also a former Patriot League MVP and crucial part of that Div. 2 state title team, Amado gives the Thunder a player who can score with ease. He’s also a plus-defender.

3. Houston Rockets — Cole LeVangie, G/F 

Houston, you’ve landed a player who has an uncanny feel for the game and is a stat-sheet stuffer. Great scorer, passer and rebounder, who was a three-time Patriot League All-Star and 2020 state champ at W-H. 

4. Sacramento Kings — Abby Martin, F

You can’t go wrong with Martin here. Need a late bucket? She’ll answer the call. Need a key block? She can do that, too. Stretch forward paced the Panthers to their best season ever a few months ago.

5. Detroit Pistons — Ben Rice, F/C

Captain on the Panthers’ state title team and last of three brothers to suit up for W-H, Rice gives the Pistons a lights out three-point shooter, who has great size, and is a great teammate. 

6. Indiana Pacers — Amari Jamison, G

The dynamic and shifty guard can get to the hoop at will. Has great finish around the rim and can also throw it down. Pacers just got some serious athleticism. 

7. Portland Trailblazers —  Lauren Dunn, G

Blazers need a guard and they land one in Dunn at No. 7. Superb three-point shooter who is a lockdown defender. Watch out western conference.

8. New Orleans Pelicans — Kathryn Dunn, G/F 

Just a solid all-round player. Adds a lot of Brandon Ingram-like qualities. Can score inside and out, rebound, defend and shoot. 

9. San Antonio Spurs — Reese Codero, G

With Dejounte Murray possibly on the move, the Spurs have selected their future point guard. Former Patriot League All-Star has excellent court vision and will add some humor to the locker room.

10. Washington Wizards — Ryan Vallancourt, G

The Wizards land their replacement for Bradley Beal, if he does indeed move on. Patriot League All-Star and former captain adds some leadership, shooting and passing to the nation’s capital. 

Picks 11 through 15: 

11. New York Knicks — Olivia Martin, G/F 12. Oklahoma City Thunder — Malcom Alcorn-Crowder, F/C 13. Charlotte Hornets — Erin Leahy, F 14. Cleveland Cavaliers — Meg Stone, F/C 15. Charlotte Hornets — Caity Leahy, G

  • All photos by Sue Moss