Much like with outcomes from different New Year’s resolutions, the beginning of 2024 within the crystal ball solely partly got here as hoped.
You received’t discover many ladies coaches who consider there’s one simple contender that will likely be there on the finish of the Div. 1 state match. There isn’t a lot to separate a number of of the highest dozen groups within the state.
We noticed it in full kind this week, with two high quality video games ending in ties. Racking these up isn’t precisely what we wish, however on the plus facet, the crystal ball is unbeaten over the past two weeks (11-0-3) for the ladies.
For the boys, although, this week began messy. St. John’s Prep put up an announcement win over Reading, Gloucester rallied for an enormous win over Newburyport, and Essex Tech introduced the appropriate vitality in opposition to Triton to mark three incorrect picks for us by Thursday morning. Once Canton held on in opposition to Franklin, it sealed a 2-4-1 week.
Together, it wasn’t a complete failure. But we’re in search of a bounce again week on the boys’ facet. As a reminder, no video games with repeat groups in the identical week are picked:
LAST WEEK’S RECORD: 7-4-3
OVERALL RECORD: 32-20-4
*WINNERS in all CAPS**
BOYS
Monday
CATHOLIC MEMORIAL vs Pope Francis, 7 p.m. – Caught in a little bit of a droop, a quick begin at dwelling helps the Knights keep away from a three-game skid.
HINGHAM vs Arlington, 8 p.m. – The Harbormen (1.75 GAA) and Spy Ponders (1.00 GAA) have been two of one of the best at limiting opposing offense to date. Hingham edges in a low-scoring recreation.
Wednesday
BC High vs ST. JOHN’S (S), 5:15 p.m. – Hard to select in opposition to the Eagles after their third straight win got here in opposition to beforehand unbeaten Xaverian, however St. John’s has been making just a few of its personal statements of late to point out it’s a critical Div. 1 energy.
BRAINTREE vs Milton, 6 p.m. – Coming off robust losses to Needham and Archbishop Williams, the Wamps get again on monitor in opposition to a Milton group that has turned heads to date.
Xaverian vs ST. JOHN’S PREP, 7 p.m. – The vitality ought to be by the roof between the highest two groups within the rankings. SJP has received six straight and is seemingly solely getting higher.
St. Mary’s vs ARCHBISHOP WILLIAMS, 8 p.m. – After scoring at the least three objectives in each recreation to date by a 6-1 begin, Archbishop Williams retains up its tempo to double-down its season-opening win over the gifted Spartans.
Saturday
Belmont vs WOBURN, 12:30 p.m. – A convincing win over Reading final week prolonged the Tanners’ unbeaten begin. Holding off Belmont places Woburn in a great spot to compete for the Middlesex League Liberty crown down the road.
Boston Latin vs CONCORD-CARLISLE, 2 p.m. – The Patriots preserve unbeaten momentum, avenge final yr’s loss to the Wolfpack within the Div. 2 state match first spherical.
Sunday
Catholic Conference Showdown, midday – Any time two Catholic Conference groups come collectively is an efficient present, however all six in a single constructing ought to make for an distinctive day of hockey. No predictions, only a reminder of the three video games.
GIRLS
Wednesday
ST. MARY’S (L) vs Boston Latin, 4 p.m. – The Wolfpack have delivered large performances in opposition to highly-ranked groups to date this yr, lately taking down NDA (H). Spartans lock down on protection to carry them off.
Hingham vs ARCHBISHOP WILLIAMS, 5 p.m. – Parity has run wild in women hockey, may as properly run with it in favor of a contender that’s confronted a rigorous schedule to date. Hingham received the primary matchup within the Tenney Cup (5-3), however the Bishops step as much as degree the rating.
Milton vs BRAINTREE, 7 p.m. – Braintree proved what it’s manufactured from with success within the Tenney Cup, whereas Milton has surged as of late. This showdown of premier goalies may end both approach.
Andover vs HPNA, 7:10 p.m. – Nothing has been straightforward within the MVC/DCL Large, particularly for HPNA. Its depth helps it grind out an in depth win.
Saturday
PEMBROKE vs Marshfield, 5:50 p.m. – Coaches had been bullish on the energy of the Patriot League this yr, and Marshfield has performed each opponent robust to date. Pembroke will get the win as 100-point membership member Jen Birolini closes in on some uncommon milestones.
Lincoln-Sudbury vs METHUEN/TEWKSBURY, 6:20 p.m. – One of the most well liked defenses within the state takes on a Warriors assault that’s scored 12 objectives over their final three. Red Rangers have posted a shutout in every of their final 4, and one other robust displaying from the assault will get them the win.
Nauset vs BISHOP FEEHAN, 7:10 p.m. – Warriors have received tight matchups with high protection and goaltending, however the Shamrocks have the instruments all around the ice to get the job completed.
Source: www.bostonherald.com