Firecracker Freshman Making An Impact
Several Freshman Maine Firecrackers are making significant contributions to their HS varsity and JV teams this winter. This years team has followed in the footsteps of current juniors (Firecrackers Briggs), that made such a big splash, and last years freshman (Firecrackers Clement), who had 4 of the 5 All-Rookies in the SMAA and several other major contributors.
Among this years major impact players are Juliauna Dunlop, the starting point guard at Kennett High School, Conway, New Hampshire. Dunlap has been the cornerstone for the 10-4 Eagles. Averaging over 10 points and 4 assists a game, Juliauna has also been a defensive headache for opponents (3.83 steals a game). Ranked 5th in the division, the Eagle are poised to make a deep run in the New Hampshire High School Tournament under Juliauna’s on-court leadership.
Sadie Nelson, a versitile freshmen on the Windham Eagles, stepped into a starting role at the “3” position and hasn’t looked back. A workhorse on both ends of the court, Sadie averaged over 12 points a game (including 20 points in a heartbreaking loss against Gorham in the Western Class “A” Preliminaries) and hauled in 10 rebounds night after night. A freshmen leader, Nelson will clearly be the “go to” Eagle over the next three seasons.
When asked about this years high school contributions of both players, Coach Ewald stated ” They are both great kids, hard workers and I’m not surprised with their respective freshmen accomplishments. They work hard and play hard and are certainly role models for the younger Firecrackers. This will be an exciting year for our team and they both will play vital roles.”
Caroline DeNoia was her normal self on the Falmouth JV’s. DeNoia is an excellent rebounder and a tremendous leader and teammate who has a positive affect on and off the court, and has the Falmouth coaches singing her praises.
Jessica Willerson has played significant minutes for #3 ranked Cheverus and is considered one of the best young post players in the state. Willerson scored 20 points at Massebesic and also had an excellent performance against McAuley, leading her team with 14 points in front of a packed house and battling her Firecracker “big sister” Victoria Lux.
At McAuley, Sarah Clement has made her presence felt averaging nearly 11 points per game and being in the top four in the league in made 3 pointers (34) and free throw percentage (85%). Alexis Ewald has run the show well for the undefeated JV’s with teammate Brooke Howard doing an outstanding job in the post as one of the teams leading rebounders. Howard is a tough and determined player who will be a nice addition to Coach Ewald’s team.
Two of Westbrook’s better players are freshman Maddie Mullett and Chelsea Reardon, who have both started numerous games and will be considered seriously for the SMAA all rookie team for their contributions. Mullett and Reardon will add depth in the post for the Firecracker freshman team this season.