Division II

Division II girls basketball preview

Here’s how we think Division II might play out in 2015.

Goffstown’s Sarah Doherty takes a shot as Milford’s Adelle Pitsas defends during Thursday’s semifinal. For more photos, go to the Photo Album.

Don’t expect to see a team in Division II do what Coe-Brown Academy did a year ago and win an undefeated championship. But don’t be surprised if the team that gave the Bears a scare in last year’s final are the ones left standing at the end.

Goffstown, which made a surprising run to the division title game, returns almost everyone from a year ago and could be one of the teams in contention for this year’s title. But the Grizzlies aren’t the only team who could be holding up the championship plaque. Portsmouth, Pembroke, Lebanon, Souhegan, Bishop Brady, Oyster River and Merrimack Valley, to name a few, should all be in the mix.

Here’s how we think Division II might play out in 2015.

Favorites

Portsmouth (12-8 last season): The Clippers had plenty of promise last year, but injuries caused a midseason slide that saw them fall to the middle of the pack. This year, Portsmouth has three standout players back in Libby Underwood, Heather Durand and Sadie Shore, who could lead the Clippers back to Southern New Hampshire University.
Goffstown (16-6): The Grizzlies suffered a big loss in the graduation of Rene Roggenbuck, but Goffstown has plenty of playmakers back, including senior Kathryn Howe and sophomore point guard Sarah Doherty.
Oyster River (14-5): After getting upset in the first round a year ago, the Bobcats return a core of six seniors, led by Sara Messler, who should be one of the top players in the division.
Pembroke (15-6): The Spartans advanced to the final four and gave Coe-Brown a game until late in the third quarter. Pembroke returns senior Karli Loiselle, who was big in the postseason a year ago.

Challengers

Lebanon (13-6): For the first time in 33 years, the Raiders failed to reach the quarterfinals last season. Lebanon lost their top two scorers from a year ago, and lack in a lot of size, but should be able to make up for it defensively.
Hanover (11-9): The Marauders saw top-scorer JJ Daniell graduate, but Hanover returns six varsity players, five of them seniors. Without Daniell, expect the Marauders to be a balanced team.
Souhegan (9-10): The Sabers return all but two players who were on the court for last year’s playoff loss to Goffstown. Leading the way will be senior Hannah Chick and sophomore Mia Len.
Bishop Brady (17-3): The Giants return to Division II ended quickly last season in the quarterfinals at the hands of Goffstown. Bishop Brady brings back two starters in Riley Bennett and Sam Will, but will be a young team.

Rest of the field: Coe-Brown (22-0), ConVal (3-15), Hollis Brookline (4-15), John Stark (2-16), Kennett (4-14), Kingswood (2-16), Manchester West (7-12), Merrimack Valley (13-6), Milford (18-3), Plymouth (0-18), St. Thomas (8-12), Timberlane (5-14), Windham (7-12).

Players to watch: Libby Underwood, Portsmouth; Sara Messler, Oyster River; Sara Doherty, Goffstown; Kathryn Howe, Goffstown; Hannah Chick, Souhegan; Karli Loiselle, Pembroke; Brooke Rooney, Timberlane; Cassandra Stapelfeld, Hollis Brookline; Ashley Coneys, St. Thomas; Heather Durant, Portsmouth.

Final four: Portsmouth, Goffstown, Pembroke, Lebanon.

Championship: Portsmouth over Goffstown.