Brianna Rudolph is ready for her junior season in the St. Mary’s High girls basketball program.
A somewhat spectacular driving, left-handed layin in the Paul Duchane basketball jamboree sent the message that she’s ready to reestablish herself as one of the most exciting and talented players on the North Shore this season.
Also exciting for St. Mary’s fans is that two of her classmates, outside shooting whiz Jennie Muccarione, and point guard supreme Sharell Sanders, also loom as All-Scholastic-caliber performers. Sanders has already received a scholarship offer from Caldwell College, a Division 2 program in New Jersey where former Lynn English standout Jeanette Anderson is excelling.
The dynamic Class of 2014 connection helped St. Mary’s win a state title two years ago and based on the preseason performance and a commanding win over Revere in the jamboree, the Spartans should be in contention again for another crown.
“I’m very excited about the season and to be back again,” said Rudolph, who was sidelined for most of last season with an injury. “It’s fun playing the game with Sharell and Jennie and all the other players. We’re just looking forward to going all the way this year.”
Head coach Jeffrey Newhall was pleased to see Rudolph taking control on the court and executing her usual graceful moves in transition.
“It looks like she’s at 100 percent and ready to go,” said Newhall.
The Spartans mentor said the team has played excellent basketball against some tough opponents such as Andover, Westford, and Revere. There were strong showings in scrimmages on a two-day trip to Cape Cod.
In addition to the three juniors, St. Mary’s will look to Kayla Carter of Beverly and Gianna Moschella, a freshman from Peabody to bolster the starting five.
Senior guards Emily Doyle and Jen Cook and sophomore Sophia Holmes, and forwards Emily Morris and Melissa LeFave are other talented players who will give the depth and firepower off the bench.
“We have to continue to work like we have the first two weeks,” said Newhall. “We’ve prepared well for the regular season and now the games are for real. If we play like this for the next three months of the season, I think we’ll like the results at the end.”