Girls basketball has tipped off in Hampshire County with 14 teams competing in various divisions.
Nine different schools made the MIAA postseason last year, with three teams reaching or surpassing the Round of 16. Northampton (Division 2), South Hadley (Div. 4) and Frontier (Div. 4) each made their mark on last season’s tournament, winning at least one game.
Easthampton, Belchertown, Granby and Hampshire each lost in the Round of 32, while Smith Academy and Smith Voc each lost in the preliminary round.
The Tigers made their second trip to the Div. 4 finals in as many years, entering as the third seed with an 18-2 record. Despite defeating Millis, who was the second seed, South Hadley fell to top-seeded Cathedral in the finals for the second year in a row.
In the Div. 2 tournament, the Blue Devils made a run as the ninth seed to the Elite Eight, running into top-seeded Medfield, who went on to win the championship.
The Redhawks won their Round of 32 matchup in the Div. 4 tournament as the 13th seed, eventually falling to fourth-seeded Bourne in the Round of 16.
Here’s a closer look at each area team as the 2025-26 season is now underway:
Amherst
Coach: Billy Galipeau, first season
League: Franklin West
Last year’s record: 0-20
Roster: Namdol Dorjee (Sr.), Nina Ciccarelli (Jr.), Keira Cunniffe (Jr.), Aliya Morales-Fernandez (Jr.), Scarlett Woddard-Mcniff (Jr.), LeeAnn De Alba (Fr.), Jordan Dunbar-Robinson (Fr.), Giselle Morocho (Fr.), Ruth Robinson (Fr.), Iman Skouta (Fr.), Diep ‘Audi’ Vu (Fr.), Simone Frenkel (Fr.).
Outlook: After a winless season last year, new head coach Billy Galipeau is looking to lead the Hurricanes to a bounce-back season. So far, this year’s unit has had early success, with Keira Cunniffe, Aliya Morales-Fernandez and Iman Skouta paving the way.
Belchertown
Coach: Jason Woodcock, 18th season
League: Central
Last year’s record: 12-10
Roster: Jaden Bean (Sr.), Madison Kapinos (Sr.), Avery Cooper (Jr.), Morghan Litz (Jr.), Aubrey McCain (Jr.), Cassidy MacLean (Soph.), Aubrey Klingensmith (Soph.), Emma Litz (Soph. G), Kina Roy (Soph. G), Gabriella Slovack (Soph. F), Camilla Adamczyk (Soph. G).
Outlook: The Orioles will be without 1000-point scorer Chloe Laroche this season after her graduation last year, looking for their young talent to pick up the slack. The core has plenty of on-court experience, headlined by Morghan Litz, Aubrey Klingensmith, Kina Roy and Gabby Slovack.
Easthampton
Coach: Brian Miller, sixth season
League: Franklin North
Last year’s record: 13-9
Roster: Samone Young (Sr.), Camilla Corsello (Jr.), Kathryn Koval (Jr.), Piper Collins (Jr.), Lily Foster (Soph.), Mackenzie Coffey (Soph.), Nola Roos (Soph.), Sophia Belfakih (Fr.), Teagan Crussana (Fr.), Emma Youmell (Fr.), Molly Taylor (Fr.), Ava Vallas (Fr.), Eliza Scott-Smith (Fr.).
Outlook: The Eagles have a young team, headlined by Samone Young as the lone senior. She projects to be the main option this season, hoping to lead her team to a successful year.
Frontier
Coach: David Hastings, first season
League: Suburban
Last year’s record: 18-4
Roster: Whitney Campbell (Sr.), Macy DeMaio (Sr.), Ashlie Galenski (Sr.), Addie Harrington (Jr.), Jazzy Hayes (Jr.), Harper Modestow (Jr.), Rowan Riley (Jr.), Skylar Steele (Jr.), Abby Schrieber (Jr.), Evva Campbell (Soph.), Bella Orrell (Soph.).
Outlook: The Redhawks are hoping to build off an 18-win season last year with an experienced roster around new head coach David Hastings. Addie Harrington is in line to lead the offense, on pace to score her 1,000th point this season.
Gateway
Coach: Kylie-blu Crawford, second season
League: Tri-County South
Last year’s record: 3-14
Roster: Grace Renauld (Sr.), Eliza Mueller (Sr.), Lily Peloquin (Sr.), Rylan McCaul (Sr.), Aniyahle Toledo-Cruz (Jr.), Elle Demoss (Jr.), Addison Green (Jr.), Charlotte Hansen (Jr.), Anna Niles (Jr.), Makayla Fernengal (Jr.), Ella Degregorio (eighth), Kiley Marchbanks (eighth).
Outlook: The Gators are hoping for a bounce-back season this year after just three wins last go-around. Grace Renauld and Aniyahle Toledo-Cruz are set to lead the group in their second season under head coach Kylie-blu Crawford.
Granby
Coach: Dave Padavano, second season
League: Franklin West
Last year’s record: 10-11
Roster: Kaitlyn Curran (Sr.), Mylin Laliberte (Sr.), Kalli White (Jr.), Brenna Moreno (Jr.), Ellie Szlosek (Jr.), Meredith Bartosz (Jr.), Kaelyn Slapski (Soph.), Kara White (Soph.), Rowan Cook (Fr.), Ari Mislak (Fr.).
Outlook: In head coach Dave Padavano’s second season with the Rams, the team is aiming for a successful year after three sophomores saw starting minutes last season. Kalli White is on pace to reach 1,000 points during her junior campaign.
Hampshire
Coach: Jason Plamondon
League: Central
Last year’s record: 13-9
Roster: Aubrey Parent (Sr.), Alexandra Henrichon (Sr.), Makayla Labrie (Sr.), Addison Miklasiewicz (Jr.), Rylie Simmons (Jr.), Shayne Moynahan (Jr.), Olivia Whittaker (Soph.), Samantha Black (Fr.), Mariah Pacinella (eighth), Samantha Moreau (eighth), Brooke Labrie (seventh).
Outlook: The Raiders feature a versatile roster under head coach Jason Plamondon, with another year of experience hoping to lead to success this season.
Holyoke
Coach: Andréa Enright, seventh season
League: Valley Wheel
Last year’s record: 5-15
Roster: Kyleigh Doorman (Sr.), Genesis Rivera (Jr.), Jaelyn Colon (Jr.), Kyra Lippman (Jr.), Janessa Torres (Jr.), Jasani Colon (Jr.), Michaela Guzman (Soph.), Sujelyz Peralta (Soph.), Isabella Lachat (Soph.), Julianna Pirela (Fr.).
Outlook: The Purple Knights struggled last year, looking to rebound with a team filled with improved players. Julianna Pirela is looking to make her presence known in her freshman season.
Hopkins
Coach: Dick Coach, second season
League: Franklin South
Last year’s record: 3-17
Roster: Chloe Kosciusko (Sr.), Cora White (Jr.), Olivia Earle (Soph.), Morgan Augustin (Soph.), Laney Crutch (Soph.), Daniele Dardano (Fr.), Reese McGregor (eighth), Olivia Campbell (eighth), Allison Skwisz (eighth), Ariana Roberts (eighth), Avelynn Augustin (seventh).
Outlook: With a young team looking to find its own, the Golden Hawks are hoping to make steps in the right direction after a 3-17 finish last season. With just two upperclassmen on the roster, senior Chloe Kosciusko and junior Cora White should be relied on as leaders. Olivia Earle and Morgan Augustin will be two young players to watch this season.
Northampton
Coach: Perry Messer, 16th season
League: Valley League
Last year’s record: 18-5
Roster: Immani Power-Greene (Sr.), Emmy Marks (Sr.), Jada Ford (Sr.), Emme Calkins (Jr.), Anna Oravec (Jr.), Makayla Fydenkevez (Jr.), Liv Joensen (Jr.), Rose Fallon (Jr.), Hattie Lewis (Soph.), Abby Xu (Soph.), Ryleigh Pease (Soph.), Kiera Cole (Fr.), Quinn Spears (Fr.), Zora Nteta (Fr.).
Outlook: The Blue Devils are looking to build off an impressive campaign last season, with a good mix of veteran leadership and young players. Emme Calkins, Anna Oravec, Liv Joensen, Makayla Fydenkevez and Kiera Cole highlight what should be a fun group.
PVCICS
Coach: Johnny Yu
League: Tri-County South
Last year’s record: 1-17
Roster: Isabella Cestero, Abigail Nicholson, Sophia Cestero, Margo Jones, Lauren Coney, Willow Young, Liyn Powers-Moran, Marlo Allen-Shea.
Outlook: The Dragons struggled to find their identity in last year’s one-win season, hoping to turn things around and make improvements this year.
Smith Academy
Coach: Tomie Lafond, second season
League: Franklin South
Last year’s record: 13-8
Roster: Anna Scagel (Sr.), Molly O’Brien (Sr.), Emma Tisdel (Sr.), Maya Bell (Jr.), Nataly Slysz (Jr.), Sophia Jagodzinski (Fr.), Vivian Higuera (Fr.), Jayden Place (eighth).
Outlook: The Falcons are returning just two starters from last season, with a few new additions who haven’t played in the past few years. The expanding program is looking for success this time around, led by Anna Scagel, Sophia Jagodzinski and Vivian Higuera.
Smith Voc
Coach: Erin Klaes, first season
League: Tri-County North
Last year’s record: 14-9
Roster: Sofia Zina (Sr.), Natalie Gaudette (Sr.), Julianis Suarez (Jr.), Kate Wolcott (Jr.), Isabella Letourneau (Soph.), Ainsley Chrzanowski (Soph.), Ednaliz Cruz (Soph.), Grace Sampson (Soph.), Savannah Fredette (Fr.), Jane Lavallee (Fr.), Lillyana Malloy (Fr.), Mallory Radwich (Fr.).
Outlook: The Vikings are hoping to show out in new head coach Erin Klaes’ first season at the helm, looking for contributions throughout the roster. With just four upperclassmen, the youthful aspect of the team should bring a fun atmosphere.
South Hadley
Coach: Paul Dubuc, 15th season
League: Valley League
Last year’s record: 22-4
Roster: Sofie Quinn (Sr.), Taylor Bullough (Jr.), Cara Dean (Jr.), Ryley McMahon (Jr.), Riley Nestor (Jr.), Kate Phillips (Jr.), Olivia Athas (Soph.), Grace Sherman (Soph.), Simone Quinn (Soph.).
Outlook: The Tigers moved up from the Suburban League to the Valley League this year, hoping to get over the hump after falling just short in the state championship the past two years. Cara Dean, Kate Phillips and Olivia Athas will do their best to lead the team to the promised land.