The goal for the Mahar Regional girls basketball team is simple. Return to the state tournament. The Senators have all the talent required to accomplish this goal and maybe more.
“They made the state tournament last year,” Mahar coach Francis Phillips said. “That’s something we definitely want to get back to. Have a playoff game this year. Another playoff appearance.”
Mahar hasn’t won a league title since 2015. That is something that could be on the itinerary for the Senators.
“I don’t like to set an expectation to win a league title but that’s something that hasn’t been done here in a while. I think we have a good group that could have a shot at going for a league title. At least be in the mix,” Phillips said.
The numbers from middle school all the way up to the varsity team bode well for the Senators. This season, Mahar has a good selection of players jockeying for playing time.
“Pretty good turnout for girls,” Phillips said. “More enthusiasm, I think. I think our numbers went up as opposed to the last few years, which is great. The excitement around the building is good.”
The varsity is roster is still coming together before the season opener.
“We are still putting the pieces together,” Phillips said. “We have a lot of girls that are excited to try to step up.”
Taylor Paluk and Lexi Ares will be the guards for the Senators. Paluk has state tournament experience and brings leadership to the team.
“We could see both of them running a little point guard,” Phillips said. “We are trying to play fast this year. We are trying to rebound and go.”
Hayden Comeau is a multifaceted scorer for the Senators. She combines a nice touch from the outside with a collection of moves to utilize in the paint. The team is still getting to know each other at this point.
“I think we are expected to bond and become one,” Comeau said. “We are all young and kind of don’t know each other or have any chemistry. That’s what we are working on. But we want to win. Show people what we are made of.”
Comeau is looking to improve her 3-point range. Since her time as a middle schooler, the volume of 3-pointers was never high. That is something she would like to change. She also would like to add more maneuvers to her post game.
“I am confident in my 3-pointers but I am a little underdeveloped,” Comeau said. “I didn’t shoot a lot in middle school. Still working on that and I’m trying to get it down. Also becoming more creative in the post.”
Julia Hatch returns from an injury for Mahar. Hatch was the second leading scorer last season. Nastasia Sanders is an eighth grader who brings a nice skillset to the game. Sanders impressed during the summer for Mahar.
The Senators open their season at home against Narragansett on Thursday at 7 p.m. Mahar went 9-13 last season playing in the Franklin North league. The Senators move to the Franklin South league this year with Greenfield, Franklin Tech, Mahar, Mohawk, Pioneer, Smith Academy and Hopkins Academy.
Last year’s season ended in the MIAA Division 5 state tournament Round of 32.