Tide girls basketball wins home opener against Chelsea

After the Christmas break, Everett closes out 2023 at home against non-league Acton-Boxborough

By Joe McConnell

Coach Riley Dunn’s Everett High School girls’ basketball team (1-2) defeated Chelsea in the home opener on Dec. 14, 55-23 after dropping a 44-22 decision to host Malden just two nights earlier to kick off a brand-new Greater Boston League (GBL) campaign. Dunn called the victory over Chelsea a major team win for an early season game.

“Everyone contributed to this win (over Chelsea) in some capacity, both on the court and on the bench. They showed a lot of high energy,” Dunn added.

Kaesta Sandy paced the offensive attack with 12 points to go along with her six rebounds. Emilia Maria Babcock chipped in with 10 points, while also coming up with seven steals. Casey Martinez was credited with nine points and six steals to also contribute to this most satisfying triumph.

“I’m excited about this team and this season,” said Dunn after the win over Chelsea. “We got off to a slow start (against Malden), but I think we can be great defensively. We have quick guards, and a well-rounded post crew, as well. Emilia Maria Babcock will be an integral leader this year for us, using her two years of varsity experience coupled with her great energy and hustle to keep this team ready and hungry.”

Against Malden, Babcock did her part with 10 points and six rebounds, but her teammates followed her lead much better against Chelsea. “The team played tough and hustled the entire game against Malden, but they bounced back quite nicely in game two against Chelsea,” said Dunn.

The Tide then fell to the Lynn Classical Rams in another road encounter on Monday night, 36-26.

The Everett girls have since gone up against host Lynn English on Dec. 21 after press deadline, before taking some time off for the Christmas break. They will resume the regular season schedule against non-league Acton-Boxborough on Friday, Dec. 29, at home, starting at 2:30 p.m., before getting back to the GBL slate on Jan. 4, when Revere comes to town for a 7 p.m. game.