Lady Pats basketball team looks to turn speed and defense into identity this winter

By Dom Nicastro

The 2025–26 season ushers in a new look for Revere High School girls basketball — one defined by youth, speed and a renewed defensive edge. Revere Head Coach Ariana Rivera enters the winter optimistic and energized, even as her Patriots roll out a lineup featuring plenty of new faces. While experience may be lighter in some areas, Rivera believes the team’s quickness, versatility and coachability give it a chance to be competitive right out of the gate.

“We are a young group this year,” Rivera said. “Very quick and strong on the defensive end of things. A lot of our starting lineup will be new faces, which is a great change of pace and tempo.”

Last season provided a strong foundation for the program under first-year coach Rivera. Revere finished the 2024–25 campaign with a 14–7 overall record and earned a share of the Greater Boston League title, establishing itself as one of the league’s most consistent teams throughout the winter. The Patriots entered the Division 1 state tournament as the No. 37 seed and saw their season come to an end in the preliminary round against Durfee, but the playoff loss did little to diminish what had been a successful and competitive season. Led by a senior-heavy roster and multiple captains, Revere was the team to beat in the GBL for much of the year, setting a standard that Rivera now looks to carry forward as a younger, faster group takes the floor in 2025–26.

  Leadership starts with senior captain Shayna Smith, the lone senior and emotional anchor of the roster. Smith, a forward, is expected to be a steady presence on both ends of the floor while helping guide a roster that leans heavily on underclassmen. “She’s going to go big this year,” Rivera said. “I’m really excited.” Smith’s leadership will be crucial early as Revere navigates a front-loaded schedule and brings along a younger core that is still settling into varsity roles.

One of the most intriguing pieces in the Patriots’ lineup is freshman Addison Ulwick, whom Rivera expects to contribute immediately in the paint. “She’s a very good asset to us under the basket and aggression-wise,” Rivera said. Ulwick’s physical presence helps offset a roster that is smaller overall but built to move quickly. That theme carries into the backcourt, where Revere boasts speed, ball pressure and perimeter shooting.

Junior point guard Sarah Lechheb returns to run the offense and set the tempo, while sophomore Allyson Ollivierra brings shooting range that can stretch defenses. Sophomore guards Rebecca Mercado and Haley Peralta round out what Rivera describes as a “solid starting five.”

“We are a little smaller this year,” Rivera said, “but with that lack of height comes a little bit more speed and freedom to kind of move the ball around.”

Despite the youth, Revere’s identity remains consistent with past seasons: defense first. “We will be a strong defensive team this year, similar to our previous seasons,” Rivera said.

That defensive focus was on display during preseason action. The Patriots held their own at a jamboree hosted by Acton-Boxborough High School, squaring off with quality programs, such as Pembroke and AB High. A competitive scrimmage against Saugus further reinforced Rivera’s confidence heading into opening week.

“Our scrimmage against Saugus was competitive and exactly what we needed to prep for our home opener,” Rivera said.

With quick guards and multiple athletes capable of defending on the perimeter, Revere expects to pressure opponents, force turnovers and push the pace in transition. “We should be able to transition on a lot of teams,” Rivera said. “We have a lot of speed with our guards.”

Rivera believes the group’s willingness to learn may be its greatest strength. “They all seem super coachable and ready to buy in,” she said.

The Patriots open the season at home with back-to-back matchups against Lynn rivals, hosting Lynn Classical (Tuesday after press time) and Lynn English (Thursday) in the opening two games this week. Rivera welcomes the early challenge. “We love opening against Lynn Classical,” she said. “I’m looking forward to the season.”