Saugus girls basketball 2024-2025 season preview: building on breakthrough success

By Dom Nicastro

After years of near-misses in the postseason, the Saugus High School girls basketball team finally shattered its playoff barrier last season with a commanding 58-12 victory over North High of Worcester in the Division 3 state tournament.

Though their playoff run ended in the next round against a strong Dover-Sherborn team, the Sachems capped the year with a commendable 14-8 record and an NEC Lynch championship. With second-year head coach Joe Lowe at the helm, the team enters the 2024-2025 season with a mix of optimism and determination to build on their breakthrough success.

Saugus will rely heavily on its core group of captains, who bring a wealth of talent and leadership to the team.

• Ella Castle: “I’d argue she is the best shooter in the league,” said Lowe. Castle has taken on a more vocal leadership role this season, stepping up as a guide for her teammates both on and off the court.
• Peyton DiBiasio: “I truly believe Peyton should have been the MVP of the league the past two seasons and will ultimately take the title this year,” Lowe said. Known for her dominance on the court, DiBiasio has also made a concerted effort to connect with younger players, fostering team cohesion.
• Madison Botta: “Botta is a relentless competitor who brings effort to everything she does,” said Lowe. Her intensity and drive set the tone for the entire team, elevating the collective energy and focus.
• Taylor Deleidi: “Taylor is right there with Ella as a great shooter,” Lowe noted. “I have enjoyed seeing her commitment to playing defense and expanding her game beyond just shooting so far into the year.” Deleidi’s positive attitude and influence are key to maintaining team morale.

One of Saugus’ greatest strengths this season will be its physicality and defensive intensity.

“I think our toughness and physicality while being the most in-shape team for whoever we play will help us wear teams down,” Lowe said. Early practices have demonstrated a strong commitment to defense, with the team showing the grit needed to compete against any opponent.

With the graduation of eight seniors, the Sachems face the challenge of building chemistry with a revamped roster.

“Each year brings new dynamics,” Lowe said. “Playing for each other and coming together to win is what I am looking to see.” Developing this sense of unity will be critical as the team works to mesh its veteran leaders with younger contributors.

The Northeastern Conference small division is shaping up to be highly competitive. While Danvers’ move to the large division opens opportunities, Lowe identifies Winthrop and Swampscott as the preseason favorites.

“Winthrop and Swampscott are both tough teams with good coaches and a lot of talent,” Lowe said. “Those two will definitely be the favorites to win the league on the small side.”

Salem’s return to the small division also adds another layer of competition, making for a wide-open race.

Coach Lowe’s second year at the helm brings high expectations for the Sachems. With a focus on toughness, conditioning and defensive intensity, the team is well-positioned to contend for another NEC title and potentially make a deeper postseason run. The leadership of Castle, DiBiasio, Botta and Deleidi, combined with the team’s work ethic, will be central to achieving these goals.

If the Sachems can navigate their new dynamics and capitalize on their strengths, they have the tools to build on last year’s momentum. As Lowe put it, “From how we have practiced so far, the girls have shown a commitment to playing hard on the defensive end of the court.”