New cast and stout defense leading the way

By Chris Villani

A tougher schedule has not slowed the Blackstone Valley Tech girls’ basketball team. More than midway through the season, the Beavers had won more games than they had lost and put themselves on solid footing to earn spots in both the MIAA and state vocational tournaments.

BVT did it despite losing four starters from last year’s squad.

“It was a slower start to the season as far as making sure that we had the right pieces to fill in those starting roles,” said Head Coach Jacob Ramos. “But we picked up very quickly and became competitive right from the jump.”

Head Coach Jacob Ramos is happy with his team's defense this season. Courtesy photo

 In addition to putting Ashland on the schedule, the Beavers are navigating a two-tiered Colonial Athletic League. The split between large and small schools means more games for Valley Tech against the other top teams in the league like Bay Path and Advanced Math and Science Academy. 

Senior captain Audrey Bell is a leading scorer this winter at around nine points per game and a constant double-double threat, pulling down 10 rebounds per night. 

“She is having a tremendous season,” Ramos said.

Fellow captain Mara Keane earned similar praise from her coach, averaging eight points and eight boards per game.

“She can shoot, she can drive, and on defense she is always willing to guard the opponent’s premier player,” Ramos said. “She is a do-it-all threat.”

A third senior captain, Bri Lawton, has stepped into a larger role this winter and averaged six points per game. Sophomore Julia Magill is another player who is seeing more court time this winter. The starting point guard, she is scoring seven points per game and Ramos said she has “delivered for us in a major way.”

Ramos also praised senior captain Maya Lorion as "a bright spot for us this season."

"She provides great facilitation and scoring on the offensive end, and is a fearless defender, leading the team in steals on the year," Ramos said.

The solid group of players has the Beavers eyeing the postseason. Not only would BVT like to win a few more games to lock up a spot in the states, but Ramos is hopeful that the tougher schedule will mean a better power ranking.

“It’s something we are continuously trying to improve,” he said. “Not just getting to 10 wins, but also setting ourselves up for a run in the MIAA tournament.”

In order to go as far as possible, Ramos would like to see his team get better on offense and from the free throw line to complement what has been a stellar defensive effort.

“We are only allowing 35 points per game and that always gives us a chance,” he said. “Our defense shows up every night.”