DECEMBER 29 — Things are a little different for Oceanside’s women’s basketball team than last year.
When a team returns most of its core from an undefeated championship team, there’s naturally anticipation. There is pressure. There is an understanding that the Class B South spotlight is on him for one team.
“Everyone really tries their best,” said sophomore forward Bailey Breen. “For all the other teams, it’s a state game. And they really want to beat you.” I am thinking.”
Things may be different, but they certainly look the same. Oceanside is 6-0 this season, following his 20-loss season and Class B title last year. Like last year, Breen, senior guard Audrey McKee and senior forward Abby Waterman once again lead the team.
On Wednesday, Oceanside showed yet another example of their strength by defeating New Hampshire Division I team Portsmouth 46-40 in the Holiday Hoops Showcase at the Portland Expo.
Breen, the defending KVAC Class B Player of the Year and returning Varsity Maine All-State player, led with 24 points and 11 rebounds, while Waterman had 14 points and 10 rebounds. McKee, who reached 1,000 points earlier this season, added eight points on three steals.
With a lot of continuation from last season’s great team, goals were set for the Mariners before the season even started. That goal hasn’t gone away now that Oceanside has won each regular season game by at least 12 points this season.
“When you get into the game, it’s a really different feeling,” Breen said. That’s a whole other thing. Head.”
Waterman said the team can’t sneak up on anyone like they did last season.
“There’s definitely more pressure,” she said. “Everyone knows who we are now. Last year nobody knew who we were. We came out of nowhere. I know how much pressure there is on coaches. I feel for him and I want to do my best to win.” Pressure from him. ”
But in the face of that pressure, the Mariners rolled.
“I told them let’s focus on what’s going on in this wall,” coach Matt Breen said. “Let’s focus on this chatter. Block everything else. So If you do, you’ll be fine.When you start hearing everything, the pressure builds.These girls are pretty well balanced.”
Although impressive, Breen said the season was not perfect. We are still looking for players to play roles.
But what the Mariners are doing well has made them the clear favorites coming out of the Class B South. Breen was a dominant player, able to score goals inside and outside and dominated Portsmouth at the post. Many of those points were earned when she held the ball near the basket, against doubles and even triples teams.
“I put more attention on defense, but when it comes, I’ll read it and kick it out to the shooters,” she said. It’s what we’re working on.”
Along with Breen, McKee is a strong point guard and scorer, Aubriana Horse is a good defensive guard, and Waterman is a player who can do it all. She recorded her 8 points and her 5 rebounds on the 4th Wednesday, helping the Mariners win.
“Abby is one of those kids who doesn’t get enough credit,” said coach Breen. will do anything.”
This is the mix the Mariners hope will lead to another title – even if everyone thought they were coming this time.
“We’re just trying to be confident,” McKee said. “I think when teams play against us, they’re thinking, ‘This is Oceanside, we have to play our best game.’ That’s something we have to focus on and adapt. I think.”
