Each year playing in the Mid Wach A League, the Wachusett girls basketball team is typically good for 19 or 20 wins and at least a visit to the State Semi-Finals. Two years ago, they lost in the State Finals but last year the team went above and beyond, securing a 24-1 season that culminated in a Division1 State Championship. 

“The goal — as it has been in the past — is to win a state title. That is our goal each year,” Coach Jim Oxford said. “We are not just looking for 10 wins and a trip into the post-season. We want to win it all.”

Under the guidance of Oxford, the team will be returning with four of its five starters from that epic season; all four girls were league all-stars. Senior Jae Scott was league MVP last year and is headed to play college basketball In Tulsa Oklahoma next year. The 6’1” forward can easily transition into the guard position where the team can use her inside or outside. According to the coach, she is very athletic, drives to the hoop and has tremendous defensive ability with great instincts. She can also shoot, block, make steals and haul down rebounds. Scott led the Mountaineers in scoring with 20 plus points per game.

Other key components to the team looking to capture back-to-back titles will be senior point guard Sophie Gibbons, who is the Mountaineers floor general. Gibbons possesses excellent passing skills and has a great understanding of the offense and pace of the game. In addition to her offensive skills, she is also a great defensive player who does not make a lot of turnovers. Oxford calls her “the perfect point guard.”’

Junior Tee Lanpher is another exceptionally good point guard for the team. An incredibly quick individual, Lanpher is very good at attacking the basket and can shoot the three-pointer with ease. Lanpher is ferocious on ball defense, and the coach usually appoints her to guard the opposition’s best ball handler and create chaos. Along with Gibbons the duo makes one of the best backcourts in the state.

The final returning starter is center Kyla Yurkus, who started as a freshman last winter for Wachusett. The sophomore is a great rebounder and has some good post moves and gives the Mountaineers another mid-range shooter.

Hannah Quinn is another shooting guard who contribute to the team’s offense and who is also a smart defender. Oxford is expecting a lot out of the junior this year.

“She started the first half of the season for us as a sophomore but as the season went on, we decided to go with the senior and brought her off the bench,” the coach said.

Sophomore Lucy Gibbons saw limited action last year, but the coach is looking for her to get onto the floor a lot more this upcoming season. Last year there were a bunch of talented bodies in front of the younger Gibbons, but this year she will have the opportunity to prove herself.

“Hannah and Lucy will be fighting for that fifth starting position in addition to some incoming freshman” Oxford said. “Whoever works the hardest and plays well over the first few weeks will take the job.”

Wachusett’s success last year relied on the team being fortunate not to have injuries, illness or adversity.

“We have one of the most talented teams coming back this year,” Oxford said. “The only obstacles in our way are injuries and health. These girls have the talent, and they are hungry to win it all again. I am optimistic about their chances as they are a year older and understand what it takes to play a long season.”