Penney guided the Rockets for 15 seasons, none better than her final two, when Reading ripped off a 48-game winning streak that included the Division 2 state title last season. This year, Assumption recruit Megan O’Brien (torn anterior cruciate ligament) went down before the first practice, but fueled by the superb all-around play of senior Olivia Healy, the Rockets won their first 23 games before losing to Medfield, 59-51 in overtime, in the state semifinals.
McVeigh, a longtime teacher in North Andover, began his coaching career with assistant positions at Merrimack College and Lawrence High School before taking a few years off to raise his family. His next coaching job would come six years later, as head coach at North Andover.
Penney has cited wanting to focus on her family and business as the reason for stepping down.
Healy named Player of Year
Olivia Healy capped what was a tremendous career at Reading High with her selection as the state’s Gatorade Girls’ Basketball Player of the Year. Headed to the University of Richmond on scholarship, the 5-foot-10 Healy averaged 27.8 points, 11.0 rebounds, 5.3 steals, 3.8 assists, and 2 blocks for Reading. She departs as the school’s all-time leading scorer (1,899 points) and has maintained a 3.27 GPA in the classroom.
“Olivia Healy does anything and everything necessary for her team to win,” said Steve Sullivan , coach at Middlesex League rival Woburn High. “She is putting up incredible stats while doing all the little things necessary to help her team win in spite of being the focal point of every defense she plays.”
Pat Bradley can be reached at patrick.bradley@globe.com.
