The snow has melted and Eastern Massachusetts has plodded through another long winter. On the scholastic landscape, it was a winter that featured new champions (Westford girls’ hockey), familiar faces (Barnstable gymnastics, Catholic Memorial boys hockey) and a town-wide celebration of basketball success in Walpole. Today, the Globe toasts the athletes who made this winter a little less chilling and a little more thrilling.

GIRLS' BASKETBALL Walpole's FleetCenter sweep started with Danielle Collins and the girls. | See more |

BOYS' HOCKEY Led by goalie Ryan Mula, Waltham had a Super 8 season. | See more |

GIRLS' HOCKEY Arden Lyons begins the celebration as Westford wins the Div. 2 title. | See more |

BOYS' TRACK A state record in the mile by Chris Barnicle helped lead Newton North to the top. | See more |

GIRLS' TRACK Dennis-Yarmouth's Katie Sherman proved she has mastered many events. | See more |

GYMNASTICS Dave Ellis was part of an unbeatable and state championship Braintree boys' team. | See more |

BOYS SWIMMING The North Attleboro 200 medley relay team was stellar. | See more |

GIRLS' SWIMMING Beverly's Kristen Zarba won three at the state championships. | See more |

PREP SCHOOLS Check out our prep school MVPs. | See more |

SKIING We've picked the top skiiers from the winter season. | See more |

WRESTLING Natick has dominated Bay State Conference wrestling for quite some time. | See more |