High school girls’ basketball preview

Braintree the team to watch in girls’ basketball

Braintree's Bridget Herlihy is one of a trio of sophomores returning for the Wamps this season. (Jim Davis / Globe file photo)

By Colleen Casey and Michelle Fenelon

Globe Correspondents / December 17, 2012

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Archbishop Williams will once again be a contender as it returns a strong core, including Sara Ryan, Olivia Conrad, Leah Spencer, and Alana Gilmer. And after losing to a good Fairhaven team in the South final, the Bishops only have one goal in mind.

“Our team’s big goal is to win a state championship,” coach Jim Bancroft said. “When we started playing together this year we could see we have a lot of good talent.”

Division 4

Senior All-Scholastic point guard Tajanay Veiga-Lee and Fenway will have plenty of competition as the Panthers look to defend their state title, earned with a 58-49 win over Greater New Bedford. In addition to Veiga-Lee, Fenway is strong inside, led by sophomore Jalissa Ross.

After graduating 10 players, including all five of its starters, South champion Greater New Bedford will enter the season in the midst of a rebuilding process. Coach David Harrison wants to take a patient approach this season and take it one game at a time.

“I just want to be competitive and get better every game,” Harrison said. “That’s what you want to do with a young team.”

Girls’ basketball league standings on Boston.com/schools.