LOWELL — The Div. 2 girls’ basketball final on Sunday at the Tsongas Center was intense, resembling a boxing match at times. However, a talented newcomer from Medfield made the difference.
Naya Annigeri scored 16 points to lead the Warriors to a 48-42 victory over Worcester South, wrapping up a dominant season for Medfield.
Annigeri expressed her excitement, stating that she can hardly believe their achievement. The team's hard work and mutual trust contributed to their success.
On Sunday, the Warriors (23-2) maintained the lead throughout the game, but Worcester South's physical play posed a significant challenge, which the Medfield coach had prepared his team for.
To prepare for Worcester South's physicality, Medfield coach Mark Nickerson had the team practice against junior varsity and freshman boys for several days, which proved beneficial.
The Warriors' proficiency from long range was also advantageous, with 10 of their 14 field goals on Sunday coming from behind the arc, including three each from Annigeri and Mary Palladino (12 points).
Medfield comfortably led for most of the first half, finishing the first quarter with an 11-3 run and entering halftime with a 26-17 advantage.
The dynamics shifted in the third quarter as South intensified their defensive pressure, visibly unsettling the Warriors.
A three-pointer by Jaiyla Colon sparked the Colonels (23-2), and Anisty Robles' runner narrowed the lead to 31-28.
In response, Annigeri demonstrated maturity beyond her years, sinking back-to-back threes from the left corner and assisting Palladino with another three-pointer, contributing to a 12-4 run to close the quarter, re-establishing a double-digit lead.
Reflecting on the third quarter, Nickerson admitted, “We were fortunate to come out of it with a larger lead. They came out strong, and we panicked a bit. However, the kids regained their composure.”
Worcester put up a strong fight, limiting the Warriors to only one field goal in the fourth quarter.
Despite Medfield's struggles in the final quarter, South could not close the gap beyond 47-42, enabling the Warriors to secure the title with solid defense.
Nickerson praised the players, saying, “The kids maintained their composure in tough moments. They are truly special.”
