February 26, 2024 – Story and photos by Joshua Ross
This time of year sees outstanding performances every game, match and meet. Teams and players are either fighting for a playoff spot,trying to maintain one, or are already competing in the post season. This week’s Athlete of the Week presented by College Hype not only had an outstanding last two games of the season helping her team move into a playoff spot, it was arguably her best two games her career when her team needed it the most. Senior Marissa Matthews averaged 15 points and 10 rebounds in the two games of the Weymouth Tournament. The girls basketball team headed into the tournament out of the post season rankings and needed to beat Archbishop Williams and have a good showing versus D1 Weymouth. Marissa led her team in the Archie’s game with 23 points and was 10 for 14 from the free throw line resulting a big win for the Harborwomen giving them the boost they needed to secure a playoff spot. Her performance in the Weymouth game against two very good inside players gave her team a chance to win the game. She was also named to the All-Tournament team.
“Marissa was the bright spot she has been all season anchoring our defense last weekend, only this time she helped anchor our offense as well,” says head coach Roland Millien. “Watching her put it all together last weekend has been bittersweet – great because she did it, but sad because I know this is my last year coaching her. I was extremely proud of her play.”
Fellow senior captain Nina Crean expects more of the same from Marissa as the playoffs start this week.
“Marissa has been super consistent for our team all season, especially defensively,” Crean says. “Last weekend she stepped up to hit some crucial free throws and shots late in our game against Archie’s and also really competed with the two bigs on Weymouth. I’m really proud of how she’s been playing and know she’ll be a big contributor for our team heading into the playoffs.”
Marissa and the rest of the Harborwomen kick off their playoff run on Thursday night out west as they take on Northampton HS at 6:30pm.
Congrats Marissa!