Spotlight shines on girls basketball captains

McGowan, Monaco, Ferrante reflect on athletic careers

BY JOE McCONNELL

The Marblehead High School girls basketball team (7-6) defeated host Danvers on Feb. 3, 45-23. It was the Falcons’ Senior Night, but the visitors turned in their best game of the year as a team, according to coach Paul Moran.

Freshman Tess Andriano helped pace the offensive attack with 11 points. Senior Sara Bosio was next in line with 10. Junior Samantha Dormer was all over the court contributing to the team with seven points, four assists, two blocks and four rebounds. Senior captain Carlin McGowan chipped in with five.

Junior Katie Pyne and freshman

Mari O’Connell netted four points apiece. Senior captain Stella Monaco and junior Katie Burns ended up with two points each.

The Magicians followed up the win over Danvers four days later with a great effort against Division 1 Peabody, a team that beat them by 40 the first time around. The Marblehead girls led by 10 after one quarter, 17-7, but the Tanners dominated the second quarter to lead at halftime, 31-26. They went on to win the game, 62-44. With four games left on the regular season schedule and just two away from a postseason berth, McGowan, Ferrante and Monaco opened up on their experiences as MHS athletes in the Q&A below with the Marblehead Current.

Carlin McGowan

How long have you been playing basketball? Did you play any other sports, and what did you like about basketball over the other sports?

I have been playing Marblehead basketball since the fifth grade. The youth basketball program had just started when I joined up, and with the help of great volunteers and coaches I had an amazing experience.

I also participated in youth lacrosse but did not continue playing it in high school. Additionally, I have played soccer for as long as I can remember and was captain of the MHS varsity team this past fall.

But compared to these other sports, basketball has a smaller team roster, which I enjoy. With a small team, there is a stronger bond created that allows for a close environment and tight friendships to form throughout all four years of high school.

What is it like to play for coach Paul Moran? Playing for Paul (Moran) has been a blast. There is always something to laugh about, and every practice the girls get closer, this year especially. I have looked forward to practices, games and outside team events.

One of my favorite memories from this year was the Florida trip with the boys varsity team. It was so much fun, and it definitely helped our skills improve by facing talented opponents.

Do you play any other sports at the high school? I played soccer all four years. It was an amazing experience, and being able to carry the leadership skills I learned from this past soccer season into basketball was definitely beneficial.

Have you decided on a college, and do you have a major in mind? I haven’t yet decided on a college, but I am leaning toward large schools with lots of spirit for sports. I plan to potentially take a business route, but I’m currently undecided because my interests are very versatile. Additionally, I hope to participate in club soccer and other intramural sports in college.

The McGowan Files

Full name: Carlin McGowan

Age:18

Parents: Meg and Bob McGowan

Siblings and their ages: Grady (20); Madden (16)

Favorite TV show: “Gilmore

Girls”

Favorite movie: “The Croods”

Favorite book: “The Seven

Husbands of Evelyn Hugo”

Favorite subject: Math

Favorite athlete: Alex Morgan (an American professional soccer player with the San Diego Wave FC of the National Women’s Soccer League, who also captained the U.S. women’s national soccer team with Carli Lloyd and Megan Rapinoe from 2018 to 2020), because she is a motivated female athlete who inspires young girls. She also uses her platform for the greater good and advocates for equality.