by Charlie Breitrose Senior Laura Biagiotti and the Raiders’ girls basketball team have had a successful season. Here she plays against Oakmont in the 2023 State Tournament.
Watertown High School’s winter sports teams are all on track to make the State Tournament in 2024, and even one group that doesn’t have a team of its own will be playing in the post season.
Girls Basketball
The Raiders girls basketball team, under first year head coach Michael Tempesta, has put together two four-game winning streaks on the way to a 10-4 record. Most recently Watertown defeated Stoneham 53-34 at Watertown Middle School (the Raiders home court during the construction of the new high school). The Raiders have been led in scoring by seniors Laura Biagiotti, Lily Lambo, and Sarah Morrissey.
Currently, the Raiders half a game behind first place Wakefield in the Middlesex League Freedom Division, and are ranked eighth in the MIAA’s Div. 3 Power Rankings, which would give the team a pair of home tournament games if they advance. Watertown’s next game will be at home against Wakefield on Friday, Feb. 9 at 7 p.m.
Girls Hockey
For the second year in a row, Watertown High School does not have its own girls hockey squad. This year, three WHS athletes — seniors Molly Driscoll and Aislin Devaney, and freshman Regan Driscoll — have been donning jerseys with Belmont on the front as part of the Belmont-Watertown Co-operative team. The three also played for Watertown’s State Champion field hockey team.
The Marauders made the Boston Globe this week for being the last remaining undefeated girls hockey team in the MIAA, at 9-0-3. The team is ranked 14th in the Boston Globe‘s Poll, 10th in the Boston Herald‘s Div. 1 Poll and are 11th in the MIAA’s Div. 1 Power Rankings. Molly Driscoll leads the team with 15 goals. Last year, Watertown had a co-op agreement to skate with Lexington.
Belmont-Watertown plays its home games at John Ryan Arena in Watertown. The final home game will be Saturday, Feb. 17 at 2:15 p.m.
Boys Basketball
Watertown’s boys basketball team improved to 9-6 with a 51-43 home win over Stoneham on Tuesday, and sit 18th in the MIAA Div. 3 Power Rankings, which would get them into the tournament. On Friday, Watertown hosts Wakefield at 5:30 p.m. at Watertown Middle School.
Senior Jeffrey Herbin and sophomore Will Carty have been the Raiders scoring leaders. This week, Herbin announced he will be playing at Regis College next year.
I’m excited and grateful to announce my commitment to Regis college to further my education and athletic career. I want to thank my family and friends for the upmost support. And Watertown basketball and ASA program for helping me every step of the way. With that said Go pride!! pic.twitter.com/zfEOjSfKwx — Jeffrey Herbin (@jherbio0) February 7, 2024
Boys Hockey
The Raiders boys hockey team has struggled with injuries and on the scoreboard, but look bound for the State Tournament. Watertown’s tie against Burlington on Wednesday made Watertown’s record 4-10-2. The team is ranked 24th in the MIAA Div. 3 Power Rankings, with the top 32 guaranteed spots in the Tourney bracket.
The Raiders play Wilmington at John A. Ryan Arena in Watertown on Saturday, Feb. 10 at 3:30 p.m.