Bedford v. Manchester Memorial: Beware of Dog
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Wednesday night, I traveled to Manchester, New Hampshire, to see powerhouse Bedford High play Manchester Memorial. Bedford came out on top 54-36 in a game where they controlled from start to finish. Below are the standouts. Player of the…
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Continue ReadingWednesday night, I traveled to Manchester, New Hampshire, to see powerhouse Bedford High play Manchester Memorial. Bedford came out on top 54-36 in a game where they controlled from start to finish. Below are the standouts.
Player of the Game:
Lana McCarthy Lana McCarthy 6'4" | PF Bedford | 2024 State New E – Bedford – 6’3’’ – PF – ’24
McCarthy was scary good Wednesday night and made a case for being one of the most unguardable forces in her class. Any rebound she wanted, she got, and McCarthy was relentless on second-chance opportunities. Manchester Memorial had to foul to make McCarthy earn her points at the free-throw line if she didn’t get the easy layup. Finishing with a 20-point double-double, McCarthy was too strong and powerful around the basket to be contained. Her hands are elite, and the list is short of teams with a player who can battle McCarthy on the block successfully.
Bedford Standouts:
Kate Allard Kate Allard 6'2" | PF Bedford | 2025 State New E – 6’2’’ – SF/PF – ’25
The freshman Allard has had a very good season and continued to show her progression with 16 points vs. Manchester Memorial. Like McCarthy, Allard was excellent around the rim, showing her finishing ability with both hands, rebounding at a high level, and often getting to the foul line. The element that Allard brings to the table which makes her unique is that she is a confident ball handler, for her size, who can slash and stretch the floor with her shooting.
Lyla Stein Lyla Stein 5'6" | CG Bedford (NH) | 2025 State New E – 5’5’’ – CG – ’25
Stein was another freshman for Bedford who popped in their win. Her intensity on defense and on-ball tenacity stood out like a sore thumb. I liked how Stein dug in, kept the ball handler in front of her, and forced turnovers and jump balls. Stein also provided some scoring punch off the bench, netting 6 points which were tied for third on the team.
Manchester Memorial Standouts:
Torle Adumene Torle Adumene 5'9" | SF Manchester Memorial High | 2024 State New E – 5’8’’ – SF – ’24
Adumene’s hustle and energy gave Manchester Memorial a big spark off the bench. She displayed her ability to stretch the floor with long-range shooting, attacked the basket hard, and earned a couple of trips to the free-throw line. The high motor forward impacted the glass and on defense, most noticeably in transition. Adumene’s athleticism makes her one of Manchester Memorial’s most versatile players who can play in and outside.
Paige Thibault Paige Thibault 5'9" | SG Manchester Memorial | 2022 State New E – 5’8’’ – SG/SF – ’22
Thibault led Manchester Memorial with 11 points and showed the ability to score from 3 levels. Her drives to the basket were strong. She showed the athleticism and agility to get in the paint and around defenders in pursuit of the basket. Thibault had to play point for many possessions due to injuries. I thought she did a good job securing the ball and initiating the offense for her team despite point guard not being her natural position.
Elizabeth Barrientos Elizabeth Barrientos 5'8" | SF Manchester Memorial High | 2022 State New E – 5’9’’ – PF – ’22
Barrientos’ effort and toughness on defense jumped out at me Wednesday night. Guarding Lana McCarthy Lana McCarthy 6'4" | PF Bedford | 2024 State New E is one of the most challenging covers for any big, nevermind one who is 5’9’’. I was impressed how with every possession she fought and gave 100% when defending the post. Barrientos finished with 7 points and had a couple strong moves on the block.