NASHUA, NH – Teams from Nashua North are preparing to once again take to their respective playing surfaces this winter. Here’s a look at what you might expect from each team.
Boys basketball
Head coach:
- Steve Lane (14th season)
Last season:
- 17-6 overall record (Lost to Pinkerton in New Hampshire D-I final, 90-76)
Key returners:
- Robinson Rodriguez (Captain)
- Alize Roig Cortez
- Luke Peters
Promising newcomers:
- Alex Landry
- Connor Johnston
- Adamze Mansaray
- Josh Sullivan
- Sebastian Laureano
- Braydan Labrecque
Potential challenges:
“Division 1 basketball is going to be very balanced, any given game, anyone can beat anyone!” – North head boys basketball coach Steve Lane
Expectations:
“Expectations are to compete hard every night and qualify for the state tournament.” – Lane
Girls basketball
Head coach:
- Curt Dutilley (6th season)
Last season:
- 8-10 (Lost in the first round of the D-I playoffs to Londonderry)
Key returners:
- Lily Small (Captain)
- Angie King (Captain)
- Jordan Cottier
- Kayla Dahl
- Aidan Walker
Promising newcomers:
- Madelyn Tino
- Reagan Campbell
Potential challenges:
“Early season tough schedule opening with Pinkerton, Bedford and Dover. These games will test the best we have but also set us up for early improvement opportunities.” – North head coach Curt Dutilley
Expectations:
“Improve on last season by getting to the second round of the playoffs.” – Dutilley
Boys track & field
Head coach:
- Shane Gagnon (3rd season)
Last season:
- 8th in Division-I last winter (7th in the spring)
“Last year was an important building season for the achievements that will occur this year … we saw glimpses of what this team can be after a year of preparation for this season.” – North head coach Steve Gagnon
Key returners:
- Darius Smith – Shot put (#1 returning in NH)
- Noah Pastercyzk – Shot put (#3 returning in NH)
- Logan Briggs – Shot put
- Zariel Cintron-Arizmendi – Shot put
- Gavin Suchecki – High jump
- Aaron McNair – 600-meter run
- Mason Dandeneau – 55-meter hurdles
- Cole Burns – Distance running
- Yaxiel Vazquez Gavin Suchecki and Aaron McNair – 4×400 relay (3:39 winter team time, and 3:34 spring team time, participated in the New England Championships)
Promising newcomers:
- Kobe Perry
- Luke Peters
“They both shined on the track last spring with phenomenal performances in the sprints and relays. They are just as great of leaders as they are athletes. I expect them both to have a huge impact in the 55m and our 4x200m. On top of this, we have a handful of new freshmen athletes eager to show their potential.” – Gagnon
Potential challenges:
“Each season presents challenges of its own; discouragement, injuries, weather etc. I believe the leadership and experience of our athletes will overcome these challenges.” – Gagnon
Expectations:
“There has been a lot of excitement surrounding this season. Most importantly, I expect this outstanding group of athletes to work alongside and encourage each other through the highs and lows of the season. Track and field is unlike any sport in how it brings together the many talents of running, jumping and throwing to make one team. It reminds me of Romans 12:4-6.” – Gagnon
“For just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, so in Christ we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others. We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us.” - Romans 12:4-6
Spirit
Head coach:
- Courtney Othot (13+ seasons)
Last season:
“We had great performances throughout the season in the fall.” – Othot
Top returners:
- Alyssa Deck (Senior captain)
- Briana Alves (Senior captain)
Potential challenges:
“Learning a new routine.” – Othot
Expectations:
“Expectations would be to have exciting performances and to advance to states.” – Othot
Boys swimming
Head coach:
- Jothan Massey (9th season, overall, following two-year hiatus)
Last season:
– 7th in state
Top returners:
- Dawson Bolton – Dive (State champion in 1-meter dive)
- David Preston – Dive (Runner-up in 1-meter dive)
- Alex Paquin (Captain)
- Jayden Ceballos (two-time state qualifier)
- Griffin Reilly (two-time state qualifier)
Promising newcomers:
- Jack White
- Tom White
“(They) are a set of freshman who bringing a high level of swimming experience this year.” – Massey
Potential challenges:
“With the length of our season, we are always concerned about staying healthy and clear of injuries.” – Massey
Expectations:
“We want to have a competitive year centered around continued improvement. If our swimmers work hard, they will see their efforts come forward at the state meet. – Massey
Gymnastics
Head coach:
– Karen Boccia (3rd season)
Top returner:
– Lynnlee Davis (Junior)
“This year, there are only four gymnasts and there needs to be five for a team (competition). This year, there are four individuals competing.” – Boccia
Promising newcomer:
“Ashlynn Hall is new to Nashua High School North’s gymnastics team, but she is a seasoned gymnast who I anticipate will have a great season this winter. I am looking at her qualifying for the state gymnastics meet.” – Boccia
Biggest challenge:
“Always, the biggest challenge is being prepared and ready for our first gymnastics meet on December 22, only three weeks after the start of the season. Putting together beam and floor routines is challenging in a short amount of time.” – Boccia
Expecations:
“My expectations for this season is for each of the girls to learn some new skills and improve their personal best scores on their main event. Possibly even try a new event, something that is challenging for them.” – Boccia
Note: All winter sports head coaches have been contacted for this article. The teams of those who responded are included here.