Ex-college coach to take over for terminated Harris

By Mike Rubin

A new coach can bring new hopes, outlook and opportunity, and that’s what Shannon Clark aims to bring to the Somerville High girls’ basketball team.

After the controversial termination of Brian Harris, who had won seven league titles in 18 years, Clark said he is looking forward to taking the reins.

Prior to his hiring at Somerville, Clark served as the assistant coach at both Simmons and Wheelock College and also at South Boston High School.

“I’ve been around the game for a while, and I’m definitely looking forward to coaching these girls,” said Clark. “The girls are working extremely hard, and they’re doing a great job buying into the systems that I’ve put in place for the team. Everyone has stepped up and they’re really doing the best they can at the practices.”

Last year, the Lady Highlanders won the Greater Boston League title en route to an overall 15-5 mark until they suffered a heartbreaking 51-49 defeat at the hands of Lincoln-Sudbury in the state tournament.

Leading the way for the Highlanders is senior captain and point guard Kelsey Garrity, who is closing in on 1,000 career points. Last year, Garrity was named the Greater Boston League’s player of the year.

Other key players for the Highlanders are shooting guard Indira Evora, a Greater Boston League All-Star, who led the team in scoring in eight games last year.

“We have one of the most solid backcourts in the league,” said Clark. “(Garrity) does a great job distributing the ball up-top, and (Evora) has that natural outside shot from the perimeter. They’ve looked very solid in practices so far, and I’m definitely looking forward to working with them during the season.”

As for sophomores, the Highlanders also have young talent at guard and small forward in Shakayla McAndrew and Cheyenne Miles.

“We have a great group of sophomore talent, and they’ve all continued to work hard in the off-season,” said Clark. “They came into came prepared and ready go, and they’re all very eager to get things going.”

For post players, the Highlanders will be led by senior Mary O’Brien, who emerged as one of the top leading rebounders on the team followed by Lindsay Remple, who’s over six feet tall.

“We’re very stacked at the guard positions, but we’re going to be challenged on the post,” said Clark. “I know there are teams in the GBL that have some height down low, and we’re going to have to find a way to win the battles of the loose rebounds. (Rempel) has some height, and so does (O’Brien) but we need to get more people involved.”

Off the bench for the Highlanders will be juniors Lorenza Etienne, Maria Kotzubarous and Brittany Cassidy, who should add some valuable depth at the perimeter and at the post.

“A lot of these people that we’re bringing up to varsity squad, haven’t had a lot of experience,” said Clark. “We’re hoping we’ll be able to break these kids in sooner than later at the varsity level.”

For non-league opponents, the Highlanders will battle St. Mary’s of Lynn along with a home and home series with Lynn English and Norte Dame of Hingham. They’ll also face Gloucester, and will participate in the annual Highlander Holiday tournament, which will feature O’Bryant, Fontbonne and Needham.

“They’re all great teams, and there’s no doubt we’re gong to be challenged,” said Clark. “We have our work cut out for us.”

The Highlanders will kick off the season on Friday against Gloucester at home at 6 p.m.