The Winthrop High girls basketball team began practicing last week in anticipation of its 2021 season.
“I’m just happy to be back in the gym with such a great group of kids,†said head coach Joe Lowe. “The COVID rules in terms of basketball aren’t too different. It’s just the day-to-day protocols we are adjusting to. Not having a locker room meeting area and the check-ins are the biggest difference.†Lowe announced the selection of his varsity squad this past week that will feature many returning girls who have been mainstays of the Lady Viking program since they were freshmen. They are: Maura Dorr, Jenna Dorr, Lily Pulsifer, Caroline Earl, Grace Galuris, Polina Bell, Maddie Stiglets, Julia Marcoccio, Sam Galuris, and Emma Forsyth.
“I think we have a talented team and our goal is to build upon the season we had last year,†said Lowe. “We struggled a bit in learning how to win last year and dropped some games we shouldn’t have. Towards the end, we figured it out a bit,  went on a little run, and started to learn how to win. We want to be the team that when you see our name on the schedule, you don’t want to play us.†Lowe and his crew will have at least two more weeks to prepare for their truncated 2021 campaign, which will not get underway until at least January 8.
WHS boys hockey opens season Jan. 13
The Winthrop High boys hockey team is set to open its season on Wednesday, January 13, when coach Dale Dunbar and his crew will host Northeastern Conference South Division rival Peabody at 6:10 at Larsen Rink. The Vikings will play a 14-game schedule that will feature three games with Marblehead; two each with Gloucester, Masconomet, Beverly, and Danvers; and single contests vs. Swampscott, Saugus, and Peabody, who comprise the NEC’s South Division.