Amesbury Girls Varsity Basketball 2025 Winter Recap: A Season of Growth, Grit, and Promise
The 2025 winter season for the Amesbury Girls Varsity Basketball team was a testament to what determination, teamwork, and youthful energy can achieve in high school sports. Under the leadership of Head Coach Scott Brown, the team not only exceeded expectations but laid a strong foundation for future success.
Building a Winner: The Long-Term Plan Comes Early
Coach Brown’s long-term plan was simple: rebuild and strengthen the program to become playoff contenders within four years. That goal was met—and even surpassed—a year early. This season, Amesbury doubled their win total from last year, earned a playoff berth, and claimed a postseason victory, a remarkable milestone for a program still defining its identity.
“We expected to do that next year, but we were able to pull it off this year,” Coach Brown shared. “The progress we made came from every player contributing in some way, shape, or form, depending on the circumstance.”
Key Contributors: Stars Rise and Leaders Shine
Leading the charge was junior guard Olivia McKay, a dynamic force on the court. Named a First Team All-Star and team MVP, McKay finished the season as the second-leading scorer in the league. Her consistent offensive production, even while battling nagging injuries, anchored Amesbury’s attack and set the tone for the younger roster.
Sophomore Ellison Talbot emerged as another breakout star. Selected as a Second Team All-Star, Talbot proved herself as one of the league's top scorers and gave the Red Hawks a potent one-two punch with McKay in the backcourt.
Defensively, sophomore Celia Tavares was the team’s cornerstone. Often tasked with shutting down the opposition’s best player, Tavares not only succeeded but thrived in the role. She also led the team in rebounding, further establishing her as a complete and vital asset on both ends of the floor.
Senior leaders Ellie Marden and Sadie Bolth were instrumental in guiding the team. “Ellie and Sadie were excellent leaders,” said Coach Brown. “Sadie left it all on the court every time. I wish I had 11 more of them.” Their impact will be felt beyond the box scores, especially as mentors who helped steer a young squad through a pivotal season.
Season Highlights: Big Wins, Close Calls, and a Banner Award
The Red Hawks’ 2025 campaign was full of thrilling moments and valuable learning experiences. They came in second in their Christmas tournament, narrowly losing to a larger, more experienced school. They also pulled off impressive wins throughout the regular season, several of which demonstrated their resilience and ability to close out tight contests.
However, it wasn't all smooth sailing. Coach Brown pointed out that the team also dropped a couple of games due to poor foul shooting—losses that could have swung the other way with sharper execution. But even those defeats became teachable moments.
One of the season’s biggest accomplishments didn’t come on the scoreboard. Amesbury was named the Sportsmanship Team of the Year, as voted by opposing coaches. “It is a great accomplishment for us,” Coach Brown said proudly. “Everybody improved, but it was our underclassmen who really made a difference this year.”
Youth Movement: A Bright Future Ahead
Much of the excitement surrounding the program revolves around its youth. This year’s team relied heavily on underclassmen, and the returns were promising. Coach Brown highlighted the development of several players, including Bailey Kimball, Delaney Sergeant, and Shelby Massey, who all earned increased playing time as the season progressed.
Additionally, three 8th graders were brought up to junior varsity. While they didn’t play on varsity yet, they practiced regularly with the upperclassmen, injected fresh energy into the program, and impressed the coaching staff with their work ethic and potential. Two of them are expected to join the varsity ranks next year.
“We are very, very excited about next year,” said Coach Brown. “Everything is trending in the right direction.”
Senior Impact: Leadership That Lasts
The 2025 graduating class may be small, but its influence was mighty. Both Marden and Bolth were foundational leaders who set the standard for accountability, effort, and commitment. Marden served as a two-time captain and steady voice on and off the court. Bolth, a multisport athlete, brought relentless energy and tenacity to every game.
“They will certainly be missed,” Coach Brown reflected. “But they’ve left the program better than they found it, and that’s the highest compliment you can give.”
Overcoming Adversity: Lessons in Perseverance
Injuries, pressure, and internal competition tested the team throughout the year. But rather than crumble, Amesbury grew stronger.
“Like any young team, you have to stay positive,” Coach Brown noted. “The biggest challenges aren’t just the games; it’s the pressures from home, peers, or dealing with the competitiveness of playing time. But we made it through.”
That maturity will serve the Red Hawks well in future seasons as they transition from upstarts to legitimate contenders.
Eyes on the Future: Offseason Focus and New Goals
As the team looks ahead, Coach Brown has a clear offseason agenda. “All of our girls need to hit the weight room, the jump rope, and work on individual quickness and strong moves to the hoop,” he said. “We gave them a breakdown of all the things we expect for next year.”
Player development will be the priority, with an emphasis on conditioning, strength, and individual skill work. The coaching staff, which remains intact, is equally energized to return and continue building on this season’s momentum.
Final Thoughts: A Season to Remember
The 2025 season will go down as a turning point for Amesbury Girls Basketball—not just for the wins or the playoff appearance, but for what it represents: the beginning of a new era.
With rising stars like McKay, Talbot, and Tavares returning, a strong group of underclassmen waiting in the wings, and a supportive, experienced coaching staff led by Coach Scott Brown, the future of Amesbury basketball is as bright as ever.
From sportsmanship accolades to breakout performances and unforgettable games, this year proved that the Red Hawks are a team on the rise—one that’s already exceeding expectations and isn’t done climbing yet.
Share With