Spaulding High Girls Basketball: A Season of Lessons, Grit, and Growth
By all measurable standards, the 2025 winter season for the Spaulding High School Girls Basketball Team was a tough one. With a record of 2-16 for the second consecutive year, it might be tempting to focus only on the scoreboard. But to do so would be to overlook the deeper, more significant story—one of growth, perseverance, and a foundation being laid for a brighter future.
Head Coach Scott Blake has been steadfast in his belief that success goes beyond wins and losses. “I thought we played hard,” he reflected. “We just weren’t able to make shots when needed.” That honesty underscores the reality of the season—a campaign filled with effort and energy, but one still developing the consistency and polish needed to turn competitive games into victories.
A Core of Juniors Leads the Way
At the center of Spaulding’s efforts this season was junior point guard Meagan Uraskevich. Described by Coach Blake as the team’s top contributor, Meagan brought leadership, composure, and relentless effort to every game. As the team’s floor general, she set the tempo, ran the offense, and embraced the pressure of leading a young squad.
“Meagan came ready to play every day,” Blake said. That kind of consistency became vital, especially for a team searching for momentum in a competitive schedule.
Supporting Meagan were fellow juniors Mackenzie LeBlanc, Sydney Daly, and Damiya Perkins—each of whom brought a unique piece to the puzzle. Mackenzie made her mark on the defensive end, constantly providing energy and effort to stifle opponents. Sydney delivered a well-rounded game, contributing across all facets of play, while Damiya dominated the glass, asserting herself as one of the team’s most reliable rebounders.
A Rising Sophomore and a Hard-Working Post Player
Another bright spot emerged in sophomore Ava Damon, who had what Coach Blake described as “an excellent campaign.” Her growth as a player throughout the season hinted at future stardom. Ava began the season in a supporting role but gradually stepped into a more prominent position as her confidence and production grew.
Down low, KC Kaydintz provided toughness in the paint. While her contributions may not always show up in the box score, her physicality and work ethic inside were invaluable.
Together, this mix of juniors and underclassmen showed a commitment to improvement that bodes well for the future of the program.
Small Victories: Highlights in a Challenging Season
Despite a difficult record, there were moments that reminded the Raiders of their potential. Two victories stood out to Coach Blake and the team.
The first came against Merrimack, a game that marked a turnaround after a prior loss to the same opponent. The ability to bounce back and secure a win the second time around was a testament to the team’s resilience and willingness to learn from defeat.
The second highlight came in the form of a comeback victory over Concord, where the team delivered a strong second-half performance to seal the win. These flashes of promise offered a glimpse into what this young team could achieve with more experience and refinement.
Tough Lessons and Growing Pains
Still, the Raiders struggled to build sustained momentum. Coach Blake candidly acknowledged that there wasn’t a clear turning point in the season—no stretch where the team was able to string together back-to-back victories and gain the confidence that comes with a winning streak.
Yet, amid the struggles, the team never quit. “We just tried to battle game in and game out all season,” Blake said. That kind of grit and mental toughness may not have translated into wins this year, but it’s laying an important foundation for seasons to come.
The Leadership Void and the Opportunity Ahead
One unique aspect of this Spaulding team was the absence of any seniors. While that meant there was no veteran presence to anchor the team emotionally or through experience, it also meant that everyone is eligible to return next season.
That fact alone provides a silver lining.
With every player coming back, including seasoned juniors like Uraskevich, Daly, LeBlanc, and Perkins, and rising talents like Damon and Kaydintz, Coach Blake is excited about what’s to come. “I think we learned a lot about ourselves and what it takes to really compete,” he said.
This continuity gives the team an opportunity that many programs envy: a chance to grow together, correct mistakes, and build chemistry without needing to restart from scratch.
Looking Ahead: Areas for Development
Coach Blake knows that if the Raiders are going to take a leap next year, certain areas need work, chief among them, shooting and decision-making.
Basketball games are often decided by a handful of key plays: a missed open shot, a rushed pass, or a poor decision under pressure. Improving in these areas could be the difference between another 2-16 campaign and a team competing for a playoff spot.
With the offseason ahead, the focus will be on refining shooting mechanics, increasing basketball IQ, and instilling the kind of discipline and confidence that allows players to perform under pressure.
Beyond the Numbers: Culture and Character
In programs where wins are few, it's easy for morale to wane. But what stood out about the 2025 Spaulding team was their unwavering effort, even in the face of adversity.
That’s a direct reflection of the culture Coach Blake is working to build—one centered not just on results, but on resilience, responsibility, and relentless improvement.
Whether it was diving for loose balls in the fourth quarter of a lopsided game or cheering each other on from the bench, the Raiders showed a camaraderie and spirit that statistics don’t always capture.
Stats and More
For those looking to dive deeper into the numbers behind the season, Coach Blake has compiled and shared the team’s stats in a PDF format, which can be accessed through Spaulding High School's athletic department or directly upon request.
Conclusion: Seeds of the Future
The 2025 season may not have ended with trophies or headlines, but it planted seeds of leadership, of skill development, and of belief. This is a team that has been through the fire, and rather than fold, they fought.
Now, with a full roster returning, valuable experience gained, and a clear vision for improvement, the Spaulding High Girls Basketball team is poised to turn lessons into victories.
The road ahead will still require hard work and patience, but the pieces are there. And next winter, don’t be surprised if those two wins turn into something much more.
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