Richard S. Smith

SHINING SPOTLIGHT – PLAYER PROFILE Claire Roy Bridgewater-Raynham High School Varsity Softball Class of 2027 Uncommitted 5’11”/ OF/1B/ Left-Handed/ Power Slapper Claire Roy (Class of 2027) has emerged as one of the top Massachusetts region premier high school power slappers for base and multi-base hits. Claire Roy is a standout two-way softball player on offense and defense who utilizes her height 5’11” and superior running speed along with her talent and skillset to make positive things happen on both sides of the field. A varsity starter since her freshman season, Claire Roy has become one of the cornerstones of the Massachusetts Division 1 Bridgewater-Raynham softball program. As a team captain, she leads by example with an outstanding work ethic, competitive drive, softball IQ, skillset, talent, positive attitude, energy, likeable personality and team-first supportive mentality that has earned a high regard of respect from teammates, coaches, and opponents alike. Claire Roy as a team captain and all-star is currently seeking opportunities and offers to continue her softball career in college. Claire was a key player that helped Bridgewater-Raynham High School to finish the 2026 season as one of the top 10 final ranked teams in the State of Massachusetts in all divisions and made it to the Elite 8 of the MIAA State Tournament in 2025 and 2026 and the Sweet 16 in 2024. Claire Roy played in all 22 games and led the Bridgewater-Raynham team in 2026 as the leader in 8 different offensive areas which included Batting Average .457, On Base Percentage .537, Slugging Percentage .667, At Bats 81, Total Hits 37, Least Number of Strikeouts 5, Stolen Bases 8 and Runs Scored 31. Club Softball: Claire Roy in 2026 competes for NE Unity MA 18U – Martal softball organization which is a top-tier travel and showcase club designed for high school athletes aiming to play at the collegiate level. In the team’s first showcase of the season in June 2026, The NE College Showcase, Claire Roy reached base on all 6 games played which included 8 hits (2 triples, 6 singles) 2 walks and 3 RBIs. Claire started playing club softball at 12U with the New England Shockwave and played with them through 14U and then she jumped up to 18U with NE Unity MA in 2025 and continues to play for them in 2026. Recruiting Summary: Claire Roy is an elite Class of 2027 Power Slapper and two-way prospect whose impact extends well beyond the box score. She possesses rare power at the plate as a slapper who can get multi-base hits, a knack for getting on base, exceptional quick speed on the base paths and in the field making plays, outstanding leadership qualities, and the competitive positive mindset college coaches seek. Claire Roy can be a key factor offensively and defensively in making a difference in games and a player capable of making an immediate impact at the collegiate level with her unique skillset. Profile/Contact Page: teapawt.net/ClaireRoy27 2026 Season Statistics 22 Games (Including Postseason) Offensive Production .457 Batting Average .537 On-Base Percentage .667 Slugging Percentage 1.092 OPS 16 RBIs 37 Hits 31 Runs Scored 13 Walks 1 Hit by Pitch 8 Stolen Bases Claire Roy demonstrated exceptional plate discipline and bat control throughout the 2026 season, striking out only 5 times in 95 plate appearances while consistently producing extra-base power with singles, double and triples. Defensive Fielding Statistics: .966 Fielding Percentage 83 Put Outs (2026, 2025, 2024) Accolades, Honors & Awards: 2026 – National Honor Society 2026 – Team Captain (Junior year) 2026 and 2025 Southeast Conference League All-Star 2026 Bridgewater- Raynham Athletic Award, Softball Sportsmanship Award 2025 Bridgewater-Raynham Softball Offensive Player of the Year 2024 Bridgewater-Raynham Softball Rookie of the Year 2026 and 2025 Taunton Gazette All-Scholastic First Team 2026 Taunton Gazette Top Greater Taunton High School Sports Performers, April & May 2026 Taunton Gazette, Look Out for these 33 Greater Taunton Softball Players this Post Season 2025 and 2024 Taunton Gazette Player of the Year Nominee 2025 Taunton Gazette Pre-Season Player of the Year Nominee 2025 Taunton Gazette Player to Watch 2024 Taunton Gazette All-Scholastic Second Team 2026 The Enterprise Softball High School Player of the Year Nominee 2026 The Enterprise Pre-season High School Softball Player of the Year Nominee 2026 The Enterprise High School Softball Players to Watch 2026 The Enterprise Brockton-Area Female Athletes to Watch in MIAA Playoffs 2026 The Enterprise Brockton-Area High School Softball Players to Watch in 2027 2026 Brockton Enterprise South Shore High School Sports Top Performers, April & May 2026 Patriot Ledger: South Shore High School Sports Top Performers, April & May High School Softball: 3 years Varsity starter, lettered each year (2024, 2025 and 2026) Photos Credit of Claire Roy taken by Richard S. Smith at RSS Photography. @PhotogSmitty @ClaireRoy27 @BR_softball @BRgirlshoops @NEUnity18u_MA @SoftballDown @ncsn2023 @ChrisMcDaniel88 @BrendanKurie @T_Mulherin @gatorjack72 @SBRRetweets @FPSoftballVIBES @Softball_Home @CoastRecruitsSB @nextcommit_ai @cmiconsalvi @daveywalnuts_ @LDomingosRoy @AARoy05 @O_Roy_0 @rjdsunday

BRIDGEWATER-RAYNHAM: SOFTBALL Bridgewater-Raynham finished the 2026 regular season scoring 179 runs in 19 games including 6 of those games they scored 15 or more runs in a game. Leaders: Junior Claire Roy led the Trojans in the regular season in total hits with 33, stolen bases with 8 and runs scored with 28. In 19 games Claire Roy had a .471 batting average and .554 On Base Percentage. With her quickness and speed, she was also an asset making an abundance of plays for outs in right field on defense. Junior Avery Erlichman led the Trojans with 25 RBIs. In 19 games, Avery Erlichman finished the regular season with 28 hits, a .444 batting average, .514 On Base Percentage and .603 slugging percentage. Avery Erlichman was also a big asset on defense at first base as she produced 72 put outs, had a 1.000 fielding percentage with 0 errors. Senior Samantha Clay led the Trojans with 3 Home Runs and a .679 slugging percentage. In 19 games, Samantha Clay added 18 hits and 24 RBIs. At the catcher position Samantha Clay made 109 put outs. Madison DeLano was a valuable player on both sides of the field as she completed the 2026 regular season getting 300 career high school strikeouts in the circle pitching and at bat on offense collected more than 100 hits in her high school career. During the 2026 regular season she threw 83 strikeouts and had a no-hitter. In 15 games at bat on offense, she had 19 hits, 13 RBIs and a .520 slugging percentage. Layla Medas played in 15 games, had 16 hits and powered for a .500 batting average and .656 slugging percentage. Pitcher Carley McEwan pitched 41 innings with 39 strikeouts. Bridgewater-Raynham’s starters Chloe Martin, Maddie O’Keefe, Maddie Morelli, Ella Maynard, and Gabby Cross all had a solid, valuable regular season and contributed to the success of the team during the regular season and will be counted on in the MIAA Tournament. Bridgewater-Raynham finished the 2026 regular season with a record of (12-7) and are the number 6 seed in the Division 1 MIAA Massachusetts State Tournament. Photos of players credit by Richard S. Smith of RSS Photography. @BR_softball @FOBRA_MA @BRGirlsLacrosse @BRgirlshoops @ChrisMcDaniel88 @BrendanKurie @T_Mulherin @BConn63 @TylerBMcManus15 @ncsn2023 @ClaireRoy27 @avery_erlichman @samclay_15 @MadiDelano27 @Carleymcewan23 @Laylamedas2029 @PhotogSmitty

TAUNTON HIGH SCHOOL SOFTBALL CARD: ANIYAH BAILEY Aniyah Bailey had a sensational sophomore regular season and one of the big power factors why Taunton High School is the number 1 ranked team in Massachusetts and a Top 20 nationally ranked high school softball team in the USA. Only a sophomore there is a reason why she bats in the cleanup spot as she displayed what that order in the lineup is all about. In the 2025 regular season where her team went (20-0) Aniyah connected with 10 home Runs, 54 RBI’s, .529 batting average, had a slugging percentage of 1.088, 2 times had 7 RBIs in a game, 2 times had 5 RBIs in a game, 2 times had 4 RBIs in a game, 8 other games with multiple RBIs in a game and had at least 1 RBI in 18 out of 20 games played. In 20 games Aniyah had 13 multiple hit games and had at least 1 hit in 18 of those games. Aniyah is one of the most dynamic, levitating and electric athletes to watch out for in Massachusetts in the years to come as well as in the USA in softball. 2025 Final Regular Season Stats: BATTING: Games Played: 20 Batting Average: .529 Slugging Percentage: 1.088 OBP: .553 Walks: 4 Hits: 36 Singles: 19 Doubles: 6 Triples: 1 Home Runs: 10 RBI’s: 54 Bats: Right-Handed Throws: Right-Handed Positions: Catcher/Third Base/Outfield High School Team: Taunton High School High School Graduation Class: 2027 Club Team: Fury Platinum 18U Roumelis College Commitment: None Photo Credit: Richard S. Smith of RSS Photography @ABailey2027 @tauntonsoftball @THSCoachFox @cmiconsalvi @FPNE18URoumelis @FuryPlatinum @PhotogSmitty

BRIDGEWATER-RAYNHAM SOFTBALL CARD: AVERY ERLICHMAN Dynamic clutch batter and fielder who started and played in every game in 2025. Avery batted over .400 for the 2025 regular season helping to contribute to many of the teams wins with her performance at bat and her strong defense fielding. 2025 Final Regular Season Stats: Games Played: 20 Batting Average: .424 Slugging Percentage: .591 Walks: 4 Singles: 19 Doubles: 8 Home Runs: 1 RBI’s: 25 Bats: Left-Handed Throws: Left-Handed Positions: 1B/Outfield High School Team: Bridgewater-Raynham High School High School Graduation Class: 2027 GPA: 4.0 Club Team: Mass Drifters 18U Showcase Gold 1 College Commitment: None Photo Credit: Richard S. Smith Photography @avery_erlichman @BR_softball @SBRRetweets @ExtraInningSB @UncommittedUTR @UncommittedUsa @Softball_Home @CoastRecruitsSB

TAUNTON HIGH SCHOOL SOFTBALL CARD: CATHERINE LARSON A dominating force on the mound in 2025 going 19-0 with a .63 ERA, 0 wild pitches and only allowed 10 earned runs in 19 games, Catherine Larson proved that she is not only one of the best at her position in Massachusetts but also the USA in High School softball. At bat she had an abundance of timely hits and ended the regular 2025 season with a batting average of .420 and slugging percentage of .740 Up next post season play in the Massachusetts State Tournament (MIAA) where Taunton (20-0) is the number 1 seed. Taunton has won the state championship in 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024 and a realistic goal to continue that streak in 2025. 2025 Final Regular Season Stats: PITCHING: Games Pitched: 19 Wins: 19 Losses: 0 Strikeouts: 173 ERA: .63 Earned Runs Allowed: 10 Walks Allowed: 15 Wild Pitches: 0 BATTING: Games Played: 17 Batting Average: .420 Slugging Percentage: .740 Walks: 9 Singles: 13 Doubles: 4 Home Runs: 4 RBI’s: 25 Bats: Right-Handed Throws: Right-Handed Positions: Pitcher High School Team: Taunton High School High School Graduation Class: 2025 GPA: 5.0 Club Team: RI Thunder Gold 18U National College Commitment: Georgetown University Photo Credit: Richard S. Smith from RSS Photography @CatherineL1434 @tauntonsoftball @THSCoachFox @HoyaSoftball @BobRossiRITG @HopsAP @cmiconsalvi @PhotogSmitty

BRIDGEWATER-RAYNHAM GIRLS VARSITY LACROSSE: EMILY KEEFE - 100 GOALS IN A SEASON: Emily Keefe scored her historic 100th goal of the 2025 regular season as a member of the Bridgewater-Raynham Trojans High School Girls Varsity Lacrosse team in the season finale against Attleboro on May 21, 2025. Emily completes the 2025 regular season with 100 goals and 26 assists. With 96 goals and 25 assists before the start of the game, Emily Keefe reached the historic mark, netting 4 goals as a varsity athlete member of the Bridgewater-Raynham Trojans with a 11-6 win against Attleboro. Emily scored goal number 97 on the fourth goal of the game for BR, 98th on the sixth goal of the game for BR, 99th on the seventh goal of the game for BR and her 100th goal for the team’s 10th goal of the game. Emily Keefe, a generational and gifted talent has amassed over 350 points in her high school career in Lacrosse to go along with her 100 goals in a single season. Emily, who is committed to Assumption College, has certainly put her mark in Bridgewater-Raynham High School history and has had a hall of fame career as an athlete. Emily was recently named Outstanding Athlete in Lacrosse, Sportsmanship award for Indoor Track and Field, and was recently recognized by the Massachusetts Interscholastic Athletic Association as being recognized as a next generational leader and influential female athlete. Photo credit of Emily Keefe by Richard S. Smith of RSS Photography. @BRGirlsLacrosse @BRgirlshoops @BR_softball @BrocktonSports @sports_ledger @ChrisMcDaniel88 @GlobeSchools @GlobeLars @BostonHeraldHS @BConn63 @RichlandOhNews @BR_Athletics_MA @FOBRA_MA @CamMerritt_News @PhotogSmitty @keefey2025 @JENNA0024 @O_Roy_0 @ClaireRoy27 @avery_erlichman @LDomingosRoy @MIAA033

BRIDGEWATER-RAYNHAM GIRLS VARSITY LACROSSE: Emily Keefe – 100 Goals in a season?. The Trojans play their last game of the regular season today May 21, 2025, at Attleboro 5 pm. Emily Keefe has been a historic highlight to watch this season with her production of incredible talent. Many players dream of getting 100 goals in a high school career, but Emily is on pace to potentially hit 100 goals scored in a single season. For the 2025 regular season alone she has amassed an astounding 96 goals and 25 assists. Best of luck to Emily Keefe on her quest to 100!! Photo credit of Emily Keefe in action by Richard S. Smith of RSS Photography. @BRGirlsLacrosse @BRgirlshoops @FOBRA_MA @BrocktonSports @sports_ledger @ChrisMcDaniel88 @GlobeSchools @keefey2025 @O_Roy_0 @ClaireRoy27 @LDomingosRoy @avery_erlichman @PhotogSmitty

SPORTS GIRLS BASKETBALL/SOFTBALL SPECIAL FEATURE ARTICLE: TRIBUTE TO BRIDGEWATER-RAYNHAM HIGH SCHOOL SENIOR – OLIVIA ROY Bridgewater resident Olivia Roy, a senior at Bridgewater-Raynham Regional High School located in Bridgewater, MA, is a captain and standout dual athlete in both the varsity basketball and softball teams. Olivia recently completed her successful high school basketball career in March 2025 after helping her teammates as one of its starters to the Division 1 MIAA Girls High School Massachusetts State Tournament that made it to the Sweet 16 round. Olivia is currently preparing for the start of her final season as a senior captain on the spring softball team where she helped her team as an All-Scholastic All-Star and Conference Defensive player of the year in 2024 as a Center Fielder along with her hitting skills win the SEC conference championship and make it to the Division 1 MIAA Girls High School State Tournament in softball for the 2022 and 2023 seasons with aspirations to have another season of success. Olivia Roy a 5’9” Small Forward/Power Forward in Basketball and plays Center Field and Third Base in Softball will continue her Basketball and Softball careers displaying her exceptional talent in both sports where she was recruited and has committed to play at Curry College in Milton, MA starting in the 2025/2026 year. This special article to tribute Olivia Roy’s love for the game of basketball and softball careers includes interviews and statements from Olivia Roy and her parents Aaron and Lauren Roy former standout athletes themselves who demonstrated what dedication as well as support is all about. Aaron was a standout athlete and played Football, Basketball and Track & Field in High School then went on to play Basketball at Curry College in the 1990’s where he graduated from, and Lauren was also a standout athlete and played Basketball and Softball in High School at Coyle-Cassidy in Taunton then went on to also attend and graduate from Curry College. By attending Curry College Olivia will be following their path and footsteps. WB NEWS: At what age did you start playing basketball and softball, what leagues or places did you play in your career besides Bridgewater-Raynham High School such as youth league, club, another school etc.? OLIVIA ROY: I started playing basketball in first grade and in kindergarten I played T-ball baseball at Bridgewater Little League because our town softball league did not start that young. I switched to playing softball at Bridgewater Girls Softball League the next year. I played for Bridgewater Youth Basketball on their biddy, summer, and travel teams from first through eighth grade. I played for Bridgewater Girls Softball in their spring, fall and travel summer teams from first to sixth grade. I played club basketball at Dana Barros Basketball Club from fourth to twelfth grade. I played club softball for New England Shockwave from sixth to eleventh grade and I currently play club softball for NE Unity. I also played on the Bridgewater Middle School softball and basketball teams before I went to B-R. At B-R, I played varsity softball for all four years and varsity basketball for three. I was captain for both teams in my senior year. WB NEWS: What made you love and want to play basketball and softball more than any other sport? OLVIA ROY: I have always loved playing sports but basketball and softball I just seemed to like the most. Sports have always been the place where I can forget about everything else going on and just focus on playing. It was my time. Plus, my teammates were many of my friends, so it made it even more fun to play these sports. My parents both played basketball and baseball/softball and were my first coaches, so I grew up in a very “sporty” household. I grew up talking and watching sports. My grandparents, aunts and uncles were all athletes so, everyone around me played sports and supported my wish to play them as well. WB NEWS: How did you feel when you first became a member of the Bridgewater-Raynham varsity basketball and softball teams? OLIVIA ROY: When I first joined the B-R softball team, I was so excited because I was one of two freshmen picked to play varsity. I made varsity as a sophomore for B-R basketball, and I was so proud of that too. Both teams have always been so successful, so it was great to play in high level games with so many talented upperclassmen. It was such an honor to be chosen to represent B-R on these teams. The memories and friends I have made will last forever. WB NEWS: What do you consider some of your personal best accomplishments? OLIVIA ROY: When I play sports, I try to be the best teammate I can be. I focus on team success before my own. I always look to benefit the team and how I can help make them better. That said, I am always very honored and proud when my hard work gets recognized by local papers, tournament directors, Conference All-Star recognitions and B-R sports awards. For example, last year, I received the B-R Defensive Player of the Year Award in softball with no errors all season. I was very proud of that. In basketball this year, I received the Commonwealth Classic Tournament Player of the Game Award for a very hard-fought team victory. But being chosen as captain for both B-R sports was truly a very special honor. WB NEWS: What were some of your most memorable times playing basketball and softball in your entire career from youth to high school? OLIVIA ROY: BGSL and BYB travel brought me my first and some of my favorite memories with some of my favorite people. Being coached by my mom in softball and my dad in basketball was a lot of fun. I will never forget our eighth-grade season in travel basketball when we made it to the Metro West State Championship game. We had an incredible team comeback to almost win. When I played 10u travel softball, we won the Halifax tournament and our division. Those were some really fun games. Playing in the Elite 8 with both B-R teams was amazing. Sold-out crowds are always something you will never forget. Playing softball with my sister in the Sweet 16 last year when she made a game changing diving catch, it was unbelievable to watch and be right next to her for. This year, we had a basketball game where we were tied in the last 18 seconds, and I had a steal and a basket to put us ahead. The pictures that captured these moments are hanging in my room. Homeruns in softball are always memorable. Meeting people that will be in my life forever and sharing these incredible moments with me are one of the best parts. All these memories would not be so great if I did not have my family and friends there to support me through it all. I love seeing them sitting on the sidelines, especially my grandparents who never miss a game. WB NEWS: How did you decide to commit to playing both college basketball as well as softball at Curry College? OLIVIA ROY: When I really thought about it, I realized that I could never imagine myself giving one up one sport and only playing one full time. I have played two sports all year my entire life. I did not want to stop. I knew it would be hard because I would need to be recruited by two coaches in two sports at the same school. The recruiting process was not always easy. It was intense at times, but I am so glad that I did it because I learned so much along the way. WB NEWS: Not many athletes get to play two different sports in college. What made you want to continue to play both basketball and softball and how did the Curry College coaches react, knowing you wanted to play two sports? OLIVIA ROY: The Curry coaches were very accepting of me being a multisport athlete. Playing basketball and softball in college is hard because the seasons overlap. If you make the playoffs in basketball, it runs into the beginning of the softball season and fall softball runs into the beginning of the basketball season. When I met with colleges coaches, I would ask them about playing both sports, and they would all be very honest. For the coaches that did not want me to play both sports, they would try to convince me to play just their sport. Some of the coaches were convincing and sometimes made me question my multi-sport decision. There were nine schools that would have allowed me to play both. Narrowing down and choosing between those schools was a challenge. I went to practices, met with the teams and had overnight stays. The coaches, team culture, players, campus and having both of my academic programs made Curry my top choice and a great fit. Since committing in November, I was also chosen to be part Curry Colleges Presidents Leadership Program. I am very much looking forward to my next chapter at Curry College. WB NEWS: What do you plan on majoring in at college? OLIVIA ROY: I plan to major in psychology and minor in athletic coaching. I want to be a school adjustment counselor or school psychologist and coach. WB NEWS: Who or what people would you like to thank as well as make a statement about how much they impacted you as well as supported your career in basketball and softball? OLIVIA ROY: I will be forever grateful and filled with appreciation for the care, dedication, education and support from my head basketball coach Cheryl Seavey, Mike Carrozza my head softball coach and all my coaching staff including the trainers at B-R High School and Middle School, Dana Barros, Basketball by Behn, New England Shockwave and NE Unity. These coaches taught me valuable lessons about not only playing, but also life. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. To the B-R community and media, thank you for your support over the past four years. To all my teammates, thank you for your support, friendship, and laughs. What an incredibly fun journey this has been! Thank you for the memories. I will never forget any of you. To my family, especially my parents Aaron and Lauren Roy. My grandparents Richard Domingos, a 1965 Bridgewater-Raynham graduate as well as a former standout athlete in high school in Football, Basketball and Baseball and Louise Domingos who was a standout basketball player at Fairhaven High School and currently have resided in West Bridgewater for 50 years. They all have been with me every step of the way and did not miss a beat in attending games as my biggest cheerleaders and support system. Words cannot express enough for all your love, care and how much you mean to me as well as the gratitude and appreciation I have for all of you. To my special sister Claire Roy, you will always be my favorite teammate and player. Also, for my friends. I love seeing all of you on the sidelines cheering, care, support, dedication and waiting for me after my games to give me a hug. I will always remember you as being there. I cannot wait to see you when I trade my red uniform for purple next year! You have all made my sports journey an unforgettable one. Thank you. WB NEWS: Question for Parents/Family - AARON AND LAUREN ROY. WB NEWS: Please say anything you want about Olivia’s basketball and softball career and her in general, including memorable times, highlights and how it impacted you as well as made you feel as parent's? AARON AND LAUREN ROY - PARENTS: It has been such an incredible pleasure watching Olivia grow up and play her sports. Seeing how she has grown into this amazing athlete and person takes our breath away. We had the wonderful opportunity of coaching her in softball and basketball when she was younger. Seeing her confidence and skill improve over the years was so much fun. From the moment she started playing, we knew she would be successful because it came so naturally to her. She has always been determined and driven to be better. There is no one harder on Olivia than Olivia, so our job as a coach and parent was easy. Olivia has always been a natural leader. She plays both sports with so much intensity, focus and determination. She always gives 110% to her team. She is the first one to set a screen or take a charge so someone else can score, play help defense, or throw herself on the ground to get a loose ball. In softball she will dive, slide, sacrifice bunt, suicide squeeze, you name it, she will do whatever she needs to for her team. Sports have never been about individual success for Olivia, they have always been about doing what she can to help her team succeed. The stat sheets do not always reflect all the things Olivia does when she is on the field or court, those who watch her realize the significant impact she has. Every coach wants a kid like Olivia on their team and going through the recruiting process with her demonstrated this. We had no doubt that she would want to play 4 more years of sports in college because sports drive Olivia and are a significant part of her life. She wants to coach after college, and we know that she will be amazing at it. We cannot wait to watch this incredible person we raised continue to shine. @O_Roy_0 @ClaireRoy27 @LDomingosRoy @AARoy05 @BRgirlshoops @BR_softball @BR_Athletics_MA @FOBRA_MA @PhotogSmitty @ChrisMcDaniel88 @JENNA0024 @slj94

SPORTS GIRLS BASKETBALL SPECIAL FEATURE ARTICLE: TRIBUTE TO BRIDGEWATER-RAYNHAM HIGH SCHOOL SENIOR – JENNA MICCIANTUONO Bridgewater resident Jenna Micciantuono a senior at Bridgewater-Raynham Regional High School located in Bridgewater, MA completed her successful high school basketball career in March 2025 after helping her teammates as one of its starters to the Division 1 MIAA Girls High School Massachusetts State Tournament that made it to the Sweet 16 round. Jenna Micciantuono a 6’0” power forward will continue her basketball career displaying her talent where she was recruited and has committed to play at the University of Massachusetts at Dartmouth under Coach Matt Ducharme who helped to lead his team to a 23-5 record as Little East Conference Champions and a trip to the NCAA tournament. Jenna is looking forward to her next venture in helping her new teammates on the basketball court at U/Mass Dartmouth while also studying to help others outside of basketball as well in the school of Nursing. This special article to tribute Jenna Micciantuono’s love for the game of basketball career includes interviews and statements from Jenna Micciantuono and her parents Jim and Shannon Micciantuono who demonstrated what dedication as well as support is all about by witnessing every second their daughter played a game as a youth and in high school. WB NEWS: At what age did you start playing basketball and what leagues or places did you play in your career besides Bridgewater-Raynham High School such as youth league, club, another school etc? JENNA MICCIANTUONO: I started playing basketball when I was 8 and my first coaches were my brothers Jay and Jake. I played in the Bridgewater biddy league, and I was on the team, the Predators. I learned to love the game of basketball then and that’s when I started to join other leagues like Metro West. I played in Metro West all through middle school until 8th grade. In the 6th grade, I joined the Bay State Jaguars AAU program, and my first tournament was in Brooklyn, NY. I had never met any of the players on my team before and I just showed up to that first tournament and it was very different from what I was used to. The girls that I was playing against were way faster, more aggressive, and they brought a whole new level of intensity to the game. It was such a shock to me because I thought it was going to be just like any other game I had played, and it was the exact opposite. Some of my best memories are with the Jags program, especially at the skills nights and summer camps because not only was I able to work on my skills, but I made some of the most lasting relationships that I still have to this day. There is nothing like being at St. Joe’s on a 96° day with no AC, (if you know, you know haha). WB NEWS: What made you love and want to play basketball more than any other sport? JENNA MICCIANTUONO: There was something about basketball that was just overall satisfying to me compared to any other sport. Once I started playing basketball no other sport even crossed my mind really. I just liked how basketball felt, it was comfortable for me, and I liked how fluid the games went, it’s just a continuous motion and I love that about basketball. There’s no time to think about any mishaps that happen during the game, and I love that short-term memory type of mindset, because it applies to life as well. It’s like the saying, “don’t dwell on the past, focus on the present and being present in that moment.” WB NEWS: How did you feel when you first became a member of the Bridgewater-Raynham varsity basketball team? JENNA MICCIANTUONO: When I first became a member of the Bridgewater-Raynham varsity basketball team I was so excited. I was a freshman and made the varsity team, which was my first goal for high school basketball. I worked hard to reach this goal, so when my coach (Cheryl Seavey) told me that I had made varsity, I was freaking out on the inside, but on the outside, I believe all I said was “okay, thank you” with a smile. Once I reached my mom’s car after the tryout it was a different story. I was so excited and proud of myself, and I told basically everyone in my family and all my friends. WB NEWS: What do you consider some of your personal best accomplishments? JENNA MICCIANTUONO: Some of my best accomplishments by years I would say are 18 points in a game for a career-high 2023 SEC Honorable Mention 2023 All-Scholastic Honors 2023 Commonwealth Motors Christmas Classic Co-player of The Game 2024 19 points in a game for a new career-high 2025 Career-high 6 (3-pointers in a game) 2025 Spartan Classic Standout 2025 Southeast Conference All Star 2025 WB NEWS: What were some of your most memorable times playing basketball in your entire career from youth to high school? JENNA MICCIANTUONO: Overall, my best memories would be the hard work I put into it and the accomplishments that I got out of it. Also, the friends and connections I made along the way helped me achieve my goals by either being there to support me through the good times and bad times or by training me and teaching me new skills and IQ. WB NEWS: How did you decide to commit to playing college basketball at U/Mass Dartmouth? JENNA MICCIANTUONO: Choosing U/Mass Dartmouth was an easy decision for me to make. Everything kind of just lined up well. Once I met Coach Matt Ducharme who is an amazing coach, I had pretty much made up my mind. We had a good rapport from the start, and I just had a good feeling that I could trust him and that he would help me continue to achieve my goals at the college level. Not to mention that he’s a good person in general aside from being a coach! I also got the chance to meet the team while watching one of their early season practices and the girls had solid chemistry with each other and the coaches and I knew it was something that I wanted to be a part of. So, after watching the practice I committed right away, and it was a pretty awesome feeling! WB NEWS: What do you plan on majoring in at college? JENNA MICCIANTUONO: I plan on majoring in nursing, as I want to become a nurse anesthetist. WB NEWS: Who or what people would you like to thank as well as make a statement about how much they impacted you as well as supported your career in basketball? JENNA MICCIANTUONO: There are honestly so many people that come to mind when I want to think of who impacted/supported me throughout my whole career. I’ll start with my parents, Shannon and Jim, who drove me everywhere I needed to be and listened to me whenever I needed to rant or cry about whatever obstacles or setbacks came in my way at the time. They always pushed me to do better in everything, while also being some of my biggest supporters and it made me into the person I am today, so for that I am grateful and proud to have them as my parents. Thanks mum and dad :) love you guys. I want to thank my siblings Jay, Emily, and Jake for their support while also reminding me that I’m still a kid and should have fun while I can, you guys always make my day better. Thank you to all my teammates over the years for sharing so many memorable times together that made basketball fun and made me smile. It has been an honor to be part of this team united together and the abundance of talent. To all my coaches, there is something specific that each of you instilled in me and I hope it shows in my life on and off the court. But I want to specifically thank Cheryl Seavey and Laurie Bollin. To Cheryl, you always told me I would have a home at BR. A lot of times people say that and it’s not a reality but thank you for showing that this was true and for welcoming me home with open arms. Your coaching, leadership and care for the team and community is simply special as well as appreciated. To Laurie, how do I ever thank someone who has been in my life for most of my memory? Whether it was on the bench or on your couch you’ve always taught me that family comes in all forms, and I can’t thank you enough for bringing me into yours and for never giving up on me or letting me give up on myself, even when times were tough. You’ve shown me that success comes in many forms and where I am heading is proof. You’ve always been there for me with advice on anything I needed- you weren’t just my coach, but a great friend to me as well. To my friends who have also been there with me on this journey and on their own journey at the same time, I want to say thank you from the bottom of my heart for being there with me and for me during our adventure. Your unconditional love and support never went unnoticed, and I am so lucky to have you all in my life. As we all know there have been many highs and lows, and you have been by my side the whole time. I also want to add a thank you to Dan Underhill who started West Bridgewater News in September 2024 to give extra attention and mentions in putting a spotlight on athletes and athletics within the Bridgewater area. We all work so hard and it’s nice to have someone take the time to spotlight our efforts and accolades. QUESTION AND ANSWER WITH JIM AND SHANNON MICCIANTUONO – PARENTS. WB News: Please say anything you want about your daughter Jenna’s basketball career and her in general including memorable times, highlights and how it impacted you? JIM AND SHANNON MICCIANTUONO - Watching Jenna grow up was like watching something at warp speed. Watching her basketball life was even faster. There is some great truth in the words of Ferris Bueller about life moving pretty fast, and if you don’t stop and take a moment-you may miss it. Jenna started playing basketball at an early age.  It seemed natural, because we played basketball as well and it was easy to pass down. Being the youngest of four, Jenna’s older brothers were her first coaches, and we just knew she was going to love basketball. She took a strong interest after playing in the Biddy League and Metro West leagues. After that she was on her way.  Some of her best moments were playing for the Bay State Jaguars and Bridgewater Raynham Varsity teams. These gave her the confidence and mental toughness to push ahead.  She knew by 8th grade she wanted to play in college. Watching her work ethic and leadership with teammates was a proud moment for us as her parents. Her passion just continued to grow. Her high school years were exciting especially when colleges had begun to show interest in her.  Jenna went into overdrive with training and playing.  During her junior year of AAU, she made the decision to remain close to home.  She was offered a position at UMass Dartmouth after visiting. She absolutely loved the coach and felt that this was the next place to call home.  After making her decision, we knew she had achieved her dream of being a college student athlete. As her parents, we have watched her go through her highs and lows as an athlete.  Any parent can understand what it is like to watch your child work so hard for something and to finally see it come to fruition is just bliss. We couldn’t be more excited for her and love the idea that we get to continue to watch her play in college at the University of Massachusetts - Dartmouth. Our best highlight? We were witness to every single second. @JENNA0024 @slj94 @BRgirlshoops @MattDucharme @LaurieBollin @BrocktonSports @sports_ledger @ChrisMcDaniel88 @PhotogSmitty @FOBRA_MA