Waltham girls basketball eyes playoff run this winter

Guided by veteran talent, the Waltham High School girls basketball team is poised to wreak some havoc in the Dual County League this season.

The Hawks bring back DCL all-conference shooter Avery Leeman in addition to DCL all-stars Sarah Valere and Quinn Gavin on the heels of last year’s playoff berth. WHS is looking to rely on this steady group and make noise in the conference.

“We are really excited and looking forward to this season,” said head coach Marc Lovett. “It’s  a group that has been together for a long time. We’re a team of juniors and seniors with a strong returning group. This is my fourth year coaching, and these seniors have been part of the program all four years with me. It is fun to see them put it together for their final season.”

Leeman set a program record with eight 3-pointers made in a single game in 2024-25 while Valere recently inked a commitment to play for Western New England University once her time at Waltham High concludes. Gavin will spearhead the team with her abilities as a floor general and her reliable defensive communication.

“They’re excited to get out there, compete and see how it looks in games,” Lovett said. “The team has put in a bunch of work in the offseason. I know it’s a group that has some goals in terms of what we can accomplish together. We’re hoping to compete for a DCL title and make a run at the state tournament. These are lofty goals, but it’s a group that is committed to putting in the work, playing together, and taking it one day at a time.”

The Hawks’ big three will be aided by some critical contributors. Junior Dylan Remage-Healey will serve as Waltham’s sparkplug, bringing a high motor and basketball IQ. Additionally, newcomers such as senior Inez Schofield and junior Davina Makumbi plan to contribute right away.

WHS will be facing a pretty difficult schedule this year, laden with Division 1 opponents. The Hawks’ main task will be to take down a formidable Bedford High School squad that has ruled the DCL in previous seasons. The Buccaneers come to town for Waltham’s home opener at 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday night Dec  16.

“We look forward to those battles and know they’ll be competitive games,” Lovett said. “There are plenty of teams that are going to work hard and make us work for everything. Bedford will be tough, but whether it’s Boston Latin, Wayland, Acton-Boxborough, it’s a grind. Our outlook is to get to 1-0 every single day and to try to…win every time we step on the court.”

The Hawks did just that in their season opener at Holliston High School on Friday night. The defense was stifling in a 48-25 victory while the team garnered offensive contributions across the boad. Makumbi led the team  with 15 points, Leeman netted 13 points, Gavin scored 10 points and Schofield notched 10l. The triumph catapulted WHS to 1-0 on the year.