Stonehill Skyhawks Women's Basketball Season Preview: 2024-25
As the Stonehill Skyhawks prepare for another transitional season in the NEC, there's reason for optimism that this young and developing squad can improve on last year’s 4-12 conference record (4-26 overall). Head Coach Trisha Brown, who has been at the helm since 2001, faces a unique challenge as she guides her team through its transitional phase to Division I play. The Skyhawks won’t be eligible for the NCAA Tournament, but they have their eyes set on making noise in the NEC tournament and building momentum for future seasons.
Projected Rotation
Maureen Stapleton (F, Sr.) - The senior forward is the anchor of this team, playing nearly 30 minutes per game while leading the team in rebounds (7.8 RPG) and providing a solid inside presence with 16 blocks last season. Her 3.9 points per game may not pop, but her hustle, defense, and leadership are invaluable. Expect her to continue to dominate the glass and improve offensively as a focal point in Stonehill's attack.
Brooke Paquette (G, Soph.) - After an impressive freshman campaign, Paquette looks ready to take another step forward. She averaged 5.8 PPG, grabbed 3.3 rebounds per game, and showed potential as a strong defensive guard with 15 steals. With more experience, Paquette could see a bump in her scoring and playmaking as she handles a larger role in the backcourt.
Sharn Hayward (G, Sr.) - Hayward is projected to be Stonehill’s best player this season. She played the most minutes on the team last year (35.1 MPG), averaging 8.3 PPG, 2.4 APG, and contributing solid defense with seven steals. My statistical model predicts Hayward will increase her scoring to 12 PPG this year, making her the go-to offensive option for the Skyhawks.
Molly Lynch (G, Grad.) - Lynch, the Rider transfer, projects to be a key addition to the starting lineup. Last season, she averaged 3.5 PPG and 1.4 APG in just over 14 minutes per game. Lynch brings valuable experience and should provide stability in the backcourt alongside Paquette and Hayward. Her ability to score and distribute the ball will help space the floor.
Open Slot - TBD - The final spot in the starting five remains a question mark. Candidates include Paige Martin (F, Jr.), who averaged 12.6 minutes per game and provided solid rebounding (2.5 RPG) with some scoring potential (2.2 PPG), and Bella Mallory (C, Soph.), a young center who could step into a larger role with more minutes. Mallory’s shot-blocking ability could give the Skyhawks a stronger defensive presence inside.
Chelsea Graiver (G, Jr.) - Graiver saw action last year, averaging 9.5 minutes per game, but her scoring ability (2.5 PPG) and defense will be valuable off the bench. She’ll be called upon to provide relief for the starters and may even compete with Molly Lynch for minutes.
Team Preview
Stonehill’s record will likely slide upwards this season with Mercyhurst’s addition to the league as a promising but transitioning program and Chicago State also entering the league with a lack of familiarity to the NEC. The Skyhawks will be favored to win a non-conference game this season against Emmanuel College and should be able to be a more competitive team in NEC play.
They are a very young squad, with five freshmen this season. However, the Skyhawks have had good success as recently as last season with their young players. Brooke Paquette as a significant piece for Stonehill all season in 2023-24 as a freshman, and it’s reasonable to expect at least one of the newcomers to also play a significant role. This is in addition to bringing in grad transfer Molly Lynch from Rider. While Lynch played 14 minutes per game with the Broncs last season, she could be arriving to Stonehill with the expectation that she’ll be playing more minutes with the Skyhawks. If Lynch proves to be a revelation in NEC play and the Skyhawks get the kind of production they enjoyed from Paquette from at least one member of their large freshman class, the Skyhawks should be able to improve on their 4-26 mark from a year ago. Stapleteon, Paquette, and Hayward make up the nucleus of a team that will be competitive in conference.
