The Marblehead High girls basketball season ended just about three weeks ago on Feb. 26 against host Notre Dame Academy of Hingham in a Division 2 preliminary round state tournament game. These Magicians turned in a competitive effort only to come up short, 50-44.
For the five senior players — Tessa Andriano, Greta Sachs, Samara Dosch, Hailey Schmitt and Nora Mahan — and their team manager, Quinn Harris, it was more than just a loss. It also represented a finality after four years of being teammates for one another on and off the court.
They went through the usual grind of daily practices together to get ready for the games, which taught them to balance the highs of winning with the lows of losing, experiences that they can take with them through life.
Captains Andriano, Sachs and Dosch recently reflected what it has been like to be a Marblehead athlete and share their plans for the future.
Tessa Andriano
Andriano, also a softball all-star third baseman, is the daughter of Anthony and Lauren. She and her twin sister, Kate, have a 22-year-old brother, AJ, who was a captain of the 2021 Super Bowl-winning MHS football team, as well as a baseball player.
Twin sister Kate was a captain of the field hockey team last fall and is now getting ready for another winning season in softball with Tessa.
When did you start playing sports, and what did you play? Was there anybody responsible for your participation in sports?
I started playing sports when I was about 5. I started with T-ball and a bunch of basketball clinics. My parents really helped me get involved in sports. They put me in literally everything, but it was softball and basketball that ended up being the ones I love the most.
Before high school, what were some highlights that you will never forget?
When I was in seventh grade, I will never forget when me and my (Marblehead Little League) all-star softball team won the championship in District 16, followed by winning states that sent us to the regionals in Bristol, Connecticut, where we got to stay in dorms, and meet and play teams from other states.
Was there any coach who had an influence on you?
Softball coach Todd Norman definitely had an influence on me. Before he passed away, I had built up such a connection with him. I felt like I could say anything in front of him and not get judged. He also knew how to push us hard but also knew when enough was enough.
How many years have you played in the girls basketball program? What will you most remember as a Magician?
I have been on the MHS girls basketball varsity team all four years. I will always remember our pregame talks, where we would go over personal and team goals. I also won’t forget going to the state’s Final Four in softball, when I was a sophomore.
What was coach Paul Moran like to play for, and what did you learn from him?
Coach Moran was good to play for, and he taught me how to always make that extra pass to become a better player.
What college are you planning to attend, and what would you like to major in? Will you be playing sports in college?
I’m attending Elon University in North Carolina and am planning to major in exercise science. I also want to play on the school’s club basketball and softball teams.
Greta Sachs
Sachs played on the volleyball and basketball teams all four years, was in the softball program for one year as a freshman, and participated in spring track during her sophomore and junior years.
She comes from an athletic family. Her dad Keith played baseball growing up, while mom Eleanor was a field hockey and basketball player. Her older brother Charlie, 19, played baseball all four years with the Magicians.
When did you start playing sports, and what did you play? Was there anybody responsible for your participation in sports?
I started playing basketball in preschool. I also played soccer early on. I then eventually played almost every sport under the sun. My mom was definitely the one to get me into all of it, and I’m so grateful that she did, because my life would be so different otherwise.
Before high school, what were some highlights that you will never forget?
A highlight for me was definitely playing on my eighth-grade basketball team. I just remember having so much fun with such an awesome team, and we also won a lot.
Was there any coach who had an influence on you?
My volleyball coach, Killeen Miller, had an incredible impact on who I was as a player, and who I am as a person today. She taught me so many valuable lessons about confidence and the importance of not just going through the motions. Those lessons have helped me on and off the basketball court in so many ways.
How many years have you played in the girls basketball program? What will you most remember as a Magician on the court?
I played three years in the girls basketball program, all on the varsity. I will always remember the sense of community on all my teams with so much town involvement. Having a close bond with my teammates and feeling that supportive atmosphere of the fans will be something that I will never forget.
What was coach Paul Moran like to play for, and what did you learn from him?
Coach Moran was awesome to play for. He is such a kind-hearted, generous person, who taught me to always be kind and put others first.
What college are you planning to attend, and what would you like to major in? Will you be playing sports in college?
I will be attending the University of South Carolina and plan on majoring in either marketing or criminology. I also hope to play intramural or club volleyball there.
Samara Dosch
Dosch, the daughter of Steve and Victoria, is a three-sport MHS athlete in soccer, basketball and tennis. Samara has two younger brothers — sophomore Landon and eighth-grader Ryan — who are also active in sports. Landon plays football and lacrosse at the high school, while Ryan is a soccer and basketball player.
The Dosch siblings took their parents’ lead in developing their love for athletics. Steve, the dad, grew up playing soccer and basketball, while mom Victoria was a volleyball player.
When did you start playing sports, and what did you play? Was there anybody responsible for your participation in sports?
I started playing soccer at the young age of 2. My parents and extended family have always been major sports fans, and even during family events and gatherings you could expect us to be playing some sort of sport.
Ever since I was little, I have had a love for sports. Growing up with two younger brothers, I was always super competitive with a constant opponent. I have always loved the strategy, grit and focus that comes with playing competitive sports.
Before high school, what were some highlights that you will never forget?
In the eighth grade, we had a really strong group of girls playing basketball. It was a lot of fun because it was a small group, but we all worked really hard while playing in a really competitive league.
Was there any coach who had an influence on you?
My high school tennis coaches — Tracy and Bill Ackerman — have been some of the best coaches that I have ever had, and I feel so lucky to have played for them (going on) four years. They are always so invested in the girls tennis program, [not to mention] the individual players as well. They are the reasons why I have really enjoyed tennis so much over the last few seasons.
How many years have you played in the girls basketball program? What will you most remember as a Magician on the court, and in any other sports, as well?
I have played all four years on the varsity basketball team but started playing the sport in the Marblehead Youth Basketball program in the fourth grade. Something I will remember the most as a Magician is the amazing camaraderie that we have had throughout the team.
Marblehead has been such an amazing community to play in because the teams always have had such tight-knit bonds that strive to succeed in so many ways.
What was coach Paul Moran like to play for, and what did you learn from him?
Playing for Coach Moran has been so much fun over the last four years. He has so much knowledge about the game and always has an in-depth scouting report and game plan for each opponent during the season. He’s one of the most generous and caring people that I know, and always did everything he could to make sure that we had the best experience. He taught me his many tips to being a good shooter and (also play) guard, which have helped me a lot over the years.
What college are you planning to attend, and what would you like to major in? Will you be playing sports in college?
I’m planning to attend Villanova University next year and major in political science. I hope to maybe play club tennis, or soccer and basketball on the intramural level.
