Mallard Fives Regroup for 2nd Half

BERLIN- With the first half of their seasons in the books, the jury is still out for the Worcester Prep's boys' and girls' varsity basketball teams, but with expectations low in what appears to be a rebuilding for both squads, there has been reason for optimism thus far.

From the beginning, Worcester Prep's boys' varsity team knew it would have to rely heavily on senior captain Parker McIntosh and junior standout Justin Butler, who have both held up their end so far this early season. However, a few young players have stepped up to lend a hand including 6'4' Alex Maccari and 6'2' Ben Mumford, who have given the Mallards a presence up front.

Also making early contributions have been senior Andrew Canakis and junior Jason Pappas, although the latter struggled with an illness early on. Otherwise, Worcester has relied on a handful of young underclassmen including Matt Carey, Chris Fisher, Colin Maccari and lacrosse standout Alex Ternahan. It the holiday break, Worcester's record stands at 5-4 as the Mallards prepare for the second half. They will hit the ground running next Wednesday with a rematch against Salisbury School, which demolished Worcester, 61-19, in the first contest, followed by home games against Gunston and Chincoteague.

Meanwhile, Worcester's girls' varsity basketball team has struggled at times during the first half of the season on their way to a 2-7 record, but the team has shown signs of improvement. After dropping their first five games, the Mallards got in the win column on December 11 at home against Greenwood. Like the boys team, the Mallard girls will start the second half looking for revenge against Salisbury School at home next Wednesday.