Sometimes a team's less-than-stellar record is the result of playing top-notch competition night in and night out, and sometimes the lack of a noticeable ringer, a player who can pour in 15-20 points per night, is the result of a balanced scoring attack, not a lack of firepower. That seems to be the case when it comes to the Swampscott High girls basketball team.

With no one averaging more than nine or 10 points per game, the Big Blue don't exactly pop off the page when it comes to the numbers game. That doesn't concern coach Jack Hughes as his team heads into Saturday's Division 3 North final against Northeastern Conference rival Winthrop.

"We've been a very balanced team," Hughes. "The statistic that amazes me most is that no one averaged 10 points per game and we probably had eight who fall between six and nine points per game. They look for the open person. They know what their range is and they're good about passing the ball. They've been very unselfish."

Although Swampscott had the edge when it comes to experience (this is the Big Blue's third trip in a row to the North final), Hughes isn't counting on Winthrop's youth to fold under pressure. The Vikings' top five are all freshmen and sophomores, including leading scorer Courtney Finn (16 points per game).

The two teams met once during the regular season and the Big Blue squeaked out a three-point win at their own gym. Like Swampscott, the Vikings don't count on one big gun to carry the load.

"They literally have five players and they all can hurt you. You can't lay off any of them," Hughes said. "They play well beyond their years as far as poise and knowing what to do."

The Swampscott starting five includes guards McKinley Tennant and Tara Driscoll, with Rachael Paskievich, Meaghan O'Malley and Gwen Luke up front. Guard Brittany Allain and forwards Tara Nimkar and Allie Beaulieu are generally the first three off the bench, in no particular order.

"I think we have the best pair of guards in the league," Hughes said. "Then you throw in Brittany Allain as the third guard. I don't think anyone can match up ... They put a lot of pressure on their opponents. All three can shoot from outside and I think that's why we see very little zone."

Paskievich, a senior, injured her shoulder early in the season and missed nine games, but when she returned, she didn't miss a beat, Hughes said.

"She stepped right back into the starting lineup," the coach said. "She's played some of her best basketball of the year. She's very fiery, very competitive."

O'Malley, a two-year Northeastern Conference all-star, can do it all. She averaged around nine points, 10-11 rebounds and three or four steals. Junior Gwen Luke (8 points per game, 7-8 rebounds) also provided a lift at both ends of the court.

Hughes will have plenty of talent to draw on off the bench if need be. Senior Carly Famulari has supplied some strong post play and is averaging five points per game. Ashley Corcoran, a senior guard, gives Hughes more options in the backcourt, as do Jenna Blydell and Stephanie Miller.

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