HOLDEN — No one need remind Wachusett Regional High School junior Mary Gibbons that determination, tenacity and just plain old-fashioned hard work are what it takes to be successful in her chosen sport of basketball. They all come together quite viscerally thanks to her commitment to the game, coupled with bountiful influence from within her home. Today she is arguably one of the best, the real deal, and a fan favorite at games both home and away.

WORCESTER — The Worcester Bravehearts announced their first nine player signings on Jan. 30, highlighted by six returners. All nine players have local ties to Central Massachusetts, either attending school or growing up in the area.

STERLING - Sterling Recreation Department basketball players, parents and siblings, coaches and others gathered Saturday, Feb. 11, for end of season celebrations and parent player games.

HOLDEN – A pair of back to-back home-court victories early this month helped the Wachusett Regional High girls’ varsity basketball team continue its highly productive 2022-2023 season. The Mountaineer girls dispatched Algonquin Regional, 71-42, and returned for more 24 hours later to hand Leominster a 62-23 drubbing. The wins improved their season record to 13-1 with but a handful of regular season matchups remaining. “This season has been an incredible experience, and I hope we can take it all this year,” said team co-captain and senior Emmy Allyn. “Coming into the season, we all thought we’d be doing well. We came in with a winning attitude, so we knew that would help us take it all the way.”

HOLDEN — It sounds redundant to consider a hockey player a “defensive defenseman,” but it isn’t a meaningless title. The designation is exactly how it sounds: A defensive defenseman specializes in protecting their team’s territory and keeping the puck out of its net.

HOLDEN — At 5-foot-8 and 140 pounds, Wachusett Regional High School’s ice hockey assistant captain Parker Meyer may not strike team supporters and opponents as one of the more imposing players on the ice, but don’t let first appearances fool you.