PLANT INKS SOLID GUARD PLAY FOR PRIDE

Weston, Mass.-Women's basketball head coach Julie Plant inked four new guards to the Pride basketball program as of June 30. Three of the players were named Boston Globe All-Scholastic All-Stars. Versatility and ability to score seem to be underlying tone of this class.

Coming off of an 18-8 season in 2008-09, and the team's second Commonwealth Coast Conference postseason appearance, Plant looks to dig a little deeper into playoffs with this class.

Alex Chase, Guard, (North Easton, Mass./Oliver Ames)

"Alex is a very smart all-around basketball player," says Plant. Chase was a Boston Globe All-Scholastic All-Star at Oliver Ames High School. Chase also led her Tigers to the state tournament semi finals.

Plant on Alex Chase: "She has a very high basketball IQ, a solid shooter and very strong passer. Alex will be versatile guard next year, she's able to play three different positions."

Melika Clark, Guard, (Boston, Mass./Fenway)

Clark was a team captain, and led Fenway in scoring and rebounds. She also led her team to the state tournament. Clark is one of the Boston areas top player's at the guard position, and Boston Globe All-Scholastic All-Star.

Plant on Melika Clark: "Melika is a talented shooting guard with the ability to knockdown the long range three, and score off the dribble." 

Zeyanna Defortunato, Guard, (Brockton, Mass./Brockton)

"Z," as Plant calls her, is "a very quick and athletic point guard." "Defortunato has an outstanding work ethic and consummate team player," says Plant. Z led her team to the North Sectional Division I State Tournament finals.

Plant on Zeyanna Defortunato: "She handles the ball extremely well and makes great decisions distributing to teammates. Z is the type of player that coaches love to have."

Bianca Flores, Guard, (Dorchester, Mass./New Mission)

Flores is a scoring guard with the ability to shoot off the catch. Beware TCCC foe; Flores will fit nicely into Plant's attacking style of offense. Flores led New Mission to the postseason every year she played, and won a state championship as a sophomore. As her teams captain her senior, Flores led her New Mission to the state tournament semifinals.

Plant on Bianca Flores: "She is a very intense and competitive player on both ends of the floor. Bianca has the quickness to guard opponents better guards."