Hopedale’s girls basketball team kept its perfect start intact, improving to 4-0 after a tight win over Ashland that required late-game composure. The Blue Raiders have shown multiple ways to win this season, from blowouts like the 55-30 victory over AMSA and the 48-13 result over Valley Tech to close finishes such as the 60-52 season opener against Dedham.
Against Ashland, the game was competitive down the stretch. Phoebe Carroll delivered the go-ahead layup with under a minute remaining, and Anna Farard secured the win with clutch rebounding and free-throw shooting in the final moments. Anna Fafard, noted for a strong season start, finished with 18 points, while superstar Carroll posted a 14-point, 12-rebound double-double. Both of these stars are picking up right where they left off last season, where they finished as the No. 1 seed in D5 hoops.
The Blue Raiders will look to extend their run next Monday when they host Millis, a 2-1 squad that will offer a physical test. Hopedale’s balance, interior toughness, and late-game poise have been the keys so far; maintaining those elements will be essential as the schedule ramps up after the break.
