THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FriDAy, DECEmbEr 13, 2024 Page 13 PCSS II celebrates outstanding fall season in school athletics program ioneer Charter School of Science II (PCSS II) has just celebrated an outstanding season in athletics. While the school, along with its Everett-based sister school Pioneer Charter School of Science I (PCSS I), is highly regarded for its academic programs, the achievements of its student-athletes and its alumni who have transitioned into coaching roles have also contributed significantly to its tradition of excellence within the Massachusetts Charter School Athletic Organization (MCSAO). “This has been a stand-out season for Pioneer Charter athletics,” said PCSS I & PCSS II Athletic Director Phil Signoroni. “We couldn’t be prouder of our students’ work both on the field and in the classroom. Their continued grit and determination over the years have seen our athletics program evolve from relative obscurity to a force to be reckoned with.” In cross country, the Girls Cross Country team had two eighth graders, Reem Ferahi and Naomi MacNeil, finish in the top 20 at the MCSAO P Junior Sabine Desir, 17, of the Girls Volleyball Team (Photo Courtesy of Pioneer Charter School of Science II) Championship Meet on October 24 at Sheepfold Reservation in Stoneham. On the same day, the Boys Cross Country team finished third overall in the MCSAO North Invitational at Breakheart Reservation in Saugus. On October 29, the Boys’ team finished fourth overall at the MCSAO Championship Meet at Sheepfold Reservation. Both the Girls & Boys teams were coached by Aoguzi McDonald. Coach McDonald is a PCSS II alumni and winner of the Pirate of the Year Athletics Award in 2019. The Girls Volleyball Team (Photo Courtesy of Pioneer Charter School of Science II) Notably, the Girls Volleyball team had a regular season record of 19-2, won the MCSAO Championship for the first time in school history and won their first-ever MIAA tournament game in the preliminary round vs. Boston United, and advanced to the first round vs. Carver High School. Coach Adalet Canovic won the MCSAO North Division Coach of the Year, and freshman Lilly Khuon won the MCSAO North Division MVP and was named to the MCSAO North Division All-League team along with sophomore Maya Trigueros, junior Maria Silva and senior Adeyinka Olowu. Sabine Desir, a junior at PCSS II and a member of the Girls Volleyball team, attributed the team’s success to great chemistry and the support of the PCSS II school community. “We consider ourselves to be like a family and are always uplifting and motivating each other,” she said. “Volleyball is a mental game, so it was important for us to have a coachable mindset, and it was also inspirational for us to have faculty, staff, and students come out to support us at the games.” The Girls Soccer Team, which is a co-op with PCSS I, finished in third place in the MCSAO and won their MCSAO Quarterfinal Game vs. Salem Academy, 3-0, to advance to the semifinals, where they lost, 1-0, vs. Boston Collegiate. Juniors Maria Alves and Alaa Zad and sophomore Fatima Nejmi made the MCSAO North Division All-League Team. The Boys’ Soccer Team, which is also a co-op with PCSS I, finished in second place in the MCSAO and narrowly lost in overtime to #1 seed Excel Academy in the MCSAO Championships. The team received its highest ever ranking in the MIAA tournament, entering as the #11 seed in the state. The team beat Salem Academy in the tournament’s first round, advancing past #6 seed Ayer-Shirley in the penalty kicks in the round of 16 and making it to the round of 8, where they eventually lost to #3 seed Bromfield School. For more info about PCSS, access https://www.pio - neercss.org/ Sachems boys basketball coach Joseph Bertrand optimistic about upcoming season By Dom Nicastro A s the Saugus boys basketball team gears up for the 2024-2025 season, head oach Joseph Bertrand, now in his fourth year leading the program, is optimistic about the strides the team can make. Coming off a 4-16 season that saw the team finish last in their conference, Bertrand is focused on fostering growth and building on increased participation this year. “We’ve had a tough few seasons, but this year feels different,” Bertrand said. “The increase in participation is huge for us, and it’s exciting to see the program grow to the point where all three levels—varsity, JV and freshman—are full without having to bring up eighth graders.” With a full roster at each level, Saugus basketball is poised to create continuity and depth across the program. Bertrand is still evaluating leadership within the team, as no captains have been named yet, but he noted that leadership qualities are emerging among key players. “There’s definitely a shift happening,” he said. “A few players are stepping up and showing great leadership qualities, which is exactly what we need to take the next step as a team.” The varsity roster features a mix of seasoned seniors and promising underclassmen: Cam Victor (Sr) Danny Zeitz (Sr) Javi Cruz Fuentes (Sr) Adam Ballaji (Sr) Ryan Shea (Jr) Jordan Rodriguez (Jr) Nathan Soroko (Jr) Cristian Dean (Jr) Huey Josama (Jr) Bryan Hernandez Malpera (Jr) Ryan Dupuy (Fr) One of the team’s biggest strengths this season lies in their willingness to share the ball, a quality that Bertrand believes will make them more competitive. “We have a solid combination of quickness and height,” he said. “That gives us different options for our play style. Whether it’s playing fast or taking advantage of mismatches inside, we’ll have the flexibility to adapt.” Despite these positives, Bertrand acknowledges that there are areas needing improvement. Turnovers have been an issue, and he’s making ball security a priority in practice. Saugus’ playmaking ability is one of its strengths, but it has to come with discipline. The Sachems need to focus on taking care of the ball to give themselves the best chance to win games. The Northeastern Conference remains highly competitive, with many teams returning experienced players. Bertrand sees this as both a challenge and an opportunity for his team to grow. The league is going to be tough again, but Bertrand feels the Sachems can surprise some people. It’s all about putting in the work, staying focused and playing as a team, the coach added. As Saugus looks to turn the corner after a rebuilding year, Bertrand remains confident in the potential of his squad. With increased participation, emerging leadership and a focus on improving fundamentals, the Sachems are ready to make their mark. Saugus has the pieces to compete. Now it’s about putting it all together on the court. With tip-off just around the corner (Friday, Dec. 13, at Salem, 7 p.m., fans won’t have to wait long to see if Saugus can rise to the occasion.
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