Monday, November 22, 2021

Scheduling: A Key to Success

"Iron sharpens iron." Upgrading the schedule has long been a priority of Coach Scott Celli. Part of the solution emerged from the Middlesex League which continually improves.

Among the five Freedom Division opponents, Burlington and Wakefield guarantee four tough contests. In the Liberty Division, Winchester, Woburn, and Reading are always competitive and Arlington, Belmont, and Lexington are no pushovers. That equates to at least ten of sixteen ML competitive matches.  

That leaves four non-league contests. Normally, teams agree on a home and home series which also allows fans who don't travel to see good clubs. And it allows Melrose to learn to win on the road. Rarely, an opposing community doesn't follow through on the return visit to Melrose. 

Melrose has 'stable' relationships with Frontier, Newton North, and Central Catholic and had a solid contest with Peabody this season. The former two went to the state championship in their divisions. 

Preseason scrimmages afford another avenue to hone your game. Melrose faces strong teams in the preseason and some of the top teams in the state at the Medway Play Date. 

Players often ask, "how good are they?" Remember Coach Don Meyer's quote, "it matters how you play not whom you play."

Lagniappe (something extra). 

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