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Rebuilt Pingree wears New England crown

Ned Jackson could make the argument that sometimes it's better to not have a senior-laden team.

The Pingree boys lacrosse co-head coach may not have had the same thoughts in mid-March. But now that the Highlanders are the New England Small School Tournament champs, he has proof to back up the claim.

Underclassment help lead Pingree to New England title

Ned Jackson could make the argument that sometimes it's better to not have a senior-laden team.

The Pingree boys lacrosse co-heads coach may not have had the same thoughts in mid-March. But now that the Highlanders are the New England Small School Tournament champs, he has proof to back up the claim.

Pingree flies high, advances to New England final

All season long, the Pingree baseball team has had one goal in mind: defend their New England Championship. With a 9-0 win over the Forman School from Litchfield, Conn., in the semifinals, the Highlanders (21-2) will get that chance.

Sullivan's shutout helps Highlanders advance

Senior Jesse Sullivan tossed a complete game, three-hit shutout to lead the defending New England champion Highlanders into Friday's semifinal with a 7-0 quarterfinal win over Concord Academy. Dillon Vassallo cranked two doubles and drove in a run while Lamarre Rey and Mike Lamothe also drove in runs. Ben McLaughlin smashed a 400-foot triple and recorded an RBI as well.

Pingree preps for playoff

Two wins over Concord Academy during the regular season mean nothing to Pingree now that the New England Small School Tournament is here. The Highlanders (16-2) host Concord today in a playoff quarterfinal (4:30 p.m.) fully aware that resting on their laurels is the last thing they should be doing.

Pingree win seals second place in the EIL

Kaisy Rosario was 2 for 3, scoring twice, and Dale Bishop had a single, a run and made a great play in the outfield as both seniors played their final home game in the mercy rule rout. The Highlanders (19-4) scored seven in the third and six in the fourth. The win sealed second place in the EIL. Pingree plays in the EIL playoffs today at Worcester.

Accolades pouring in

The accolades continue to pour in for the Pingree girls. Sam Taylor, a First Team All-American for U.S. Lacrosse last year, achieved the next level of recognition by being named an Under Armour All-American this season. She got the call late last week, notifying her that she was selected as an All-American and will be playing in the North-South game in July.

Pingree falls to Governor's

Michaela Colbert and Haley Thompson each scored four goals but it wasn't enough to lead a second half charge by Pingree. Sam Taylor and Liza Richardson each scored one goal, while Liv Whitney finished with 14 saves.

Pingree secures EIL title

A big first inning was the perfect scenario for a Pingree team that desperately wanted to achieve its first goal of the season Saturday afternoon.

The Highlanders scored four times in the first and held on for a 6-3 win over Berwick Academy to seal their 13th Eastern Independent League title in the last 15 years.

Lineup changes help boost Pingree

The Pingree School, which has just one senior, has picked up its play recently after veteran coach Jim MacLaughlin moved Kaisy Rosario of Lawrence from shortstop to center field. Sophomore Kellie Marshall of Danvers has taken over at shortstop for the Highlanders, who are 4-2 in the Eastern Independent League.

Pingree nears title with late goal

Overtime seemed inevitable when Portsmouth Abbey scored the tying goal with 26 seconds left, but Brit Mscisz had other ideas.

Pingree won the ensuing draw after Portsmouth Abbey's goal and got the ball to Mscisz deep in the offensive zone. Mscisz was fouled and then scored on a free position with six seconds to play, giving Pingree a 13-12 victory that virtually ensures the Highlanders will win their fifth straight Eastern Independent League crown.

Pingree nears title with late goal

Overtime seemed inevitable when Portsmouth Abbey scored the tying goal with 26 seconds left, but Brit Mscisz had other ideas.

Pingree won the ensuing draw after Portsmouth Abbey's goal and got the ball to Mscisz deep in the offensive zone. Mscisz was fouled and then scored on a free position with six seconds to play, giving Pingree a 13-12 victory that virtually ensures the Highlanders will win their fifth straight Eastern Independent League crown.

Experience, fundamentals drive Pingree

SOUTH HAMILTON | Arguably the best kept baseball secret north of Boston, The Pingree School just keeps winning.

As the defending New England Small School champions, the Highlanders have racked up a total of 50 wins over the last three seasons.

Second consecutive no-hitter "Fitts" Pingree nicely

To say that the Pingree School baseball team was pumped up yesterday would be a gross understatement.

Ted Fitts set off a wild celebration when the senior southpaw from Topsfield posted a no-hit, 10-0 victory over Beaver Country Day at Chestnut Hill.

Transfer Lamarre coming up big

When Pingree's football program lured junior Lamarre Rey from rival Beaver Country Day, the Highlander hardballers knew they were adding a tremendous talent. After all, Rey had finished second only to Pingree star Jolmi Minaya in the Eastern Independent League baseball Most Valuable Player voting last season.

Pingree wins big

Junior attackman Matt MacDonald missed two games over the weekend while appearing in a hockey showcase in Chicago, but hardly showed any rust yesterday as he scored four goals to lead a one-sided victory. Pingree improved to 5-4 overall, 3-0 in Eastern Independent League action.

Pingree gets by Newton Day

Brit Mscisz notched five goals and Sam Taylor totaled seven points on three scores and four assists as the Highlanders (3-3) scored eight unanswered goals in the second half to win 15-4. Courtney Collier and Lindsay Thompson added a pair of goals each while Hayley Thompson scored twice and added three helpers.

Brooks opens with win over Pingree

The Brooks Baseball Team opened the 2008 spring season with a solid 10-8 victory over a tough Pingree squad. Brooks was lead by junior hurler Michael Johnson who mixed a sharp breaking ball with his over powering fastball to strike out 10 and only allow 2 earned runs over 5 strong innings. Sophomore Jason Buco finished the job by striking out 5 over the last two frames. In the batters box the Brooks offense came out swinging to score 4 times in their first inning of the season.

Parker's One-Hitter Paces Pingree

South Hamilton's Emery Parker carried a no-hitter into the sixth inning and finished with a complete game, one-hit victory to lead the Highlanders (3-1) over Bancrfot, 6-3. Jolmi Minaya was 2-for-3 with an RBI while Lemerre Rey knocked in the game-winning run in the sixth. Pat George was 2-for-2 at the plate and stole two bases.

Cushing tops Pingree in Extra Innings

Cushing pushed a run across in the eighth inning to outlast the Highlanders (0-1) in their season opener, 4-3. Jamie Capucci knocked in a run in the first inning and tied the game 3-3 with an RBI single in the fifth while Kellie Marshall was 2-for-4 with a pair of runs scores and three steals.

Top-notch Talent: Pingree's Taylor one of the nation's best seniors

The cryptic message left on Bowen Holden's voicemail wasn't enough to send the Boston College women's lacrosse coach into panic mode.

But in Sam Taylor's mind, the news she was about to deliver to Holden's answering machine could be catastrophic for a newly-signed recruit.

Minaya, Rey lead Pingree baseball

Juniors Jolmi Minaya and Lamarre Rey teamed up to produce a triumphant day for the Pingree School baseball team yesterday.

Minaya struck out nine batters over six innings to earn the win and added two hits and an RBI offensively while Rey went 3 for 4 with two triples, a double and three RBIs as the Highlanders went on the road to beat Buckingham, Browne & Nichols, 7-3.

Pingree Softball Preview

Last year's record: 6-7

Coach: Jim MacLaughlin (18th season)

Returning players: Kaisey Rosario, Sr., SS; Bianca Mejia, Jr., CF; Amanda Nasser, Jr., OF; Kelly Marshall, So., 2B; Britney McNeilly, Jr., P; Kara Kovacev, So., 1B/C; Jaimie Cappucci, So., 3B; Liz Filosa, So., INF; Lauren St. Pierre, So., INF; Molly Grant, Jr., INF.; Liz Scoble, Jr., OF

Pingree Baseball Preview

Last year's record: 19-7 (Won New England Small School Championship)

Coach: Chris Powers (Third year, 38-14)

Key returnees: Jolmi Minaya So., P; Mike Lamothe Jr., C; Dillon Vassallo Sr., 2B; Lamarre Rey Jr., SS; Jesse Sullivan, Sr., CF/P; Will Taft Sr., 1B; Pat George Sr., RF; Amory Parker Sr., P/OF; Ben McLaughlin Sr., LF; Ted Fitts Sr., P

Pingree football trio set to play in college

Will Taft arrived at the Pingree School in Hamilton three years ago pretty much convinced that football wouldn't be part of his high school experience.

He would go for Pingree's academics and the opportunity to play multiple sports, but at a school with just 150 boys, the idea of having a football program seemed far-fetched.

O'Donnell, Williamson pace Pingree

Carlos O'Donnell had a breakout game, scoring 26 points and picking off six rebounds, and teammate Allen Williamson added 25 points and 14 boards to lead Pingree School to an 83-79 opening round victory over Hamden (Conn.) Hall yesterday in the Class D NEPSAC basketball tournament at Seekonk.

Third period tie earns Highlanders a tie with New Hampton

Trailing by two entering the third period, Pingree got three third period goals to tie visiting New Hampton Prep Saturday, 3-3.

The Highlanders (10-9-3) got goals nine seconds apart from Beverly's Ben McLaughlin and Byfield's Matt Spurling.

Williamson drives Pingree to 'Landmark' win

Eastern Independent League rivals Landmark and Pingree were matched evenly last night, and it was Highlander standout Allen Williamson that made the difference. For once, though, it was entirely his offense that dented the opponent.

Pingree wins in OT

Freshman Bobby Adam flipped a backhand into the net with 28 seconds left in overtime to lift the Highlanders (9-6-2). Ben Bradley turned aside 42 shots to keep Pingree in it, while Ben McLaughlin scored twice in the second period to knot the game 3-3.

Five locals shine for Pingree

Imagine for a second the local hockey scene if the following scenario played out:

1. User fees were out completely.

2. Hockey was a sport no more expensive than field hockey.

3. There were no private schools like Pingree, Governor's Academy, St. John's Prep, etc. to draw away a number of players.

Andover bests Concord-Carlisle

Sarah Oteri scored two goals and chipped in with three assists to give Andover a 5-3 win over Concord-Carlisle. Danielle Paonessa added two goals and Laura Drew had one to round out the Warriors' scoring.

Pingree Boys Basketball Preview

Last year's record: 22-7

Coach: Steve Gibbs (5th season)

Key returnees: Allen Williamson, 6-4, Jr., F; Carlos O'Donnell, 5-9, Sr., G; Will Taft, 6-3, Sr., C; Derek Pratt, 6-2, Jr., F; J.J. Cronin, 6-2, Sr., F; Jesse Sullivan, 6-0, Sr., G; Cody Presbury, 5-11, So., G.; Pat George, 6-0, Jr., G.

Pingree's Williamson makes the cut, and then some

Steve Gibbs likes the challenge of matching wits with anybody in the Eastern Independent League, yet when it comes to judging one of his own players, Allen Williamson, the Pingree School basketball coach admits he had a brain cramp. Not just a small brain cramp, either.

Pingree Girls Basketball Preview

Last year's record: 14-11

Coach: Steve Carey (first season as interim coach. Sofia Sidmore is out on maternity leave)

Key returnees: Caitlin Doherty, Jr. PG; Jackie Lee, Sr. G; Liv Whitney, Jr. G/F; Lilly Carey, Sr. C; Sam Taylor, Sr. G.

Pingree Girls Ice Hockey Preview

Last year's record: 11-14-1 (lost in EIL finals) Coach: Sarah Carpenter (1st)

Key returnees: Gina Caselden, Sr., Defense; Dale Bishop, Sr., Defense; Liza Richardson, Sr., Forward; Lacey Allis, Soph., Defense; Kellie Marshall, Soph., Defense; Liz Filosa, Soph., Goaltender.

Pingree Pounds on Landmark

Pingree's boys basketball team ran away with a 61-29 blowout victory last night over Landmark Academy, which improved the Highlanders record to 4-1 on the young season.

Allen Williamson led the offensive charge netting 12 points and grabbing five rebounds for Pingree. Cody Preseury recorded eight points, six assists and three steals while Connor Cash added eight points and seven boards.

Pingree Boys Ice Hockey Preview

Last year's record: 14-14-3

Coach: Buddy Taft (25th year)

Key returnees: Matt Spurling, Sr. D; Ben McLaughlin, Sr. LW; Matt MacDonald, Jr. C; Tom Smith, Sr. RW; Ben Bradley, Sr. G; Adam Rimmer, Jr. D; Mike Lamothe, Jr. D;

Williamson, Highlanders cruise by Hebron

Pingree took control early and held on for an emphatic 62-55 win over Hebron Academy last night. The Highlanders grabbed a commanding 34-18 lead in the early going and moved to 3-1 on the year.

Allen Williamson poured in 21 points and grabbed nine rebounds to lead the way. More importantly, the Highlanders kept Hebron in check by controlling the pace.

Skinner comes up big

Brooks fell into an early hole but managed to erase a 14-point first half deficit and post a 60-50 win over Pingree. Sophomore guard Jordan Johnson (16 points), Haverhill's Alex Skinner (20 points) and senior guard Jordan Mickens (16 points) each recorded career highs.

MacDonald leads Pingree in opener

The Pingree boys hockey team got off to a slow start in their season opener against North Yarmouth last night, falling behind 1-0 in the first two minutes and allowing three power play chances in the opening frame.

Pingree girls soccer team advances in NEPSAC playoffs

Jen Newman had a goal and an assist to pace the Pingree School girls' soccer team to a 2-0 victory over Newton Country Day School in the quarterfinals of the New England Prep School Athletic Conference (NEPSAC) playoff quarterfinals.

Pingree demolishes Dexter to close season

The Highlanders ended their season at 3-5 by snapping a four-game losing streak with an emphatic victory.

Derek Pratt had a 12-yard touchdown run and later caught a 64-yard scoring pass from quarterback Carlos O'Donnell (who also kicked 6 extra points). Lemarre Rey had scoring runs of 1 and 7 yards for Pingree (3-5), while Pat George had a 5-yard TD run and Dan Rogers returned a blocked punt 10 yards for another score.

Carlos O'Donnell best unseen QB

Because he doesn't play in a local league such as the Northeastern Conference or the Cape Ann League, Pingree's Carlos O'Donnell is probably the best unseen quarterback on the North Shore. A senior from Salem, O'Donnell is 92 for 158 passing for 1,372 yards and eight touchdowns for the Highalnders.

Best kept secret

Since he plays at Pingree, on the private school stage, senior Billy Nickerson of Middleton may be the best kept secret in local soccer. The four-year starter has 53 career goals, including 16-2-18 numbers this season, and is Pingree's most prolific scorer in Coach Eric Olson's 13 years, as well as the quickest player Olson has had.

Tilton too much for Pingree

Lemarre Rey's 14-yard touchdown run in the second quarter cut Tilton's lead to 20-7, but the Highlanders couldn't draw any closer as they slipped to 2-4.

Derek Pratt had another strong all-around game for Pingree, catching four balls for 95 yards, while rushing for 47 yards. Senior quarterback Carlos O'Donnell completed 11-of-24 passes for 165 yards.

Pingree can't hold off Proctor Academy

The Pingree football team could only fool Proctor Academy for so long.

Derek Pratt scored three first-half rushing touchdowns, but the Highlanders couldn't hold on to an 11-point halftime lead against a physically stronger Proctor team. Proctor scored six straight touchdowns for a 42-25 win.

Pingree's power found in O-Line

Pingree football coach Chris Powers knows there is a secret to senior quarterback Carlos O'Donnell's success this fall. Actually, it's five small (relatively speaking) secrets.

Through four games, O'Donnell has completed 43-of-71 passes for 662 yards, seven touchdowns, and only one interception. He's also run for 115 yards on 19 carries, and he is coming off a dandy individual performance where he tossed for 281 yards and four touchdowns in a 44-31 setback to Holderness. Of course, the stats represent an individual's performance, but saying that anything O'Donnell does is individual is a minor mistake.

Pingree's furious comeback bid falls short

Though his team trailed 44-10 entering the fourth quarter, Pingree quarterback Carlos O'Donnell didn't hang his head. Instead, he unleashed three TD passes as the Highlanders scored 28 unanswered points but fell just short, 44-38, against Holderness.

Pratt, Pingree pile it on Hebron

Derek Pratt was a jack-of-all-trades this weekend for the Pingree football team.

Pratt scored on two touchdown runs, caught one touchdown pass, and threw another as the Highlanders rolled to a 48-14 win over Hebron Academy.

Nickerson's three goals lead Pingree rout

Senior captain Billy Nickerson scored three goals, adding to his league-leading total of 11, as Pingree (5-1-1) rolled on the road over Chapel Hill, 6-2.

Nate Leach added a goal and two assists while Amory Parker and Andrew Smealie also scored in the win.

Doherty's goal all the offense Pingree girls need in win

Caitlin Doherty scored with 10 minutes left in the first half to lead Pingree (5-0-1) over Lexington Christian 1-0.

Kellie Barile made eight saves to record the shutout while Jackie Lee had the assist on Doherty's decisive goal.

O'Donnell gets his kicks as Pingree QB

Carlos O'Donnell of Salem had no reason to think he'd ever be playing quarterback and kicking field goals for the Pingree School.

To O'Donnell, it was a moot point three years ago because the private school in Hamilton didn't even have a football program. A product of the Salem Youth Soccer program, O'Donnell just assumed he'd play soccer for four years in high school.

O'Donnell kicks up storm for Pingree

Pingree football coach Chris Powers feels he has a "huge weapon" in the kicking game in senior Carlos O'Donnell of Salem, who is also the team's quarterback.

The huge weapon came in handy yesterday as O'Donnell kicked three field goals, including a school record-tying 42-yarder in Pingree's 23-6 season-opening win over Portsmouth Abbey. "He's got a strong leg and we feel comfortable that when he's kicking them from 35 yards out (or closer), it's pretty much automatic," Powers said of O'Donnell. "He gives us a lot of confidence on offense. We get down there and feel we can put points on the board."

Pingree bests Nobles

Pingree was downed by Nobles 2-0 as Dale Bishop stopped six shots in goal for the Highlanders.

Pingree earns first victory

Pingree (1-0) blanked Berwick (0-1) 4-0 to earn their first win. Cara Lemire, Nina Hatch, Caitlin Doherty and Sam Taylor each scored for Pingree.

Pingree Girls Soccer Preview

Last year's record: 11-3-2

Coach: Alan McCoy (19th year)

Returning starters: Jamie Cappucci, Soph. midfield-striker; Michaela Colbert, jr, defender; Caitlin Doherty, Jr. midfield; Katie King, jr, defender; Cara Lemire, sr, midfield-defense; Jackie Lee, sr, striker; Kate Roman, sr, midfield; Sam Taylor, sr, striker; Kellie Barile, sr, keeper.

Experience a huge plus for Pingree in Year 3 of football

Every football coach's dream would be having 21 of 22 starters returning. That ideal situation is a reality for Pingree's Chris Powers as his program gears up for its third varsity season.

Pingree went 3-6 last year, its first as a member of the Evergreen League. The Highlanders defeated Dexter School, Providence Country Day and had their best victory (37-18) in a 37-18 season-ending win over Vermont Academy.

Pingree Boys Soccer Preview

Last year's record: 17-2

Coach: Eric Olson (1st season)

Returning players: Ned Siegal, Sr., Def; Nate Leach, Sr., Mid; Jake Barnett, Sr., Def.; Adam Logan, Sr., Def; Winsthon Lopez, Sr., F; Billy Nickerson, Sr., F; Andrew Smealie, Jr., Mid; Dan Guley, Sr., Mid; Amory Parker, Sr., F; Ben MacLaughlin, Sr., F; Lenworth Williamson, Jr., Def

Pingree Field Hockey Preview

Last year's record: Undefeated in EIL regular season, lost in Finals of the New England Championships

Coach: Jess Moore (2nd year)

Returning starters: Liza Richardson, Haley Thompson, Lindsay Thompson, Amy McLauhglin, Alex St. Pierre, Lyndsey Shepard, Dale Bishop.

Pingree takes its lumps but keeps building

HAMILTON | When your football program is practically in its infancy, you have to swallow hard sometimes and accept the Ouch Factor.

The Ouch Factor? It's what happens when a team is forced to finish a game, even though it's so far behind there's little hope of any way to mount a comeback. It happens to every young program that has to play a long-established team. The outcome is predictable and occasionally painful, but you can't let it get you down.