NORTH ANDOVER — Sydney Rogers’ varsity basketball resume sparkled long before she stepped onto the court this winter.
The North Andover High now-junior was already an Eagle-Tribune All-Star, an All-Merrimack Valley Conference pick who helped lead the Scarlet Knights on a surprise run to the Division 1 quarterfinals.
But, heading into her third year as a varsity starter, Rogers knew this season would be different. With the graduation of Eagle-Tribune Super Teamer Hannah Martin and her big sister, Jackie Rogers, Sydney was going to have to take charge.
“I knew that this was my time, and I would have to lead the team on and off the court,” said Rogers. “I worked hard to develop my shooting abilities, and grow as an all-around offensive player, distributor and ball-handler. I also worked on remaining calm and controlled in the high-pressure situations, and having the ability to do everything I can so myself and my teammates can thrive as a team.”
The guard has comfortably fit into a lead role for the Scarlet Knights so far this winter. She delivered a 26-point, eight rebound performance that included a buzzer-beating three to send the game to overtime against Methuen, a 19-point, 11-rebound night against Chelmsford and 14 points and eight rebounds in a season-opening with over Lawrence.
“Coming into this season, I feel that my self-confidence has grown,” said Rogers, whose club entered Thursday at 4-4. “In each game, I intend to remain aggressive and look for second-chance scoring opportunities on the offensive side of the court. My favorite baskets to make happen during an offensive run where the energy is high in the gym. and as a captain, I have to lead my team no matter if we’re on the court or off.”
Rogers also shined at the iconic Commonwealth Motors Christmas Classic. After an opening-round loss to Division 2 superpower Pentucket, she posted 16 points and 10 rebounds in a win over Westford and 16 points and nine rebounds in a victory over Natick.
For her efforts, Rogers was took home the Christmas Classic’s girls Ted Boudreau Award, which has been presented since 1989 to a player that displays outstanding sportsmanship and outstanding play.
“This was my second year playing in the tournament (her freshman tournament was cancelled due to COVID) and each season I look forward to it so much,” said Rogers, who averaged 7.8 points a game last season. “The environment of the tournament is so special, and I truly love getting the opportunity to play. This year, I wanted to return as a more confident and reliable player. I was super honored to win the award. There is so much talent throughout the whole tournament, and I was so appreciative to be recognized.”
And when North Andover needed a shot at the buzzer to stay alive against Methuen last week, they put the ball in Rogers’ always-reliable hands.
“My team and coaches trusted me on the last play of the game, and their reassurance helped me execute,” she said. “Even after the initial play was well-defended by Methuen, my teammates created space for me to get a shot off. I tried to build off the momentum that we built throughout the fourth quarter. I did my best to remain confident and composed on the court, because I knew my team trusted me at that moment. and it was exciting to hit that shot, even thought the end result wasn’t what we hoped for.
“I feel super positive about our team so far this season. Each loss has been a hard-fought 32 minutes, and has come down to the wire. Each day, I truly feel that we are improving skill-wise and continue to gel as a team. I believe that our record so far doesn’t reflect the strength and potential of our team.We can remain a threat in the MVC.”
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