Bay State Magic Focused On Deep South Classic



The success of the Bay State Magic program has been built on consistency. The Magic’s core group has been playing together for years, and the bonds forged by the young women over that time have led to impressive results for the Massachusetts club.

“Our three guards have been together since the fourth grade, and then two other key players came in the sixth grade,” explained Coach Jim Wardwell. “They are friends on and off the court, and they all have the same goals. We had  great year last year, and we’re really excited about this season.”

A key test for the Magic this spring will come at the  2015 Deep South Classic, which will be played in Raleigh, NC on April 24-26. The Deep South Classic, which annually features the nation’s top travel programs, will once again have the entire tournament in one facility — the tremendous Raleigh Convention Center.

The perimeter for the Magic is handled by Hayley Wardwell (2017, 5-11, G), Haley Blasetti (2018, 5-9, PG) and Jen Worden (2017, 6-0, W).
“Hayley is just an unbelievable knock down three shooter,” the coach said of his daughter. “She’s a very physical player, and she is a true gym rat. We have over four feet of snow on the ground right now and she is at the gym shooting. Haley Blasetti is a super athlete who is very, very unselfish. She has good strength, and she gives us a very confident presence on the court. She is a facilitator and a leader. Jen can put the ball on the floor and get to the hoop, but she is also a very strong passer who is unselfish with the ball.”
Bret McCormick, the analyst for the All Star Girls Report, also provided his perspective on the Magic’s perimeter players.
“Wardell is a very fundamental player with good quickness and a wonderful basketball IQ. But, the best thing about her is she can really shoot it with great range,” McCormick said. “Blasetti is a good decision-maker who plays hard. She can score, but she also gets everyone involved. Worden is a skilled combo guard with a good motor. She always seems to be around the ball, and she can shoot the three.”
That trio is complemented by four other talented athletes — Taylor Miller (2016, 6-1, F-C), Meaghan Rabb (2017, 6-2, F-C), Caroline Stover (2018, 6-3, C) and Ally Dillon (2017, 5-10, F).
“Taylor is very long — her wingspan is something like 6-4 — and very active on the inside. She has good hands and a nice soft touch,” Wardwell said. “Meaghan is a very good rebounder. She is super strong and she loves to bang. Caroline has very, very good hands, and she has a good edge to her when it gets physical. Ally is an all-around player who can play the two, three or four for us. She has a good outside shot, and she’s not afraid to be physical inside.”