Bay State Magic Looking For Exposure In DC Nationals



The Bay State Magic is firmly established as a New England power. The challenge now for Magic leader Jim Wardwell is building the Magic’s reputation on a national level.

“This year we are going to play in 10 total tournaments, with four of them being national events,” said Wardwell. “We have learned over the years to go with quality, not quantity. A few years ago we were playing in 14 or 15 events a year. Now we try to find the right events for the kids.”

The Magic will get all-important exposure at the DC Nationals, which will be hosted by the All Star Girls Report staff from July 6-8 in District Heights, Md. The event, which will draw an outstanding national level field, will be played at the NEW 24 facility.

“Over the years, we’ve been to a lot of bad tournaments,” Wardwell explained. “We learned through experience. You go to a bad tournament, you cross it off and you don’t go back. You go to a good event, you go back the next year. We have been to the Deep South Classic and had a great experience, so we feel good about playing at the DC Nationals with the All Star Girls Report people.”

One trademark for the Magic is that the team travels with a limited roster.

“When we go on the long trips for a showcase environment, we only take eight players,” the coach said. “Knock on wood, if we don’t have injuries or crazy foul issues, eight is a great rotation. Plus, it allows us to make sure that everyone who travels is going to get quality playing time.

“We’re also lucky that we have eight strong players. We have five players who are Division I level players, and our other three should play Division II basketball. They have been together for a long time, they all have the same goals, and they love to play basketball.”

The perimeter for the Magic is handled by veterans Hayley Wardwell (2017, 5-11, G), Haley Blasetti (2018, 5-9, PG) and Jen Worden (2017, 6-0, W). In addition, Bay State recently added point guard Noelle Moliere (2016, 5-5). In the front court, the Magic will look to 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).

Bret McCormick, the analyst for the All Star Girls Report, is familiar with the Magic’s personnel.
“They have a lot of talented players, but Hayley Wardwell is their top prospect,” McCormick said. “She is a great shooter with deep range, and her stock is rising. She is a good athlete who loves the game, she has a high basketball IQ, and she competes hard.
“The new addition, Moliere, is an ultra quick point guard who is great in the open floor. She is a true point guard who is looking to set up her teammates.”