How much do athletic rankings really matter in the long run? Who knows, but one thing is certain – this year’s Wilbraham & Monson Academy Girls Basketball team sure looks promising.

Four of Coach Durelle Brown’s players were recognized at their respective position when Bash Hudson released the New England rankings in early September. Bash Hudson is the Northeast Regional Scout for Prep Girls Hoop.

WMA’s Caterina Ravosa ’26 claimed the coveted No. 1 spot for her power forward position as well as among all of the players in Massachusetts and New England in the Class 2026. Ella Chandler ’24 earned the No. 5 spot for point guards and No. 28 overall in the state in the Class of 2024; versatile Meagan Schuermann ’23 was named No. 11 at shooting guard and No. 59 in the Class of 2023; and newcomer Hannah Grudzien ’24 landed at No. 21 for small forwards and No. 109 overall in the Class of 2024.

Quotes

Coach Brown regarding Caterina: “Players like Caterina do not come along often, especially at her age. Caterina has the rare size (6 feet 2), strength and coordination that you do not typically see in a true freshman player who is 14 years old. Caterina has an array of post moves in her arsenal, and the comfort level to drive the ball from either elbow and finish through contact with either hand.”

Coach Brown regarding Ella: “Ella has come a long way in a year, and her size, skill and potential continue to get her noticed by college coaches. She is a long and tall point guard (6 feet) who can shoot the ball off the dribble or catch out to (the 3-point line). She can attack the basket to score or create for her teammates, and she is learning how to effectively run a team.”

Coach Brown regarding Meagan: “Meagan has really grown into herself as an individual and as a player, a maturation process that has been nice to watch. Meagan, the player, is a walking intangible, and ball of energy. She's special because she plays so hard with her reckless abandon and plays much bigger than her 5-9 stature.”

Coach Brown regarding Hannah: “Hannah is strong, athletic, super coordinated, hungry and determined. This will be Hannah's first year as a Titan, but she has already shown signs of the big impact she will make with us. She can dribble it, shoot it out to (the) three, slash to the basket and play with her back to the basket as well.”

Caterina on her goals as a basketball player: “I have many long-term goals when it comes to basketball, but my biggest goal is to someday help win a gold medal for Team USA. To win a gold medal takes lots of dedication and hard work, so it is something I am always working toward. Being here at WMA helps me work toward this goal, because I get pushed out of my comfort zone every day at practice, and individually grow a lot as a player. The environment Coach Brown and previous girls have created has really helped our team and me individually grow as players and people.” 

Ella on playing at WMA: “Coming to WMA and meeting Coach Brown was the best thing I have ever done regarding my basketball career. The structure of WMA and the demanding athletics schedule has put me in the best position to continue to develop my game. Coach Brown knows how to push me out of my comfort zone and help me reach all of my goals.” 

Meagan on how WMA has helped her grow: “WMA has helped me develop as a player and become a more versatile basketball player. I would be nowhere near as good without the help of Coach Brown. My skills and confidence have definitely increased since being here.”

Hannah on WMA’s 2022-23 season: “For the upcoming season I think we together hope to be a championship contender in NEPSAC Class C, with the skill and athleticism we have and the chemistry on and off the court. It will benefit us very much.”