Durham N.H. – The college basketball season tips off in a few weeks. On Nov 6 the University of New Hampshire (UNH) Wildcats will face off against the University of New England (UNE) Nor’easters in Lundholm Gymnasium at 6 p.m.
Following an injury-riddled 2022-23 campaign. The Wildcats look to bounce back and compete in the American East. The Wildcats bring back key all-rookie players Avery O’Connor and Brezzie Williams. O’Connor was the team’s leading scorer last year pouring in 12 points a game. The Wildcats are also bringing back plenty of experienced juniors and seniors. Including Adara Gorman, Kenzie Matulonis, Belen Morales Lopez, and Paige Cotes. Three of them are returning from injury. A healthy Wildcats team is filled with both youth and experience. Which could be a winning combination if everything falls into place. Here’s what the full roster looks like for the upcoming season.
#0 Maggie Cavanaugh First year
- 5-foot-9 guard, from Point Pleasant Beach, NJ
- Cavanaugh is a product of St Rose High School and the New Jersey ShoreShots AAU program. Which is considered one of the top AAU teams in the state.
- Head Coach Kelsey Hogan described Cavanaugh as a dynamic point guard. Cavanaugh is poised to have an immediate impact as a three-level scorer and playmaker.
#3 Bella Stuart Senior
- 5-foot-11 guard, from Clifton Park, NY
- Stuart spent last year sidelined with an injury. A healthy Stuart is poised to have a strong impact this season.
- Coach Hogan praises Stuart for being one of the toughest players on the team. Hogan also notes Stuart’s all-around improvements and believes she is in line for a breakout season.
#5 Breezie Williams Sophomore
- 5-foot-5 guard, from Canton, Ohio
- Williams is coming off an impressive first season where she was named to the America East’s all-rookie team.
- Hogan expects a jump in scoring and more off-ball play for Williams this year. Williams’ dynamic scoring and versatile game will benefit the Wildcats this season.
#10 Diana Eliasson Sophomore
- 5-foot-7 Guard, from Stockholm, Sweden
- Eliasson played large minutes for the Wildcats last year as a Freshman. As she continues to grow her impact and minutes will surely rise.
- Hogan praised Eliasson as a steady ball-handler and a player ready to make a jump this year.
#11 Avery O’Connor Sophomore
- 6-foot Guard, from Dedham, MA
- O’Connor is coming off a stellar first season. In which she led the team in scoring and rebounding. As a result, O’Connor was named to the conference’s all-rookie team.
- Hogan touted O’Connor’s elite shooting ability calling her one of the best shooters in the conference. It’s clear that O’Connor will be an integral part of the Wildcat’s success this year.
#12 Adara Gorman Senior
- 5-foot-6 Guard, from Hopkinton, MA
- Gorman is one of the team’s most experienced and impactful players. Gorman enters her senior year as a multi-year starter and high-level scorer.
- Hogan praises Gorman for her leadership and two-way impact. Gorman’s scoring paired with high-level perimeter defense is an elite combination.
#13 Clara Gomez Junior
- 6-foot-1 Guard, from Sabadell, Spain
- Gomez is a transfer from Colorado State and projects to have an immediate role within the team.
- Hogan is excited about Gomez’s versatility and all-around impact. Gomez’s ability to play and guard multiple positions will be extremely valuable.
#14 Sharmela Reid First year
- 6-foot-1 Forward, from Montreal, Canada
- Reid comes to the Wildcats with an impressive resume. Reid was named a 2023 Game Point All-Star as one of the top players in Quebec and led her team to back-to-back Provincial (State) Championships appearances.
- Hogan described Reid as an elite athlete with an interior presence. A skill set that is highly valuable and fills a need for the Wildcats.
#20 Karolina Andersson Sophomore
- 5-foot-11 Guard, from Soderkoping, Sweden
- Andersson was sidelined due to injury last season but returns ready to make an impact.
- Hogan commended Andersson’s work ethic and knock-down shooting ability. Andersson’s shooting ability will be extremely important for the Wildcats.
#21 Aina Roque Sucarrats Sophomore
- 5-foot-11 Guard, from Cervera, Spain
- Sucarrats came to the Wildcats mid-season last year.
- Hogan believes Sucarrats will benefit from a full pre-season of preparation and expects Sucarrats to have a larger role as a result. Sucarrats has been a preseason standout and looks to carry that momentum to the regular season.
#23 Paige Cote Senior (Captain)
- 6-foot-2 Center, from Sanford, ME
- Cote is a senior captain who looks to have a bounce back after dealing with injuries last year.
- Hogan describes Cote as a steady post scorer and inside presence. This inside presence gives the Wildcats more unique scoring options and versatility.
#24 Kenzie Matulonis Junior (Captain)
- 5-foot-7 Guard, from Raynham, MA
- Coming off a season-ending injury last year Matulonis looks to have an all-around impact this season.
- Hogan praises Matulonis as a natural-born leader and fierce competitor. These intangibles help Matuonis make a well-rounded two-way player.
#32 Lucia Melero Sabat Sophomore
- 6-foot Forward, from Barcelona, Spain
- Sabat was a mid-season acquisition last year. She appeared in 14 games as a Freshman and looks to build off her experience last year.
- Hogan credits Sabat as being extremely coachable and a utility player. Sabat does all the little things right including screen setting rebounding and hustle plays a skill set that every team needs.
#42 Belen Morales Lopez Senior (Captain)
- 6-foot Guard, from Bellreguard, Spain
- Morales Lopez was sidelined by injury after just seven games last year. However, the captain remains integral to the team’s success.
- Hogan expects Morales Lopez to be a key inside presence. Her versatile skill set as an undersized interior presence with a high IQ makes Morales Lopez a key player for the Wildcats this season.
Ultimately the Wildcats have an exciting season ahead of them with plenty of upside. With a healthy roster, it’s likely the Wildcats will be a competitive squad this year. You can catch the Wildcats season opener on ESPN+ on Nov 6 at 6 p.m.
