In the News
Mystic Valley Swimmers Qualify For Several Sectional Events
In the team’s first home meet at Malden High School, the Eagles of Mystic Valley Regional Charter School swam numerous personal best times, and qualified to swim in two Massachusetts state championship meets. The personal bests over shadowed the fact that the team lost the meet to traditional swimming powerhouse Austin Prep.
One of the afternoon’s highlights was in the meet’s first event, the 200-yard medley relay, in which the boys’ team of Shane Kinnon (9th grade), Colin Kinnon (10th grade), Patrick Kinnon (10th grade), and Ian Kinnon (12th grade) qualified for the MIAA State Division II meet with a time of 1:53.72. This was quite an accomplishment for the swimmers of the young Mystic Valley relay team, as they became the first boys ever to qualify for a state championship meet.
Freshman Fallon Bushee swam to two personal best times in the 200-yard and 500-yard freestyle events, qualifying to swim in the State North Sectional meet in both events.
With a time of 27.4, Joan Kinnon also qualified for Sectionals in the 50-yard freestyle for the second consecutive year. Joan also dropped seven seconds from her best time in the 100-yard butterfly, swimming a time of 1:13.22.
Other Mystic Valley swimmers earning personal best times in individual events include Robby DeSantis, Zack Kelso, Shane Kinnon, Erika Hanson, Ian Kinnon, Kelly Finn, Giuseppe Iacovone, Colin Kinnon, and Marsa Cagno.
Mystic Valley will host a strong Northeast Metro Tech team on Wednesday, January 7th at 4:30 PM.
Freshman Guard Sets Scoring Record
The Mystic Valley boys varsity basketball team improved its record to 3-0 with an impressive 80-30 home victory over Bristol Aggie. Eleven players contributed to the scoring column for the Eagles. Freshman point guard Greg Staho led the way with 32 points, a school record for points in a game. Eighteen of his points came on three pointers shooting 6-10 from behind the stripe.
"It was great to see the team get off to a good start this season" said Mystic Valley head coach Tony Ferullo. "We're young, but everyone is learning, playing hard and working together".
Mystic Valley Hockey Undefeated
With a trio of wins over Melrose and Somerville, the Mystic Valley JV hockey team is riding its longest ever unbeaten streak at six games. The Eagles are currently 4-0-2 on the season.
The Eagles first turned back visiting Melrose 2-0 in an exciting, fast paced and hard hitting game. The players put forth their best effort of the season in the game. Anthony Genualdo was outstanding in the net stopping all 15 Melrose shots and gaining his first shutout of the season.
The game was scoreless until late in the second period when seventh grade defenseman, Mitch Luti, won a race to a loose puck at center ice. With one move he was in on a clean break and slipped the puck through the goalie’s pads for his first scholastic goal and a 1-0 Mystic Valley lead.
Early in the third, Kirk Toomajian had his breakaway attempt disrupted by a thrown stick and was awarded a penalty shot. From center ice he swung far left, cut across the middle and buried a wrist shot far side for a 2-0 lead.
Although his name didn’t show up on the score sheet, Brennan Bushee was a major factor in the game setting the tone with his intensity, forechecking and strong physical play.
Home and Home Sweep of Somerville
Mystic Valley followed with a 5-3 road win against Somerville. Kirk Toomajian led the way with a first period hat trick. Toomajian’s first goal came early in the period assisted by Blake Ferry. Brennan Bushee assisted on his second to make the score 2-0. Somerville pulled within a goal late in the period but Toomajian answered right back with an unassisted tally 30 seconds later. At the end of the first the score was Toomajian (Mystic Valley) 3, Somerville 1.
The Eagles pushed its advantage to 5-1 in the second on a goal from Evan Dolber assisted by Bushee and a colorful score by Blake Ferry who poked a loose puck ahead to himself and scored as he crashed into the net.
Somerville didn’t quit and rallied for a pair before the end of the period but Mystic Valley shut the door in the third to secure the win.
In game two of the home and home series the Eagles turned back visiting Somerville 7-2. The Eagles were paced by four point games from Evan Dolber and Brennan Bushee. Dolber netted a pair and assisted on two while Bushee scored once and had three assists. Six different Eagles scored goals while eight players tallied points. Kirk Toomajian and Nick Krasco each had a goal and an assist while Blake Ferry dished out two assists. Evan Conley and Kyle Hanson scored the other Mystic Valley goals while Dean Cunio added an assist.
Anthony Genualdo came up with some big saves at critical times in another strong performance in the net. Ryan Cerrato played well in the net in the third period. The Eagles received contributions throughout the lineup as Chino Bonet, Marc Toomajian, Bobby Brown and Joe Swain did their job on the checking line and Cunio and Max Horton joined Krasco, Cory Polia, Brandon Kelso and Mitch Luti in providing solid play at the blue line.
Mystic Valley Swimmers Open 2008-09 Season With A Win
The Mystic Valley Regional Charter School swimming and diving team, the defending Commonwealth Athletic League Champions, started off its season with a victory over Greater Lowell Technical High on Tuesday afternoon. The meet featured many strong individual performances, and the Eagles’ relay teams truly stood out.
Leading off the meet and swimming a 1:55.55 in the 200-yard boys medley relay, Shane Kinnon, Colin Kinnon, Patrick Kinnon, and Ian Kinnon became the first Mystic Valley boys to qualify for the State North Sectional meet in the school’s history. The team needs only to drop less than one second to qualify for the State Division II championship meet.
Later in the meet, following up on last year’s girls 200-yard freestyle relay team which finished sixth in the State Division II championship, this year’s relay team of Fallon Bushee, Joan Kinnon, Kelly Finn, and Erika Hanson got off to a quick start and qualified for the State North Sectional meet, swimming a strong early-season time of 1:56.22. The Mystic Valley girls also qualified for the 400-yard freestyle relay.
Other personal bests were turned in by Marissa Cagno in the 100-yard breaststroke, Fallon Bushee in the 200 individual medley, Shane Kinnon in the 200 IM and 100 backstroke, Robby DeSantis in the 200 freestyle, Patrick Kinnon in the 100 butterfly, Sophia Elmoussaoui in the 200 IM and the 500 freestyle, Zack Kelso in the 100 backstroke, and Colin Kinnon in the 100 breaststroke and the 500 freestyle.
The swimming and diving team will seek its second win on Friday at Malden High School. The challenge will come courtesy of Blue Hills Regional Technical School.
Mystic Valley Hoops Wins Opener By 43
The Mystic Valley Boys Varsity Basketball team opened the 2008-09 season on a positive note with a 77-34 road win against Commonwealth Athletic Conference foe Essex Aggie. Senior point guard and captain, Artie Hoffman, led the offensive attack for the Eagles, scoring 20 points on a variety of shots. Hoffman also grabbed six rebounds and had five assists.
Mystic Valley was paced with a balanced scoring attack with 10 of the 12 players contributing to the scoring column. Freshman guards Joey Foley and Greg Statho chipped in with 13 points each in their varsity debut.
Mystic Valley & Everett Play to a 4-4 Tie
Evan Dolber’s slap shot from the point in the last minute of the game pulled the Mystic Valley Junior Varsity Hockey team even with host Everett. With the 4-4 tie the Eagles remain undefeated so far this season.
Trailing 4-3 with 54 seconds to play and an offensive zone faceoff coming, Mystic Valley called timeout. The Eagles drew up a play for the faceoff and pulled the goalie for an extra skater, Kirk Toomajian. Toomajian made the most of his chance. He won the draw and sent the puck cleanly back to Dolber at the point. While the rest of the Eagles created a traffic jam in front of the goal, Dolber fired a low shot that found the back of the net for his second goal of the game tying the score with 51 seconds left to play.
The remaining seconds were exciting as it looked like Mystic Valley would again fall behind when they picked up a penalty but Dolber, Toomajian, Nick Krasco and Kyle Finch killed the penalty preserving the tie.
The Eagles now have a win and two ties in three games.
Mystic Valley took the lead early in the first off a hustle play by Blake Ferry, playing I his first game after a broken wrist, which led to a goal by Evan Conley. Later in the period, Dolber scored on a wrist shot from high in the slot before Everett scored to cut the lead to 2-1 at the end of the first. Brennan Bushee drew an assist on the goal.
Seventh grader, Brandon Kelso, scored his first scholastic goal from Kyle Finch on a shot from the top of the circle in the second to make it 3-1. Everett rallied with two goals late in the second period to tie it and then took the lead early in the third period before Mystic Valley tied it up.
Mystic Valley Girls Basketball Starts Season With Win
The Mystic Valley Eagles Girls Basketball team started the season with a thrilling 35-34 win over St. Clement. The Eagles started out strong with a 15-4 run to start the game. St. Clement rallied however on the strength of a full court press that Mystic Valley found very difficult to beat. At the half St. Clement had a 22-17 lead.
The Eagles were able to make some halftime adjustments to break the press and get back into the game but they couldn’t get closer than two points down until there were about two minutes left when they tied the game at 34.
With only 12 seconds left in the game Gina Pedro drove to the basket and was fouled. She made the second of two free throws to give the Eagles a one point lead. St. Clement came down court looking for a basket to win the game but their last second shot missed giving Mystic Valley the win.
Mystic Valley Coach Katelyn Leonard, who picked up a win in her first game as coach, praised the teams’ all around effort. “Every girl contributed and really dug down and gutted out the win” said the proud coach. Leonard pointed out the play of Gina Bernadeau and Casey Dion who had several clutch offensive rebounds and put backs in the second half. Gina Pedro led the team in scoring with 14 points followed by Casey Dion and Carolyn Bissex with 6, Gina Bernadeau with 5, and Cailyn Chiccuarelli and Maija Erickson with two a piece.
Mystic Valley Hockey Season Starts Out Strong
The Mystic Valley Regional Charter School Junior Varsity Hockey team started its season with an exciting hard fought game against visiting Marblehead. The team twice rallied from deficits to earn a 3-3 tie.
The Eagles trailed 2-0 after the first period before scoring twice in the span of 1:20 in the second period to even the score. Cory Polia scored the first goal with assists going to Evan Conley and Kirk Toomajian followed by a goal by Brennan Bushee who popped home a rebound with assists going to Kyle Finch and Evan Dolber.
Marblehead struck right back with a goal to take the lead 3-2 but Mystic Valley responded again with Evan Dolber roofing a rebound with just seven seconds left in the second period. Bushee and Nick Krasco assisted on the goal.
The teams played a scoreless third period to finish in a 3-3 tie. The Eagles played an aggressive physical game and worked hard around the net at both ends. Up and down the lineup, players made solid contributions. While the juniors and sophomores provided strong leadership, seventh graders Mitch Luti and Brandon Kelso played strong games on defense in their Eagle debuts while junior Bobby Brown, playing in his first-ever hockey game, did his job at wing.
Win over Salem 6-1
In their second game Mystic Valley came away with an impressive 6-1 over Salem. Nine different players recorded points paced by Evan Conley (2 goals, 1 assist) and Evan Dolber (3 assists).
The Eagles played strong team defense and received solid goaltending from Anthony Genualdo and Ryan Cerrato who was making his first appearance in a hockey game at any level. Kyle Hanson and Brennan Bushee each had a goal and an assist for the Eagles while Kirk Toomajian and Bobby Brown each had two assists. For Brown they were his first ever points playing hockey!
Cory Polia and Chino Bonet also scored goals while Nick Krasco had an assist.
Nick Martorana Named to All Star Team
Mystic Valley Senior, Nick Martorana, was named as a member of the Commonwealth Athletic Conference’s All Star Football Team. Nick had an outstanding year playing running back and quarterback as well as returning kicks and making a number of big plays on defense. Nick scored ten touchdowns on the year including four in one game in which he also rushed for 256 yards. The above photo pretty much sums up what the other teams saw of Nick this year as it was a very common sight at Mystic Valley games to see Nick burst through the line into the clear for a long run. The photo was taken by Nick's Mom, Lisa.
Mystic Valley’s Chris Bauer Coach of the Year
Mystic Valley Regional Charter School Cross Country Coach Chris Bauer was recently named the Commonwealth Athletic Conference’s Coach of the Year. Bauer, who is a teacher at the school, led the team to a very impressive 13-2-1 overall record and the second straight boy’s Commonwealth Athletic Conference Championship. This year’s team featured seven members who were named to the Conference all star team. The amazing thing about the success that the team had this year was that the team was made up primarily of underclassman. With the bulk of the team able to return next year it is hoped that Coach Bauer will be able to continue to produce winning teams for Mystic Valley.
Coach Bauer is a laid back individual who is very popular with both the students and faculty at the school all of whom were quite happy that he received the award. In addition to his duties as cross country coach Mr. Bauer is the Assistant Coach for the 5th and 6th grade Basketball team, leader of the “chain gang” during the home football games and he also coaches Baseball in the spring.
Mystic Valley Athletic Director, Peter Connolly said of Bauer “Chris is a tireless worker in the classroom and on the practice field. He is always looking for the chance to learn. His ability to listen to his athletes gives him the ability to succeed. He gets the most out of his athletes. He is passionate in all the activities that he is involved with here at Mystic Valley! It is a pleasure working with him everyday.”
Erickson, Bissex Volleyball All Stars, Fields, Coach of the Year
The Mystic Valley Girls Volleyball team officially ended a competitive 2008 season at the Commonwealth Athletic Conference All Star game at Fellowship Christian Academy. Representing the Lady Eagles in the game were Maija Erickson and Carolyn Bissex. Maija and Carolyn were both captains of the Mystic Valley volleyball team. Their consistent play and dominating net presence was rewarded with an all-star selection. This was Carolyn’s second selection, while Maija received the honor for the first time.
In addition to Maija and Carolyn’s accolades, Coach Matt Fields received the Coach of the Year award at the all-star game. Coach Fields is the first rookie coach to take home the award! Coach Fields' receipt of the award was made possible by the hard work and dedication put forth by the team. L.J. Jackson was clearly the most improved player on the team. By the end of the year L.J. was one of the hardest hitters in the league and put up massive blocks. Also, Sara Martins had a great year as the team’s libero (back-row player, intended to be used as a ball control specialist). Her consistent passing and aggressive serves helped keep the Eagles in most games.
The Eagles look forward to a promising 2009 season. The team is not graduating any seniors and is returning all of the starters from the 2008 year.
Mystic Valley Cheerleaders Perform
The Mystic Valley Cheerleading squad traveled to St. Mary’s in Lynn to compete against four other teams: Greater Lowell, Shawsheen Tech, Northeast and North Shore Tech. Competitive cheerleading is a fast growing sport that is rapidly gaining popularity throughout the country. The competition involves each squad performing their best routines in front of a panel of judges who score the event.
Observers commented after watching the squad perform that they had a very good routine and that they were strong in their execution and enthusiasm. Their routine featured a range of songs and artists from Gwen Stefani to old school rappers Run DMC which led into PCD’s “When I Grow Up” The crowd was definitely appreciative of their efforts and very vocal.
The Mystic Valley team is made up of: Abby Vincent; Emma Justice; Amanda Kerner; Tina Aiello; Whitley Afonso; Anna Luti; Stephanie Martorana; Jamie Kerner; Jacqui Finn; Joanie Kinnon; Leah Brown; Kelly Finn; Stephanie Venezia; Daniella Velazquez; Ashley Tortora; Olivia Kahn; Stephanie Irvin; Angela DelloRusso; Alison Proto; Erika Aiello; Michelle Doherty and Tianna Hairston. They are coached by Ms. Traci Griffin, Ms. Molly McMahon and Ms. Marissa Desisto
In the competition the girls finished out of the running but their strong effort was definitely recognized by all in attendance.
Nick Martorana Scores FOUR TD’s in Mystic Valley Loss to Northeast
With the Patriots and Colts playing on the turf in Indianapolis who would have thought the football shootout of the weekend would be in Malden between Northeast and Mystic Valley? The teams combined to score 94 points 48 of which came in a dizzying back and forth barrage in the second quarter. The game featured a scoring duel reminiscent of Larry Bird and Dominique Wilkins between Mystic Valley’s Nick Martorana and Northeast’s Corey Keane. Martorana scored four touchdowns and ran in a two point conversion (26 points) while Keane scored three touchdowns and had both a reception for a two point conversion and a successful PAT kick (21 points). Northeast came away with the win by a score of 58-36.
Nick Martorana rushed for an incredible 251 yards on the day setting a new school record that will be very hard to top. His 26 points scored is another school record that will most likely stand for quite some time. His stellar performance deservedly earned him recognition in Monday’s Boston Globe as a Player of the Week.
The scoring started out slowly in the first quarter. Corey Keane put Northeast on the board with a 32 yard run followed by a Chris McDonald run for the two point conversion. Martorana answered in fine form with a big 51 yard run from scrimmage which made the score 8-6 at the end of the first quarter.
The second quarter was quite different. The scoring display began with Northeast’s Dan Martin running in from 23 yards out followed by a two point conversion throw from Christian O’Leary to Keane. That touchdown was answered by Martorana with his second long touchdown run this time for 42 yards. Northeast responded with back to back touchdown runs from Dan Martin, 52 yards with a Keane PAT kick, and Keane, 4 yard run. Mystic Valley responded with a Gardy St.Paul 8 yard run and a Martorana two point PAT run. Northeast fired back with a Keane 9 yard run. Mystic Valley’s attempt to match that score was foiled by Christian O’Leary who picked off a Mystic Valley pass and returned it for a touchdown. When the dust settled and the half came to a close 48 points had been scored in the quarter and the score was Northeast 42 Mystic Valley 20.
Things settled down considerably in the third quarter. Northeast was able to score on a Khaladji Pelivani 23 yard run and again on a safety leaving the score 50-20 after three.
The game was far from over and Nick Martorana was not done scoring. Martorana scored twice in the fourth quarter once on a 47 yard run which was followed by a Gardy St.Paul PAT run and an 8 yard run that was followed by a PAT pass from Artie Hoffman to Eric Natale. Mystic Valley’s hopes for a comeback ended when Brandon Sullivan scored on a 7 yard run which he followed with a run in for the two point conversion.
Mystic Valley Assistant Coach Craig Turner in addition to praising the fantastic game that Martorana played stated that Bobby Brown and Stanley Marsan played a “phenomenal” game on the offensive line and pointed out that Ian Kinnon made several fine defensive plays.
Next up for the Eagles is an away game at Dilboy Field against St. Clement this Saturday at 1:00.
Mystic Valley Boys Cross-Country Wins CAC Championship
Repeating as champions in any sport is hard. Just ask the Red Sox. The Mystic Valley Boys Cross Country team was able to pull it off winning their second straight Commonwealth Athletic Conference Small Division Championship. The 2007 Championship was the first won in any sport by a Mystic Valley sports team. The win in the championship meet was reminiscent of the Celtics blow out win over the Lakers to win the NBA Championship.
The championship meet was held at the Essex Aggie campus in Danvers on a classic New England fall day that was very conducive to running and the boys certainly delivered. They dominated the meet with 5 runners placing in the top 10 and three more finishing in the top 20. Francis Goodwin led the way for Mystic Valley finishing third followed by Cory Polia (4), Alazar Ayele (6), Brian O’Connor (8), Patrick Kinnon (10), Kirk Toomajian (12), Alan Tran (17) and Ricky Yu (20). The final results show the extent of the team’s win: Mystic Valley 31, NE Metro 54, Minuteman 71, Chelsea 103, Essex Aggie 106.
The girl’s team unfortunately had a far tougher day. Two of their star runners, Amber Polia and Gina Pedro, who had consistently finished well during the year, got hurt and were unable to place in the race. The team was still able to place three runners with the diminutive Emily Moran again leading the way for Mystic Valley finishing second. Emily has finished either first or second in every race she has run this year despite being by far the smallest runner on the team and only being in the eighth grade. Fallon Bushee finished close behind in fourth and Cailyn Chiccuarelli finished 12th.
Next up for the team will be the state tournament at Franklin Park on November 8th. Coach Chris Bauer expects to bring a strong team to the event. The team will most likely feature a good number of league all stars as the runners had a very strong year.
Four Mystic Valley Players Named To CAC All Star Soccer Team
Four members of the Mystic Valley Girls Soccer team were named to the Commonwealth Athletic Conference All Star team. Having four players on the team is quite a feat as this was the first year that Mystic Valley fielded a varsity team.
The players are: Helena Whitlow of Malden, Meghan Holden of Stoneham, Samantha Childs of Malden and Ariana Mirzakashani of Wakefield. Mirzakashani although only a Freshman, led the team in scoring and came in second place in the voting for league MVP.
The team had a solid first year as a varsity club they finished second in the Commonwealth Athletic Conference Small Division. Things look bright for the future as none of the all stars are seniors, Holden is a junior, Whitlow and Childs are sophomores and Mirzakashani is a Freshman.
Seven Mystic Valley Runners Named To CAC All Star Team
An amazing seven runners from Mystic Valley’s cross country team were named to the Commonwealth Athletic Conference All Star team. The individual awards represent a stirring recognition of the superlative season posted by the team. Mystic Valley runners raced through the regular season schedule finishing with an outstanding 13-2-1 record which would have been 14-2 but for the extraordinary display of sportsmanship by Mystic Valley runner, Cailyn Chiccuarelli, who left the course to assist two runners from an opposing team who had taken a wrong turn on the course and were heading into the woods thereby selflessly costing herself a chance to place higher.
The all stars are: Francis Goodwin; Cory Polia; Alazar Ayele; Brian O’Connor; Patrick Kinnon; Emily Moran and Fallon Bushee. If the fact that there are seven all stars on the team were not impressive enough consider that Alazar Ayele is the only senior in the group and that the team’s most outstanding runner, Emily Moran, is in the eighth grade!
