It may be early to make this prediction, but Lauralton Hall will be state champions — in 2012.


The Crusaders don’t have a single senior on their roster and could be considered a contender in Class LL this season.

Junior Nicola Matero is the Crusaders leader. She proved that tonight, dropping 19 points in a big win over Pomperaug. She can shoot from the perimeter or post up a smaller defender. Then there’s Olivia Levey, who gives Lauralton Hall a big body in the post. She seems very mature for a sophomore and can control the boards and score inside.

Sophomore Michelle DeSantis, daughter of former men’s Quinnipiac coach Joe DeSantis, is a true point guard. The Crusaders lost freshman Carly Fabbri, daughter of Quinnipiac women’s coach Tricia Fabbri, for the season due to a torn ACL. She was starting at shooting guard and put up double figures in her first two games. Fabbri should be back healthy next season.

The talent continues with players like Catherine Gildea and Allison Sacco. Emily Bonzagi is another player with size, who will progress.

Give this young group a year under first-year head coach Alessa Podolak-Lazcowski and that should make Lauralton Hall a very dangerous team next season.