So much for doubting Mercy. No Amber Bepko, no Sadie Edwards, no problem. In seemed like the Mercy would be in trouble without Bepko (now at Hartford) and Edwards (transfer). But players like Jordyn Nappi, Maria Weselyj and Liz Falcigno have stepped up and the Tigers remain a contender. That trio all scored in double figures and Mercy proved its still a perennial power in a season-opening 62-51 win over Career. The Tigers followed with a 67-48 victory over Cheshire.

Aaliyah Robinson needs some help or it’s going to be a long season for Wilbur Cross. Teams will throw all the pressure they can at the Wilbur Cross senior, who is headed to play at Iona, until the Governors find a few players that can relieve some of the pressure at the offensive end. That’s been the case in losses to Hamden and Hillhouse, as Robinson has faced constant double teams. Tameia Bell is a solid point guard and legit scoring threat, but Robinson will need more than that.

East Haven is much improved. The Easties already matched their win total from last season with a 51-46 season-opening win over Foran. Led by Shauna Dinneen (13 points), East Haven outscored the Lions 31-14 in the second half. North Haven coach Chris Barry, a former assistant at East Haven, expects the Easties to win 12 games this season.

Sure it was just one game. And sure it came in an easy win against Bolton. But Capital Prep freshmen sensations had impressive debuts last week and quickly lived up to the hype. Kiah Gillespie finished with 17 points and Dejane James added 13 points and 10 assists. The Trailblazers have Kolbe Cathedral Tuesday, which should be a bit more of a challenge.

Caycee Williams should keep Torrington relevant in the NVL. Williams, who spent three seasons at Wamogo before transferring and is the younger sister of New Jersey Nets rookie Jordan Williams, has quickly made an impact for the Red Raiders. She oopened the season with 16 points in a win over Wilby and followed with a 20-point effort in a victory over Naugatuck.