Three seasons. Twelve schools. Unlimited stories to tell.

After fall, winter, and spring high school sports seasons, 2025-26 is in the books — for some, even the history books.

With plenty of championships, records, comebacks, and recognitions to go around, let’s take a look at some — not all — of the year’s best stories and moments.

Lynn Classical
It ain’t over until it’s over

It was a mid-February tilt between the Classical and Chelsea boys basketball teams, and to say the Rams were nearly buried would’ve been an understatement. They trailed by a dozen points with 1:10 remaining in the fourth . . .

With Greater Boston League bragging rights on the line, Classical flipped the switch in enemy territory, culminating with Shy Babb’s game-winning bucket with seven ticks left (67-65). Deshawn Rucker did serious damage with 25 points, while Babb tracked down 18 rebounds to solidify his GBL Player of the Year status.

“We dug ourselves in a hole and the guys rose to the occasion,” said coach Marvin Avery postgame.

Lynn English
Is he still running?

With 38 second-half points, the football team pounced on Everett, 50-35, last October. That said, the story of the game was quarterback Shane Knowlton-Simard.

The dual-threat gunslinger compiled 309 yards rushing and six touchdowns. As a team, English ran for 435 yards, mostly thanks to Knowlton-Simard and partner-in-crime Xavier Beauchamp.

“His numbers speak for themselves,” coach Tyllor McDonald said of the GBL’s Player of the Year. “He really put it together, running the ball and throwing the ball. When he can do that, it makes our offense very dangerous.”

St. Mary’s
Rolky meets the moment

For boys basketball standout Rolky Brea-Arias, the Catholic Central League’s Defensive Player of the Year who averaged 19 points and 17 rebounds, no moment was bigger than this.

Against Masconomet, in the Div. 2 state championship game, the Spartan conquered. He threw down a posterizing dunk in the final minutes, then scored a layup with six seconds on the clock to put St. Mary’s ahead for good (59-58).

“We worked very hard for this moment. We’re excited,” Brea-Arias said during the state tournament.

KIPP Academy
Bey leads by example

Boys basketball coach Moody Bey won his second Commonwealth Athletic Conference Coach of the Year award last winter. KIPP finished 14-8 and advanced to the Div. 5 Round of 8.

The Round-of-8 appearance was the Panthers’ second in school history — not bad for a group that lost its starting point guard to a broken leg.

“You could be a superstar, you could be a game-changer, or you could be a supporter,” Bey said. “I’m most proud of the brotherhood and family aspect that was created.”

Lynn Tech
Tigers are running wild

Tech’s boys (133 points) and girls (159) were crowned back-to-back champions of the Lynn All-City Track and Field Championships at Manning Field.

With Tyler Brown, Angel Rivera, and Ashanti Batista putting on a show, among other Tigers, what an afternoon it was.

“We’ve worked consistently all year long,” said coach James Runner. “I kind of treat them like I’m a drill sergeant in a way. The consistency of our work ethic has been the best part of our team. They are just very competitive.”

Swampscott
A not-so-regular season

With its 21-1 record — the only loss coming in the Div. 3 semifinals — what a spring it was for the girls tennis squad, led by first-year coach Emily Cilley.

Nikki Carr was named NEC Player of the Year, while Ginger Gregoire, Ana Eccles, Lilly Carr, and Eve Byrne received All-NEC honors. Ava and Alexia O’Donnell, Sasha Fafel, and Janielle De La Cruz were Lynch Division All-Stars.

“These girls are very sweet girls, but they’re also very competitive,” Cilley said. “They have a goal when they go out there: to win. Without that feeling, it would be hard to be as successful as we were.”

Saugus
Good luck grappling with them

Not only did Saugus/Peabody’s co-op wrestling team capture conference tournament and dual-meet titles, but five wrestlers — Jackson Deleidi, Michael Maraio, Justin Bremberg, Cesar Cruz, and Jadec Ceac — were named to the All-NEC team.

Wayne Moda was named Coach of the Year, to boot, while Camdyn Lanning, Jake Murray, Lukas Fondulis, JJ Figueroa, and Matthew Dresser reached All-Star status.

“They’re all good kids. We have a lot of young and new kids who came out this year,” Moda said. “Our team works hard in practice and we have three great captains who lead the team and are good examples for the younger kids.”

Peabody
On the right track

Featuring eight girls teams and 30-plus events, Peabody’s girls track and fielders were crowned co-champions (131 points alongside Masconomet) of the NEC championships, held at Danvers High in May.

Double-winners aplenty. Avani Ingham won the triple jump (36-2) and 400-meter race (1:00.97), while Madison Holleran captured the discus (107-3) and shot put (34-9).

Better yet, a month later, Holleran finished sixth in the discus (personal-best 126-07) during the New England championships.

Lynnfield
43 years and counting . . .

The Cape Ann League Kinney Division ran through Lynnfield, as the girls tennis program secured its 43rd consecutive postseason berth. All of them have been under the direction of Craig Stone, who was recently named the CAL’s Coach of the Year in his 45th season.

Despite a loss against Swampscott in the Div. 3 tournament, Stone couldn’t have been more proud of his Pioneers.

“We finished 18-3 and were Cape Ann League Kinney champions. We’re in the Elite 8 and one of 65 teams to do so, so you have to be proud of making it that far,” he said. “Four variables contributed to the continued success of our team: individual growth, team depth, team chemistry, and team spirit.”

Marblehead
Age is just a number

On the ice, the Lady Headers were led by a pair of youngsters. Eighth graders Cassandra Aceto and Nola Ferraresso met the challenge last winter and passed — without question.

Aceto led the team in goals (6) and assists (4), while goalie Ferraresso made 574 saves to go with a 3.238 goals allowed average and 0.894 save percentage. Both earned Daily Item All-Star nods.

Something tells me I’ll be writing more about this duo throughout the years . . .

Bishop Fenwick
Another trophy on the shelf

The girls basketball team finished 20-5 and defeated Pittsfield, 49-44, in the Div. 3 state championship game. Fenwick’s win came nearly 10 years — to the day — of its first state title.

It’s safe to say Celia Neilson and Caitlin Boyle were the dynamic duo of North Shore hoops last winter. Against Pittsfield, Neilson finished with a game-high 19 points and 18 rebounds, while Boyle posted 13 points, a dozen rebounds, and a block.

“In the end, it came down to guts and all of the girls made plays,” said Adam DeBaggis, who coached both of Fenwick’s championship teams. “As they say, defense wins championships.”

St. John’s Prep
School history for Parent

On the gridiron, the month of November belonged to running back Maxwell Parent. In a 48-32 tournament win against Leominster, the St. Mary’s transfer carried 30 times for 355 yards rushing (school record) and five touchdowns.

And, boy, was it needed. Starting quarterback Christopher Vargas was sidelined with an injury, so Parent answered the call.

Four of his five touchdowns came in the second half.