It's exam week at most area high schools, when students take their mid-year finals before beginning the second semester on Monday.
So what better time to take inventory of the 10 public and parochial teams covered by this newspaper and give them their midseason grades - as well as analysis, each team's MVP thus far and a look ahead to the second half of the season?
Time to pull out the red marking pen ...
PEABODY (9-3-0)
Grade: A-
First half analysis: If the Tanners played like they did last Saturday against Gloucester - aggressive, hungry, and with passion for three full periods - all the time, they'd get an A+ grade. Of course, they'd be 12-0-0 if that were the case - something they probably could have been at this point.
Team MVP thus far: Elijah Cohen, RW (15-14-29). Now that he's completely healthy, everyone understands why head coach Mark Leonard has been raving about this speedy scorer since his freshman year.
Second half outlook: It's been said before that the Tanners can be the best team in all of Division 2 hockey when they want to be. The talent, depth and speed are there for a state championship run - if goalie Jonathan Camara can ride the momentum of last week's win over Gloucester to a stellar second half, good things could be in store. But they are not a team without faults - developing a killer instinct should be tops among their priority list for the remainder of the regular season.
GLOUCESTER (9-1-1)
Grade: A-
First half analysis: Considering they've been without their top all-around player (Josh Salah), are playing with a first-year goalie (Bradley Robertson) and basically skate just two defensemen (Nick DeCoste and Paul Russo), it's been a remarkable first half. A nine-game winning streak and the emergence of Jeremy Fanning (26 points) as an elite scorer have been highlights.
Team MVP thus far: Jeremy Fanning, C (14-12-26). Seemingly has come out of nowhere to spark Fishermen offensively and give some much-needed punch to their second line.
Second half outlook: As great as the first half has been, the Fishermen need to shore some things up over the next month-and-a-half if they want a long tournament run. The return of Salah next month will absolutely help, but they need the most help on defense: Peabody exposed them by using their exceptional speed to attack the Fishermen in their own end. Someone needs to step up and take some of the pressure (and minutes) off of DeCoste or Russo; the answer may like in one of the team's forwards, such as steady Dylan Morrissey.
ST. JOHN'S PREP (5-3-3)
Grade: B+
First half analysis: The goaltending tandem of Kyle Pettoruto and Eric Clifford has been terrific, allowing just two goals a game. The top line of Dan Haugh, Christian Cowles and Colin Prior has also stepped it up for new head coach Kristian Hanson, and defenseman Nick Riccio is taking the mantle of being the team leader of a young defense. Inability to start out of the gate strong in certain games has hurt.
Team MVP thus far: Christian Cowles, C (10-7-17). Team's heart and soul player can score the big goals as well as forecheck, clog passing lanes and sees the ice brilliantly.
Second half outlook: It's probably going to take at least six (more likely seven) wins in their last nine games to earn a Super 8 tournament berth. Otherwise, the Eagles will likely in the Division 1 North tournament - not a bad second option, considering they could win the whole thing. Improved play by the second and third lines, the continued maturation of the defense and playing hard for 45 minutes will only help improve an already talented club.
DANVERS (6-3-2)
Grade: B
First half analysis: The Falcons have shown flashes of being a cohesive unit that works best when all of its parts are on the same page. Pat O'Kane has really picked up his play in goal, and the first line of Steve Kontos, Troy Thibodeau and Kyle Larson can skate with anyone. However, they're still plagued by bouts of inconsistency, which has caused them to give away points that should have rightfully belonged to them.
Team MVP thus far: Jake Korthas, D (4-9-13). Senior captain eats up a ton of minutes and plays in all situations - yet remains as calm as a ship on still water.
Second half outlook: The Falcons aren't a team that does any one thing in spectacular fashion, but when they put their minds to it can come up with a game plan to defeat any club. Efficiency and playing within the team structure will determine how long Danvers' postseason run will be come March.
MASCONOMET (7-5-0)
Grade: B
First half analysis: Considering the Chieftains lost their two leading scorers and No. 1 goalie from a year ago to transfers or junior hockey, they've done a fine job. Buying into a team-wide concept of scoring and overall defense has worked well. The win-one, lose-one habit looks to be over, with five victories in their last seven outings.
Team MVP thus far: Mike DiGiorgio, G. Without being a showstopper, DiGiorgio has stepped in as the starter and saved Masco's season with steady play.
Second half outlook: With no true "go-to" line - everyone is expected to do their share of the scoring - trying to slow down Masco offensively is not an easy task. Rolling four lines consistently is another area where the Chieftains hope to wear opponents down, especially come tourney time.
SWAMPSCOTT (7-4-3)
Grade: B
First half analysis: The Big Blue are 7-2-1 since Christmas and have found a goaltender in sophomore Tyler Gallagher to go along with their potent offense and a much improved defensive corps. Very deep and speedy team, too.
Team MVP thus far: Keith Morgan, C (13-11-24). Closing in on 100 career points, he's led his team with strong offensive product all season.
Second half outlook: With just three points needed to qualify, Swampscott will be back in the postseason for the first time since 1997. They should spend the remainder of the regular season (once they qualify) to get the best seeding possible and work on their defensive game, which wins out over offense in the playoffs.
MARBLEHEAD (6-7-0)
Grade: B-
First half analysis: Six wins in their last nine games have the Headers back in the Division 3 North playoff chase. Balanced scoring and a slew of youngsters who are gaining experience with each game have been keys to their turnaround.
Team MVP thus far: Aaron Reny, G (6-5, 1.85 GAA, 1 SHO). Junior goalkeeper is unquestionably the biggest reason for Marblehead's resurgence, with a fantastic 1.85 goals-against average.
Second half outlook: A favorable schedule down the homestretch bodes well for the Headers, who must pick it up offensively (only 31 goals in 13 games) along the way. Failure to do so will mean another postseason watching from the outside.
BISHOP FENWICK (4-3-2)
Grade: B-
First half analysis: There's more scoring here than anyone thought possible; Pat Doliber, Mark Sparaco, Dale Crispin, Jordan Mizioch and John Luti have combined for 86 points thus far. Newcomers Crispin and Sparaco have been pleasant surprises. Goaltending and defense need work, however; those areas have hurt Fenwick at times. Monday's 6-0 win over Swampscott (with 44 saves from Craig Forrest) was a good step in the right direction.
Team MVP thus far: Pat Doliber, C (10-12-22). Can provide instant offense by knowing how to dish the puck and score equally well.
Second half outlook: Fenwick will likely battle down to the wire to determine whether or not they'll join the postseason party. They can score with anyone; keeping the puck out of the net needs to become a priority.
BEVERLY (5-6-1)
Grade: C+
First half analysis: No question there's talent here - far too much to have a five-game losing streak, as they are currently mired in. Too often, lack of discipline has hurt the Black-and-Orange, leading to trips to the penalty box and/or goals by their opponents.
Team MVP thus far: Chris Bushey, LW (6-5-11). Not flashy, but steady senior co-captain gives 110 percent every time he hops over the boards.
Second half outlook: The team's rearguards have to skate the puck up and make the outlet pass out of their own zone better, and their forwards must forecheck and get along the boards quickly. Finding some consistent offense is a must, too - especially now that the team's leading scorer, Jack Leathersich (7-7-14), is gone for the season with a broken ankle. Earning 10 points in their last nine games for a playoff spot is doable - but with their schedule, it won't be easy.
SALEM (2-9-0)
Grade:
First half analysis: A young, inexperienced with a new head coach has taken its lumps as they adjust to a new system. The loss of one of their few veterans, Justin Engdahl, for the season to injury hasn't helped as the Witches have been shut out in five of their 11 games.
Team MVP thus far: Chris Smith, D (1-3-4). Veteran blueliner has talent and ability to keep playing when he gets out of high school.
Second half outlook: Continued improvement within coach Brian Addesa's system will only benefit Salem in the future. With 11 of this year's varsity players back next winter, their hard work over the next four weeks will pay off in 2008-09.
"The Blue Line Report", a column on North Shore high school hockey, appears each Wednesday during the winter sports season. Contact sports editor Phil Stacey at pstacey@ecnnews.com or 978-338-2650.
Stacey's 3 Stars of the Week
1. Elijah Cohen, Peabody. The fleet of foot junior center had a game most players can only dream of, scoring four goals - two while shorthanded, two others on the power play - and added an assist as the Tanners crushed previously unbeaten Gloucester, 7-1.
2. Patrick O'Kane, Danvers. Falcons' senior co-captain stopped 76 of 82 shots he faced last week to earn two wins for the Blue-and-White, including an epic 36-save outing in a 3-2 upset of Peabody on the road.
3. Aaron Reny, Marblehead. Sporting the area's lowest goals-against average (1.85), Marblehead junior stopped 24 shots in a 3-2 upset of Marblehead, then posted his first shutout of the winter in a 3-0 triumph over Shawsheen.
