Coach Steve Burrill

What teams are going to be the most challenging this season?

Anytime you have the state champion in your league, Medfield, it’s a really strong program and we’ve had some really great battles with them. They have great coaches, great players, so I think that’s always one we circle in our calendar and we focus on. At the same time, we play in the TVL which is a really really strong league for girls basketball so I think every given night we have that game circled and are ready to go because every game is a battle.

What are some key things you look for in a player?

I think in a lot of ways we always talk about how players come in at the beginning of the year and are really motivated because it’s the start. We really look for mental toughness and discipline so like when the times get hard because the winter season is long, it can be challenging. Who’s going to persevere and work through that and with that being said who’s also going to be a great teammate? Who’s going to pick people up, who’s going to lead by example, who’s going to get people to feel motivated even if they’re not? Those are the characteristics we look for in our leaders but I think just from a pure basketball perspective we’re looking for people who do it all. When you’re on a basketball court, I think a lot of people focus on scoring, but there is so much more to basketball. I think defensively, hustle plays, rebounding. We really pride ourselves on defense, so we’re looking for people that have that mentality, that want to get after it on defense.

How do the captains specifically help strengthen the team?

I think as captains and as leaders you shoulder a huge responsibility. You are the leaders for a team that has a lot of different individuals, a lot of different mindsets, and so your job is to, even when times get tough, say the right things, do the right things and show people the way. That’s whether you’re feeling up for it that day or not. You always have to bring that same constant energy and just be a reliable teammate.

Based on last year’s team, what is something that can be improved this season?

We treat every year differently. It’s a different team now, we have moving pieces. Even if everyone were to return, everyone changes over the course of an offseason. I think what we’ll look for is the whole team to be committed and work hard. From there the mindset is every single day we aim to get 1% better. There are a lot of different ways that can happen, but I think if we remain hungry, and we stay focused and disciplined, that progression comes naturally throughout the year. The girls know, at the beginning of the season it can be ugly. We’re just getting your feet under you, and you’re getting used to being back on the court. It’s not always going to be an uphill trajectory, there are ups and downs throughout the season and that’s all part of the journey and the growth to get you to where inevitably you hope to be down the line, which is at the top of the league, in the playoffs, fighting for a state championship. That’s what we’re looking for this year.