“We are fighting to be in the conversation with Andover and [Masconomet]’’ said fourth-year coach Russ Coward. “We have a lot of young, raw talent on our squad and they gained a bit of aggressiveness under their belt after last year.’’
Since suffering its only loss of the season to Masconomet, 61-49, on Dec. 27, the Grey Ghosts have controlled the tempo of games, and played with poise.
“The girls last year who were younger were really finding their stride,’’ said the coach. “This year, I think they’re starting to home in on it and deliver.’’
Sophomores Hannah Hackley and Sam Hyslip are each averaging over 10 points per game.
“This group is one of the fastest, most up-tempo groups I’ve had,’’ said Coward. “We put more emphasis on defense in practice because defense generates offense, which we didn’t do a whole lot of last year.’’
Hackley, a 5-foot-11 guard, delivered 20 points in a 69-56 win over L-S in the season-opener.
“We had a Westford AAU team in the fall that really helped bring us closer together,’’ said Hackley. “Our depth has improved tremendously and we are playing better team basketball both offensively and defensively than last year.’’
Her backcourt mate, Hyslip, amassed 26 points and 14 rebounds in a 72-45 victory over host Newton South on Jan. 27.
“Last year we were more of a second-half team,’’ said Hyslip, who, along with Hackley, started as a freshman last season.
“This year we are making sure we bring the same intensity throughout the game. Last year I got ahead of myself, rushed my shots and turned the ball over. But this year, I’m taking better shots and our overall communication as a team has really gotten better.’’
The pair, according to Coward, “don’t have the big eyes anymore,’’ he said.
“They know what needs to be done down the stretch to do well. They are as unselfish a group as I’ve ever seen and our outside game has been taking shape, which we didn’t have in recent years.’’
