Millis Girls Quintet Earned Its Tourney Berth Early

Many high school basketball teams will be battling intensely this month to win enough games to qualify for a berth in the post-season tournament in March.
One squad that doesn’t have that worry is the Millis High girls team, which already has qualified for the Division 4 playoffs by winning a pair of non-league games in December. The Mohawks, whose overall record was 7-3 at Local Town Pages deadline, defeated Monty Tech and Maynard, two schools who, like Millis, compete at the Division 4 level.
Millis plays in the Tri Valley League, which is composed of teams that are ranked in Division 2 and Division 3. All Millis has to do every year to qualify is to play .500 against squads that are based in Division 4. The Mohawks two non-league victories ensured a trip to the playoffs, because they will be .500 or above against Division 4 teams.
The Mass. Interscholastic Athletic Association sanctions the process, known as “The Sullivan Rule.’’ Millis coach Dave Fallon, who’s guided the Mohawks to eight tourney berths in his nine years at the helm, says his players know of the rule.
“The girls are aware of the rule, but every year I stress that we’d prefer to get to the tourney by winning 10 or more games, the more traditional way of earning a playoff berth,’’ Fallon noted. “The Sullivan Rule takes into account that some small schools play in leagues that have bigger schools. Many leagues were formed based on geography, not enrollment.’’
During Fallon’s tenure as head coach, the Mohawks have won three Division 4 state titles and were runners-up once. Their second-place finish last year, when it bowed to Cathedral, would have been three straight state crowns for Millis if it had prevailed.
Because a tourney berth was clinched in December, Fallon and his players haven’t relaxed. Their goal is the same every year. “We compete hard in the TVL to win as many games as possible,’’ he emphasized. “Winning league games builds confidence and gets us ready for the tourney. There are no pushovers in the TVL and playing in that league makes us battle-tested.’’
The 2016-17 edition of the Mohawks lost a pair of veteran stars to graduation — off-guard Katy Golden, a 1,000-point scorer, and point guard Erica Mullally. But, the squad still has its share of quality players. “We’ve got girls with speed and athleticism, and we’re capable on defense,’’ Fallon said. “We don’t have size, but we like to press and make our opponents work in half-court sets. On offense, we rely on an up-tempo style.’’
Senior co-captains Jessica Wagner (5-5 guard) and Theresa Cerullo (5-8 forward) are two-year starters. “Both are experienced, lead by example and are solid defenders,’’ Fallon noted. “Jessica guards our opponents’ top offensive players and Theresa is our leading rebounder (10 per game).’’
Junior Meaghan Hourigan is Millis’ top scorer, averaging 12 points. A 5-foot-7 guard, she’s got a capable jump shot, is athletic and can slash to the basket. “She’s also a solid defensive competitor,’’ Fallon emphasized.
Rounding out the Mohawks’ starters are junior point guard Lydia Flaherty (5-6) and sophomore forward Abby Clark (5-10). “Lydia is a good ball-handler who has excellent court awareness,’’ Fallon noted. “A pass-first point guard, she averages about four assists. She’s also a good on-ball defender. Abby is a capable outside shooter who averages about eight rebounds. She’s worked to improve her three-point shot.’’
Two senior reserves Fallon utilizes are 5-8 forward Samantha Cullen and 5-6 guard Amelia Alger. “Samantha is a strong rebounder and Amelia is athletic and gives us versatility on defense,’’ he said.
Rounding out the roster and able to provide depth are freshman guard Caileen Adams, sophomore guard Riley Donovan, sophomore forward Megan Cullen and junior forward Cassie Ford.
The players no doubt deserve lots of credit for their early entry into the playoffs, but Fallon is quick to laud three assistant coaches for their sterling efforts — varsity aides Paul Geary and Howie Ingraham and jayvee coach Dale Maki.
Fallon has experienced lots of success primarily because his coaching philosophy is based on competing hard, reaching one’s potential, and having fun while learning life lessons. Millis has qualified for the playoffs only three times by using the Sullivan Rule during Fallon’s nine years as coach. On five other occasions, the Mohawks qualified by finishing .500 or above for the entire season.
So, with or without the Sullivan Rule, Millis and tournament play have become a familiar routine because of the Mohawks’ commitment to basics, their determined focus and their dedicated style.