Marty Crowley is no stranger when it comes to building state championship teams — he coached Burrillville High (R.I.) to a state crown in girls basketball and his Cumberland High softball team also won a state title.
Now in his fourth year at the helm of the King Philip girls basketball team, the 56-year-old coach has one primary goal for his Warriors in the new year — he wants to return to tournament play. KP qualified for the playoffs in Crowley’s first season, going 14-6 and bowing out in the sectional semifinals to Braintree. For the last two campaigns, however, the Warriors have been under .500 (6-14 last year).
“We obviously want to improve daily and sharpen our skills but we also want to win 10 games to get into the tourney,’’ Crowley said. “Even though five players have graduated, our goal is realistic because our girls are optimistic, they’ve got some strengths and they played a lot of summer ball.’’
If KP is to battle effectively with the iron of the Hockomock League, some key things have to occur. And, Crowley knows what those elements are.
“We need ball movement,’’ he emphasized. “That gives a team better looks on offense. We also have to be fast in transition and be sharp in our passing. Ball security is a big key, too. That limits turnovers. And, we’ve got to be effective with our defensive pressure. We play in a competitive league where defense matters.’’
One of the Warriors primary assets is a willingness to compete hard. Crowley emphasized in pre-season workouts that job openings were available because both captains—Maddie Purdue and Rylie Dalzell—had graduated. They also led KP in scoring last year.
“We’ve got a handful of players with experience, our skills and hoop IQ are good and our defense will be a strength,’’ Crowley said. “Team chemistry is a plus but where we’ll need to focus is rebounding and limiting our turnovers. We lost games last year because we didn’t take care of the ball.’’
KP’s captains—senior Courtney Kelleher (5-10 forward) and junior Christina Hathaway (5-7 forward)--will be counted on for their leadership and their ability.
“Both are good role models and good leaders, and top-notch students,’’ Crowley emphasized. “Both came off the bench last year. Courtney is a solid rebounder who averaged six a game. She’s got an inside presence that enables her to block about three shots a game. Christina is energetic, a tireless worker who thrives in practice. She’s hard-nosed and is solid on defense.’’
Another key to KP’s hopes is junior Hadley Zolak, a 6-1 forward/center who started last year. “Hadley is a force inside,’’ Crowley said. “She excellent as a physical defender and she can rebound. We’re counting on her to provide offense inside, especially on put-backs.’’
Sophomores Shannon O’Connor (5-11 guard) and Julia Leroux (5-6 guard) both gained experience last year as freshmen. O’Connor was a full-time starter and Leroux earned spot starts but a fractured thumb prematurely ended her season.
“Shannon is the real deal,’’ Crowley said. “She eats and breathes basketball, playing year-round in AAU programs. She’s got a high hoop IQ, is a good shooter and rebounder. She’s one of the best young prospects in our league. Julia is athletic, a good defender who has non-stop energy. She has good range and can shoot threes. And, she’s a capable rebounder. Both girls give us a solid foundation for the future.’’
Sophomore forwards Catherine Cummings (5-9) and Kendall Mason (5-7), who played on the jayvees last year, will be counted on for their rebounding ability. “Catherine has worked hard in the off-season and improved,’’ Crowley said. “She can shoot and rebound. Kendall is athletic and strong, a very good player around the hoop.’’
A trio of freshmen — Faith Roy (5-7 guard), Avery Snead (5-10 forward) and Chloe Layne (5-6 point guard) — will provide depth and also get minutes. Crowley likes their skills. “They’re ready to step in and contribute,’’ he noted. “They’ve got good hoop IQs, they’ve worked hard and they can rebound, shoot and play defense.’’
Crowley, who directed the Warriors to a victory in the squad’s opener against Milford, 47-44, has coached girls basketball for 24 years, 20 of those campaigns in Rhode Island with Cranston West, Burrillville and Tolman. He also coaches softball at Cumberland High and is KP’s girls cross-country coach. His coaching philosophy is a mix of all the right elements.
“I want our players to compete hard and to play to win,’’ he said. “But, the game has to be enjoyable and players have to strive to reach their potential. I want my players to step out of their comfort zone so they can become successful on and off the court. And, learning life lessons through athletics is huge. It’s always rewarding to see the girls working to achieve goals, working as a team, overcoming adversity and learning how to be leaders and how to manage their time.’’
Marty Crowley knows the drill and if the pieces of the puzzle fall into place, the KP girls basketball team should be in contention for a return to the playoffs.
Issue Date:
January, 2017
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