Co-captain Michael Alibrandi isn’t a prolific scorer for Holliston High’s basketball team, but the senior point guard has been a dynamic catalyst who’s helped elevate the Panthers to a 7-1 record after eight games and into a tie for first place in the Tri Valley League standings.
The 6-foot, 159-pounder is an all-around competitor who contributes on both ends of the court, provides energy from start to finish, and works diligently to control Holliston’s up-tempo offense. Coach Jenna Galster labels Alibrandi “a major reason for our success,’’ and admires not only his work ethic, but also his off-season regimen.
“Michael contributes wherever we need him,’’ said Galster, who’s in her fourth year as Holliston coach. “He plays solid defense, distributes the ball effectively and has terrific court awareness. He’s a take-charge guy in practice who leads on and off the court.’’
A lanky guard, his long arms are keys to his defensive ability and his blocking an inordinate amount of shots. Alibrandi’s per game averages are 9 points, 4 assists, 3 steals, 5 rebounds and 3 blocks. “I take pride in defense and prefer to be a pass-first point guard,’’ he noted. “I enjoy running our offense and dealing with the pressure of maintaining an up-tempo pace.’’
A starter as a sophomore when the Panthers went 1-19, Alibrandi didn’t let that season dampen his outlook or his attitude. Last year, the Panthers bounced back, finished 10-10 and split a pair of games in tourney play. Now, they’re setting the pace as a TVL power.
“All of us stayed positive after that one-win season,’’ Alibrandi emphasized. “And, we never gave up. We were 0-19 but won our last game against Dover-Sherborn.”
Alibrandi’s prime focus this season is to win as many games as possible, but he’s acutely aware that a tourney berth is right around the corner. “The tourney is our goal, and we’d like to make some noise in the playoffs,’’ he said. “It’s a different atmosphere. There’s more pressure but we were calm last year, especially in our win over Milford.’’
Rating Holliston’s victory over Natick last year in the Keough Tournament a thrill because it gave the Panthers their 10th win and put them into the tourney, Alibrandi also liked his effort against Milford. “I played solid on defense, scored 15 points and sank three of four three-pointers,’’ he recalled. “So far this season, I’d rate my game against Millis as my best. I drove down the middle for a layup with three seconds to go and forced overtime. We won, 70-63, in the extra session.’’
Alibrandi, however, is quick to credit a host of other players for Holliston’s upswing. He admires the other starters — co-captain Andrew Lynch, Will Rowe, Spencer Aronson and Dylan Kasarjin. And, he likes the contributions of reserves Jack Barrett, Patrick Jewett, Ryan Benco and Mina Shehata.
“Andrew is a quality leader who can drive to the hoop and also shoot effectively,’’ Alibrandi said. “Will is our center and he can shoot and rebound. Spencer was a TVL all-star as a freshman. He can score and create opportunities. Dylan defends well and is a capable ball-handler. Jack can rebound and he’s a hard-worker. Patrick, Ryan and Mina are solid contributors every game.’’
Also a fan of his coach, Alibrandi says his teammates strive to live up to Galster’s expectations. “She sets the bar high, and we strive to meet her expectations,’’ he said. “She’s a good motivator who knows the game. When we were struggling in the past, she helped build our confidence.’’
An honor-roll student, Alibrandi has been accepted to Mount Ida College in Newton where he plans to major in psychology and minor in sports management. The recipient of a financial-aid package to the Division 3 school, he has committed to playing lacrosse but is unsure if he’ll pursue basketball. A midfielder, Alibrandi was a TVL all-star last year in lacrosse.
Relying on a competitive philosophy that stresses winning, reaching one’s potential and having fun, Alibrandi says athletics have helped him learn valuable life lessons. “You learn to build relationships, set goals, work as a team, overcome adversity, and assume responsibility.
Alibrandi understands that success comes with a price. And, he paid it in the off-season by attending camps, playing in summer and fall leagues and working out.
A fan of the Celtics’ Isaiah Thomas, Alibrandi wears number 4 because he identifies with the 5-foot-9 point guard. “Isaiah was the last pick of the draft and he’s undersized, but he represents himself well,’’ Alibrandi said. “He’s made a name for himself, and our team is similar to him. We’re trying to make a name for ourselves.’’
So far, it’s mission accomplished for the Panthers on that front.
Issue Date:
February, 2017
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