Hopedale Girls Quintet Features Athleticism, Experience

Stephanie Caffrey is determined to elevate the girls basketball team at Hopedale High after her first season as coach ended with the Blue Raiders at 2-18.
The 28-year-old coach, who’s in her seventh year on the faculty at Tri County Vocational, is no stranger to winning. She previously guided the Uxbridge High girls into tourney play during her two years as the Spartans’ varsity hoop coach, and last fall she led Tri County’s volleyball squad to the sectional quarterfinals where it was eliminated after compiling a 20-2 record.
The Blue Raiders’ 2016-17 season shouldn’t be facing as many obstacles as last year’s contingent.
“Both the girls and myself were in a transition situation,’’ Caffrey noted. “We had a roster of 11 but only three players had varsity experience. Every part of the game was new for eight girls. I had to adjust and so did they. Last year’s team, however, was very motivated, but because different players react differently to a variety of situations, I had to get them all on the same page. We lost 18 games but we were competitive in 16 of those setbacks.’’
The current squad, which has only two seniors and one junior, is a sophomore-oriented group. But, Caffrey likes the assets she has. “Our athleticism is very good, our work ethic and our defensive ability are strong, we have depth and some experience,’’ she emphasized. “But, we need to improve our offensive confidence, our rebounding and our overall strength.’’
Caffrey’s prime goal is for her players “to improve every day as individuals and as a team.’’ She also hasn’t ruled out qualifying for the district tourney. “The tourney should be a goal every year,’’ she said. “It’s difficult to predict if we can achieve that because our schedule is tough and our girls are still developing their skills. I’m optimistic we’ll do a lot better than last year but I can’t project any numbers.’’
What she can project, however, is the Blue Raiders’ rotation, which starts with her seniors captains — point guard Katie Koller (5-3) and 5-8 forward Jordan Wilson, who were captains as juniors.
“Both are quality leaders and role models,’’ Caffrey said. “Katie moves the ball well, distributes it and has good court awareness. She’s very knowledgeable. I look for her to increase her shooting this season. Jordan injured her ankle last year and played in only three games. She’s passionate about the game, rebounds well and hustles, always willing to dive for a loose ball.’’
Sophomore Taylor Goldstein, who started as a freshman, is a quality rebounder in spite of her 5-foot-5 size. She also played in summer leagues and competed at the AAU level in the fall. “Taylor is a good communicator,’’ Caffrey said. “A good offensive rebounder, she’s strong defensively and has good court sense.’’
Junior Haley Caron, a 5-10 center, is a post player Caffrey will be counting on. She missed half of last season because of injury. “Haley has excellent post moves and she can rebound,’’ Caffrey noted. “I expect her to contribute on offense and also to use her body to get position for rebounds.’’
Three sophomores who’ll be utilized primarily in the backcourt are Kathleen Maloney, Rachel Swanson and Kaitlynn Giambetti. Maloney led the team in scoring several times last year and Giambetti can alternate between guard and forward.
“Kathleen and Rachel can shoot threes, handle the ball and play the point or the off-guard slot,’’ Caffrey said. “They both work hard, are focused and fearless. Kaitlynn is quick and tenacious on defense. She averaged about three steals a game. She can be a utility player on offense but her strength is disrupting an opposing team’s offense.’’
Three freshmen will get playing time and they include Molly Parker, a 5-foot-5 guard-forward; Piper Hampsch, a 5-foot-7 forward; and Olivia Hurley, a 5-foot-5 guard. “I’m expecting a lot from them,’’ Caffrey said. “They’ve worked hard. Piper should help us rebounding, Molly is an all-around strong and quick competitor, and Olivia has a good shooting touch.’’
Caffrey rates defending champ Sutton and perennial power Douglas as contenders for the Dual Valley Conference crown. “They both have talent and tradition,’’ she said. “As far as the league goes, we want to move up the ladder.’’
Caffrey will mold the Blue Raiders into a squad that’s competitive and committed. “Basketball isn’t all about wins and losses,’’ she said. “We want to compete and we’ll try to win. But, it’s also important to reach one’s potential and have fun along the way. Sports teach life lessons and the one I want our girls to focus on is commitment. I also want our players to be committed to one another.’’
The pendulum may be ready to swing favorably for the 2016-17 Hopedale quintet.