The girls’ basketball teams at Millis High have contended for State championships for the last 12 years. During that stretch, the Mohawks have won six Sectional titles and three State crowns.
Expect more of the same if coach Dave Fallon continues to guide a program that came close to capturing a third consecutive State title in 2016. The Mohawks had defeated New Mission and Fenway back-to-back for a pair of State championships, but couldn’t post a triple crown when it bowed to Cathedral.
The 41-year-old Fallon, who was an all-star when he played at Mount St. Charles, has developed a culture at Millis that not only gets results, but also turns out top-notch players and quality citizens. Now in his 13th season, Fallon has coached four girls who surpassed 1,000 points.
Obviously, there’s an efficient system in place, but the Mohawks’ success is more about the culture and the positive atmosphere that sprouts from it.
“Our success stems from having good players with a strong work ethic,’’ Fallon said. “Then, it’s all about players buying into the program. Current players know all about past tradition, and they want to emulate that success. Millis has always had blue-collar players, and the girls have never lost that pedigree.’’
Millis has qualified for the playoffs 12 times in Fallon’s 13 years, and the reason why is linked to the attributes he wants in prospective players.
“When compiling a roster, I want team-oriented players who work hard and are coachable,’’ he emphasized. “It also helps if the girls have a high basketball IQ, they’re athletic ,and they’re mentally tough and resilient. For example, if a player isn’t shooting well, then I expect her to contribute in other ways.’’
Fallon’s teams so often rely on up-tempo offense and pressure defense. And, as he says, “the playbook is a bit of a challenge.’’
A primary plus for Millis’ program is the way Fallon gets every level onto the same page. “I’m a program coach, not just a varsity coach,’’ he said. “That means our freshmen and jayvees are running varsity plays, and our staff works with youth coaches so that level is familiar with our style.’’
Millis’ current varsity contingent is acutely aware of the style Fallon prefers and definitely is cognizant of the expectations as they prepare for the Division 3 tourney. At Local Town Pages deadline, the Mohawks were 14-6.
The starters include Abby Miller at point guard, Caileen Adams on the wing, Eryn Rice and Courtney Bickford at forward and Hailey Roche at center. “They’re all experienced, they’re athletic and they have good team speed,’’ Fallon said. “They’re a cohesive group.’’
The reserve guards are Caroline and Erin Mundy, Grace Jewett, Julia Grattan and Stephanie Hubbell, and the back-up forwards are Georgia Gelasco and Mia Molinari. “They all provide different values,’’ Fallon noted. “Some are vocal leaders, some provide a physical presence and some are good shooters.’’
Fallon has had his share of quality shooters and four of them — Molly Breen, Amy Ingraham, Katy Golden and Amy Assad — topped 1,000 points. “Molly and Amy played on our first State title team in 2009,’’ Fallon said. “They were great role models for younger players, and they were excellent ambassadors for our program. All four of the girls bought into our tradition and culture. Molly’s 1,360-point total is the all-time Millis high for boys and girls.’’
Team chemistry is a delicate commodity, and Fallon is exceptional at making all the pieces of the puzzle fit. “You have to work on it and create it,’’ Fallon emphasized. “It has to be authentic, because each group has a different dynamic. I try my best to connect with all the players, and I encourage the girls to go outside their friend group and interact with all their teammates.’’
Fallon knows that players who don’t get much playing time need to feel worthy. “All the players need to feel valued,’’ he said. “Whatever they do is important. In practice, I’ll let seldom-used players know they’re appreciated and recognize whatever their contributions are in front of their peers. I’m still learning how to make everyone feel they’re part of something.’’
Fallon, whose 12-year record is 171-130, sets his goals in a logical way. “We want to develop team chemistry and work hard every day,’’ he noted. “Then we aim to qualify for the tourney, win the Sectional and strive for a State title.’’
A native of Scituate, R.I., Fallon has been teaching American history for 18 years. His first coaching job was leading the freshman for two years, then guiding the jayvees for two more before taking the varsity reins. He and his wife Julie have two children (Bridget, 7; and Caden, 2) and reside in Franklin.
The history teacher is adept at building sound teams. The Millis squads of the last 12 years have written an incredible basketball history — six Sectional titles and three State crowns.
Dave Fallon’s teams thrive by embracing rich tradition and a strong culture.
Issue Date:
March, 2020
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