Medway’s Childs Gets Scholarship to Play Basketball at BU

The future is in clear focus for Riley Childs.
Medway High’s talented off-guard, who was a first-team Tri Valley League all-star last year, has verbally committed to play basketball at Boston University after she completes her senior season for the Mustangs.
The 5-foot-11 Childs averaged 17 points, 8 rebounds and 3 assists last year when Medway posted a 14-8 record and split a pair of playoff games. A three-sport athlete, she’s been an outside hitter in volleyball for four years and she also has posted some impressive numbers in outdoor track. She holds the school record in the shot put (33 feet, 1 inch) and she’s only 11 inches away from tying the school record in the discus, which is 119-8.
“I’m thrilled about getting a full scholarship to Boston University,’’ Childs said. “I like the city, and all the coaches and players were great to be around when I visited. It’s a situation that just feels right. I’ve verbally committed, and I’m just waiting now for final acceptance.’’
The Terriers head coach, Katy Steading, did most of the scouting on Childs. But, it was at a BU camp for potential recruits, where Childs impressed Steading. “She saw me the summer before my junior year,’’ Childs said. “And, she also saw me play several other times. Schools like Holy Cross, Lehigh and Bucknell also showed interest, but I selected BU after they offered me a scholarship.’’
Childs said that Steading was optimistic about her addition to the Terrier squad but made no promises about her role. “She said I’d have to earn my playing time, and that’s the way it should be,’’ Childs said.
A native of Medway, Childs, who is 330 points away from reaching 1,000 career points at Medway, has a variety of strengths. She’s quick, has a high basketball IQ, her court vision is excellent, she penetrates to the basketball and her release is quick and high. She has a wing span of six feet, an attribute that makes her a threat on defense.
“I like to drive to the hoop for a layup or a pull-up jumper,’’ Childs emphasized. “I’m a fair three-point shooter, but I need to improve in that area. Although I consider myself as a dependable defender, I can be better on steals and deflections.’’
Joe Iannone, Childs’ coach at Medway, calls her the most versatile player he’s coached in his nine years on the job. “Riley can play point guard or center,’’ he said. “We use her wherever we need to. She can score inside or on the perimeter. She was our top rebounder last year, and she’s a very good passer who has great court vision.’’
Two of Childs’ best games came last year at Norton and against at Medway when the Mustangs faced Nashoba in the first round of the tourney.
“I hit five of six three-pointers against Norton and finished with 23 points,’’ she recalled. “I also played a strong game on defense in the victory. Against Nashoba, the atmosphere was exciting because it was a playoff game at our gym. There were lots of friends and relatives on hand. We won, but what was nice was that everyone played a solid overall game.’’
Childs was a captain in volleyball this season and she’s been selected by her teammates and coach to be a captain in basketball. “I’m a vocal kind of captain,’’ she noted. “I’ll also try to lead by example, and if a younger play needs help or advice, I’ll be more than glad to assist.’’
With her future in college assured, Childs hasn’t lost sight of the year ahead for Medway. Her goal is to make it four straight years of qualifying for the tourney. “We’ll have to work hard, because we’re a young team,’’ she said. “But, it’s realistic, because we’ve got girls with a strong work ethic who compete hard against Tri Valley League teams.’’
Childs points to Medway’s other captain, Meg Downing, and freshman Lauren Beach, as quality players. She’s also bullish on the job Joe Iannone does as the team’s coach. “Meg and I have played basketball since the sixth grade,’’ Childs said. “A point guard who’s a strong defender, she’s also an excellent passer. Lauren has height, is a threat inside and she can rebound. Coach Iannone is a competitive guy who is a great motivator and communicator.’’
An honor-roll student, Childs plans on majoring in broadcast journalism at BU. Acutely aware that there’ll be a transition period going from high school all-star to Division 1 rookie, Childs knows where she’ll have to improve. “My overall game will need to get better, but I also know I need to get stronger and faster,’’ she said. “I’ll be focusing on weight training a lot.’’
Childs relies on a competitive philosophy that stresses being the best she can be in her specific role. “Reaching my potential in whatever role I play is the key,’’ Childs noted. “And, it’s important to absorb the life lessons that one can learn from athletics. Becoming a leader and being responsible are solid lessons to be learned. Sports also build confidence.’’
Caller her father (Rich) a role model for his support and encouragement, Childs is looking forward to a solid basketball campaign that will lead to a new experience at BU.
“I’ve enjoyed my friends, and I’ve built great relationships at Medway High,’’ she said. “It’ll be sad to not play volleyball and basketball again at Medway, but I’m excited and happy that a new chapter will be unfolding after I graduate.’’