Co-captain relies on Larry Bird video

By KEN HAMWEY

Staff Sports Writer

Millis High’s Kyra Rice has an unusual way to prepare for her team’s basketball games: The 5-foot-5 senior guard watches a 10-minute video of former Celtics’ great Larry Bird on her phone.

“The clip shows the best of Bird passing and shooting,’’ said Rice, who is now the Mohawks’ shooting guard after three seasons of controlling the tempo at point guard.

“Watching him helps me to get going and it builds confidence in my passing. I’ve been doing this since 5th grade and it also helps me to be a more instinctive player.’’

A co-captain, Rice watches the video before pre-game warmups and before Coach Dave Fallon’s pre-game talks. She limits the ritual to home games because there’s less time available for road games.

“Larry Bird is my favorite professional athlete,’’ Rice noted. “He made his teammates better, he had great passing ability and he challenged himself to improve.’’

Rice, who last year helped Millis to advance to the state final in the Division 5 tourney where it bowed to Springfield International, will be adjusting to a new position this season. And she no doubt will be watching Bird shoot more closely.

“I loved playing the point but it’ll be exciting on the wing,’’ she said. “Hopefully, I’ll be scoring more. It’ll be challenging and I hope the transition goes smoothly.’’ 

Last year, Rice averaged 7 points and 3.5 assists a game. Fallon, who has led Millis to three state championships, isn’t worried about Rice’s transition.

“Kyra is an athletic guard who drives to the hoop well and has a quick release from the outside,’’ he said. “She’s also a great passer. She’s positive and a team-first player, and I look forward to seeing her continued growth as a leader this year.’’ 

At Local Town Pages deadline, Millis faced Dedham in its opener, losing, 37-36. Rice had 10 points and 4 assists.

The 17-year-old Rice, who also plays softball, has a plethora of strengths in basketball. She’s athletic, has a high hoop IQ, has good court vision, is fundamentally sound, can shoot and pass, and is mentally tough.

Rice displayed that toughness in the state tourney quarterfinals last year when she limited Palmer’s top player to nine points. “That’s been my best game,’’ she emphasized. “We won by eight and my defense was good and I passed well. Our team really jelled.’’

Rice’s No. 1 team goal this season is for Millis to qualify and go deep into the playoffs again. “We also want to compete for the Tri Valley League Small Division title and aim for daily improvement in games and practices,’’ she added. “Since we’re now in Division 4, the state tourney will be more challenging. My personal goals are to be the best captain I can be, improve my stats and strive to be a league all-star.’’

Rice will lean towards being a vocal captain. “I tend to be more vocal because that goes with being a guard,’’ she said. “As a vocal leader, I’ll try to boost my teammates’ confidence. I also want to be supportive and to also lead by example.’’

 Rice is upbeat about the Mohawks squad this year and she knows there’ll be top-notch contributions from her teammates, especially senior co-captain Hailey Bassett (forward) and junior point guard Lindsey Gratton.

“Hailey is a good rebounder who’s effective in the paint,’’ Rice offered. “She handles the ball well and has a nice shot whether it’s short-range or from the arc. Lindsey has great speed and quickness, is a great ball-handler, has good court vision and is an effective passer.’’

Rice is also a fan of her coach, who led his Mohawks to a 12-8 record last year, a third-place finish in the TVL Small Division, and a No. 1 seed in the tourney.

“Coach Fallon is a tremendous motivator,’’ she said. “He knows the game and he implements his strategy effectively. He varies our defensive alignments and he’s very supportive and encouraging.’’

An excellent student (3.82 GPA), Rice is a member of the National Honor Society, the Student Council, and Leo’s Club (a student version of a Lions Club that focuses on community service). She has committed to Endicott College where she’ll major in interior architecture. “I want to play basketball in college,’’ she said, “and Endicott’s coach, Brittany Hutchinson, has been very encouraging.’’

Rice’s athletic philosophy focuses on reaching her potential but she also views winning as a priority. “Reaching your potential is important because that leads to team success,’’ she emphasized. “Winning also is important but overall improvement is crucial.’’

Life lessons learned from sports can be a plus. Rice has learned some valuable ones.

“Being able to correct mistakes is high on my list,’’ she said. “Being coachable and learning how to be a leader are two others. Learning how to overcome adversity is very important and managing your time is a valuable lesson.’’

Rice says her older sister (Erin) is her role model. “She played basketball at Millis and is at Bridgewater State now,’’ Rice said. “She always provides good advice, helps with any questions I have about basketball, and stresses the importance of a strong work ethic.’’

Rice was honored to be chosen as a captain but her top thrill in basketball was being in the state tourney championship game last year. “That was a great experience,’’ she emphasized. “It built confidence because it taught us what to expect.’’

What also enhances Rice’s confidence is her video of Larry Bird. 

Watching that video is very telling because it shows that Kyra Rice will explore any avenue to improve.