By KEN HAMWEY

Staff Sports Writer

There’s no secret formula for the success the Medway High girls’ basketball team has experienced for the last 14 years, which includes 12 tournament berths, a sectional championship and two appearances in the Final Four.

All that’s needed to replicate the Mustangs’ excellence is to listen to the goals that coach Joe Iannone emphasized during that stretch and at the start of his 15th season at Medway’s helm.

“Our staff stresses working hard every day to maximize the players’ potential,’’ he said. “We also emphasize to the girls the value of being a member of a successful team and the need to do their part to build a strong culture. And they learn that a strong culture breeds respect for their opponents, their coaches and the officials. If these objectives are reached, then winning will be the by-product that leads to a playoff berth.’’

Iannone’s current squad is a prime example of what can occur if his basic goals are embraced and achieved. At Local Town Pages’ deadline, the Mustangs were 6-2 and in good position to be a high seed in next month’s Division 3 Tournament.

“Our team relies on a variety of strengths,’’ said Iannone, who is a self-employed consultant in management development and leadership. “Our work ethic is a big plus and our team chemistry is excellent. The players have size, speed and quickness; they’re very coachable and they are mentally tough and resilient. We’re a very balanced team.’’

This year’s squad has six players returning from last season’s contingent that finished 13-11 overall after bowing out in the tourney’s quarterfinals to St. Mary’s of Lynn.

Medway’s captains include senior Ellie Copeland at the two-guard and junior Olivia Melanson at point guard. Iannone likes their leadership style, which is a blend of leading by example and being communicative and inclusive.

“Ellie plays with unmatched intensity,’’ Iannone offered. “A solid three-point shooter, she can attack the basket and make others better with her passing. Olivia is a great ball-handler who can get to the hoop. She’s an all-around player who can rebound and shoot from behind the arc.’’

Sophomore Anna Freeman is a 5-foot-11 center who’s a capable rebounder. “Anna also protects the rim by forcing opponents to alter their shots,’’ Iannone said. “She’s blossoming on offense, too. In our second game of the season against Norton, she had 25 points and 16 rebounds.

Junior Victoria Bullard and sophomore Regan Longval are effective at handling the chores at forward.

“Victoria is a well-rounded competitor who can score from the inside or from the three-point arc,’’ Iannone noted. “A physical player, she can defend and her rebounding continues to improve. Regan is intense, always giving 100 percent. An amazing athlete, she can play three positions. She can attack the hoop, shoot threes and on defense she’s adept at getting steals.’’

Three key players who’ll provide depth are sophomore twins Bella and Ava Cortis, who can play guard or forward, and freshman Maeve Kelly at forward.

“This trio thrives on defensive intensity,’’ Iannone said. “Bella has a keen ability to drive to the basket, left or right, and Ava’s defensive IQ is high. She also has speed and quickness. Maeve is an instinctive rebounder who can finish around the rim. All three have size, athleticism, and agility.’’

Senior guard Lily Williamson has been a major plus in promoting unity. “Lily has been instrumental in helping us foster a positive culture and she promotes team chemistry,’’ Iannone said. “She can pass, is a solid shooter and an exemplary teammate.’’

Junior center Katie Anderson, sophomore guard Eva Miranda, and freshman guard Brooke Parlon round out the roster. “These girls bring an intense work ethic to practice and that translates to strong rebounding, defensive tenacity and quality shooting,’’ Iannone noted.

A top-notch staff of assistants is important and Iannone has a trio that includes Bryan Connolly (varsity assistant), Connor Guiou (varsity and jayvee assistant), and Katy Golden (jayvee coach). “They’re indispensable,’’ Iannone noted. “They maintain consistency and are key components to a positive culture.’’

The 56-year-old Iannone, who is a native of Paramus, N.J., has a competitive philosophy that runs parallel to the annual goals he sets for his teams. “I want our players to strive to reach their potentials and to enjoy their athletic endeavors,’’ he emphasized. “Winning will follow if those two elements are in place.’’

Life lessons learned from sports can be valuable and Iannone has some favorites. “It’s important to learn how to overcome adversity and to be resilient,’’ he noted. “Other key lessons are how to be supportive teammates and how to become effective leaders.’’

Girls’ basketball at Medway has been solid for the last 15 years and there’s little doubt that the current edition of the Mustangs will once again be a formidable force in the playoffs next month. 

There have been Final Four appearances and a Sectional title in Medway’s past. Maybe, just maybe, this could be the year of the Mustang.