By KEN HAMWEY

Staff Sports Writer

Rebuilding is a word that’s rarely used to describe a girls basketball season at Millis High. 

After all, the Mohawks have won three state championships, finished as state runners-up twice, captured eight district titles, and qualified for 15 playoff berths during coach Dave Fallon’s 16 years on the job.

 

The 2024-25 campaign, however, seems like it’s ripe for a rebuild. Five seniors have graduated from last year’s squad that advanced to the Final Four, and three of them were starters. This year’s contingent has only two seniors, one junior and a plethora of sophomores.

Senior captain Lindsey Grattan, the only returning starter, knows the Mohawks are young and inexperienced but her goals for this year’s squad are admirable and don’t take rebuilding into consideration.

“We want to qualify for the tourney and advance as far as possible,’’ said the 5-foot-4 point guard. “We also want to improve every day and battle for the Tri Valley League Small Division title.’’

Grattan, who also was a captain in soccer, firmly believes that any thoughts about rebuilding will vanish as the season moves along. 

“Yes, we’re young and we’ve got a lot of sophomores,’’ she said. “But, three of our sophomores got playing time last year. Our younger players are talented, coachable and want to live up to the tradition of the program. I’m optimistic that our transition from a young team to one with experience will be smooth.’’ 

Last year, Grattan ran the offense and directed the team to a 15-7 regular season record and a No. 4 seed in the Division 4 tourney. The Mohawks got to the Final Four where they lost to Cathedral of Boston, the eventual state champ.

Fallon knows he’ll be leaning on Grattan again — especially to encourage and support her younger teammates. She averaged 10.5 points last year and tallied 4.6 assists and 3.1 steals per game. A TVL all-star as a junior, Grattan’s strengths include an instinctive nature, a high basketball IQ, great athleticism and a dynamic skill set.

“Lindsey is an outstanding point guard,’’ Fallon said. “Her speed, intelligence, passing and shooting range make her a very dangerous player. She’s also a well-rounded student-athlete who’s been an integral player for the softball and soccer teams.  A National Honor Society student, she’s also the co-president of the Mohawk Council, a student-run group dedicated to studying Indigenous history and culture.’’

Grattan started playing basketball at the age of six and has always been a point guard. 

“I like playing the point because it’s where key decisions are made,’’ she noted. “You’re like a quarterback. I like passing and searching out open teammates. I’ll shoot when there’s room but driving to the hoop for a lay-up is my first option.’’

Her 3.1 steals average is a testament to her defensive ability. “I’ll go for a steal often,’’ she said. “I enjoy disrupting an offense.’’

Grattan, a captain who leads by example and by being supportive and communicative,  will share the leadership role with senior forward Abby Wallace and junior forward/center Grace Higgins. The trio of captains is a good mix.

“Abby is a vocal leader who’s energetic and positive,’’ said Grattan, “and she’s very effective on defense. Grace can rebound, block shots and get points in the paint. She leads by example and by being positive and vocal.’’

The 17-year-old Grattan is a four-year varsity veteran who credits her coach for much of Millis’ success. “Coach Fallon is a superb motivator and a very good strategist,’’ she noted. “He’s also very encouraging and cares about his players.’’

A native of Millis, Grattan rates a game as a sophomore as her best.

“We were facing Hoosac Valley in the Final Four,’’ she said. “I sank 10 free throws in the final quarter and we beat them, 54-47, to advance to the state final where we lost to Springfield International. I finished with 20 points and got my share of assists and steals. I was pleased with the way I handled the pressure at the free-throw line.’’

Her most thrilling moment on the court occurred in a loss. Grattan said that even though Millis lost to Springfield International in the state final, “It was a great learning experience and it was exciting.’’

An elite-eight tourney victory last year over Littleton also rates as a thrilling encounter. “We trailed, 11-0, at the start but we bounced back at home and won 42-38,’’ she recalled. “That win enabled us to advance against Cathedral in the Final Four where we got beat. Against Littleton, we all played solid defense and worked together for a great come-from-behind win.’’

A 3.83 GPA also makes Grattan an academic all-star. She plans on majoring in early childhood education and is considering colleges like Salve Regina University and Endicott College.

Relying on a competitive philosophy that combines winning, reaching one’s potential and having fun, Grattan says: “The most important is reaching your potential. When that occurs within a team, then winning follows and winning leads to enjoyment.’’

Life lessons can be learned in athletics and Grattan says she’s learned some valuable ones. “I’ve learned how to overcome adversity and to be resilient, to be a good leader, to build relationships and how to manage your time,’’ she noted.

Calling her father (Michael), who coached her in grades 1-8, her role model, Grattan has been a consistent three-sport athlete. She was a striker and midfielder in soccer and played shortstop, first base and the outfield in softball.

When basketball season ends, Grattan’s athletic career at Millis will also end because she won’t be competing in softball. 

“I just want to focus on the end of the school year and what’s ahead,’’ she said. “My last basketball game in a Millis uniform will be sad,’’ Grattan emphasized. “There’s been many memorable and rewarding moments. It will be bittersweet leaving Millis High but I’m excited about a new chapter in college.’’

Grattan is adept at dealing with change and challenges. She knows there’ll be pressure this season to keep the girls’ team in the spotlight. She isn’t buying that her last year of interscholastic basketball will be a rebuilding venture.

When the season opens on Dec. 13 at Dover-Sherborn, she’ll be putting her faith in her teammates, her coach and a program that’s all about class, character and charisma.