By KEN HAMWEY

Staff Sports Writer

Shane Jackson has begun his third year as the boys’ basketball coach at Medway High and it’s not surprising that one of his goals for the 2024-25 season is to qualify for the state tournament.

The 41-year-old coach led the Mustangs to playoff appearances in his first two seasons but this time there’s a bit more emphasis on that objective.

“We’ve scheduled strong non-league teams, which will help in the power rankings,’’ Jackson said. “They include Burncoat of Worcester and either Milford or Walpole in Milford High’s Christmas tourney. Stoughton is another talented non-league foe. We also want to make the playoffs memorable for our players. We want to get a home game and make a run. Our staff wants the post-season to be a great athletic experience.’’

Jackson’s No. 1 goal, however, is to win the Tri Valley League Small Division championship, which would be the Mustangs’ second straight title. “Last year, we shared the crown with Dover-Sherborn,’’ Jackson noted. “It’ll be a challenge because Medfield is now in the division. D-S and Medfield are both traditionally strong programs.’’

The personable Jackson, who was a three-sport athlete at King Philip Regional, has one other goal that will be a key factor for his other objectives to be reached. “We want to keep our competitive ability consistent,’’ he emphasized.

All these goals are realistic because Medway, which lost eight seniors to graduation, has eight returnees, four of whom had significant playing time last year. Another reason for optimism is the Mustangs’ overall strengths. They are impressive.

“We’ve got depth, our basketball IQs are high, and we’re athletic,’’ Jackson said. “Our instincts are good, especially on defense, we’re cohesive and our skills and techniques are solid. Because we’re a guard-heavy team, we’ll have a presence on the perimeter.’’

The Mustangs also have the talent to employ Jackson’s on-court style. He prefers to apply pressure on the defensive end and he values an up-tempo offense, using speed as an advantage.

Medway’s captains personify many of the strengths Jackson noted and they lead in a variety of ways. They include seniors Brady Girard (power forward) and Matt Parlon (two-way guard), and juniors Jacob White (point guard) and Logan Keaney (two-way guard).

“Brady is a vocal leader who communicates well,’’ Jackson offered. “He’s got a great competitive edge, always giving 100 percent. He’s a good rebounder who finishes well and knows how to get open. Matt is composed at guard and he’s an elite shooter who can hit threes and get to the hoop. He leads by example.

“Jacob is our QB at point guard. He takes care of the ball and he passes and shoots effectively. Our No. 3 scorer (9-point average), he’s able to create space for himself. Logan played in only three games last year after he fractured a finger. He’s our best overall defender. He has lots of energy and competes hard. Logan is fearless and he puts in plenty of work to become more of an offensive threat.’’

Three seniors who’ll be counted on are Haven Miele (two-way guard), Colin Grimes (guard/forward), and Alex Menard (power forward).

“These players work hard to expand their roles,’’ Jackson said. “They’re looking to be prime contributors. Haven is a quality shooter who can also get to the rim and finish. Colin is a great shooter who’s got a high hoop IQ off the ball. And Alex is a strong rebounder who’s a factor on the defensive end.’’

Junior Christian Cautilli is a talented two-way guard. “An intense competitor, he’s an excellent passer who creates space and separation from defenders,’’ Jackson said. “He finds the open man and has very good court awareness.’’

Another junior guard, Grant Hetzel, is recovering from an injury and hopes to return this month. “Grant worked hard in the off-season and he’s a fierce competitor with all-around skills,’’ Jackson said.

 Other players Jackson believes can contribute are junior forward Tommy Stotz, sophomore forward Bennett Defoyd, and freshmen guards Elias Kell and Liam Keaney.“They’ve shown an ability to compete at the varsity level and we’re pleased with the work they’ve put in,’’ Jackson said.

Jackson’s staff has four capable assistants. They include Andrew Tiernan (freshmen), Ed Healey (jayvees), and varsity assistants Tim Corcoran and Jacob Citron. “They not only have an expansive knowledge of the game but are also excellent in building relationships,’’ Jackson said. “We also get lots of support from Athletic Director Jeff Parsells.’’

 A very capable athlete at King Philip, Jackson was a defensive end and a tight end in football, a forward in basketball and a defender in lacrosse. During his senior year, he was a captain in basketball and lacrosse and a Hockomock League all-star in lacrosse. Last year, he took the head coaching job on Medway’s boys’ lacrosse team.

A math teacher at Woodward Elementary in Milford, Jackson doesn’t have to be a mathematical wizard to know that his Mustangs have lots of plusses to make this season enjoyable and successful.

The journey to the tourney began on Dec. 13 when Medway matched up against high-powered Medfield. The Mustangs lost, 68-56, but their team chemistry and talent, nevertheless, should mesh and earn them a date in post-season play.