By KEN HAMWEY

Staff Sports Writer

Coach Paul Adams has guided the Millis boys’ basketball team to 10 consecutive playoff berths and it seems likely that No. 11 will arrive soon — in spite of a slow start.

The Mohawks were 3-4 and ranked No. 18 in Division 4 at Local Town Pages’ deadline. The top 32 teams are awarded invitations.

Five seniors graduated from last year’s squad which finished at 9-11 and split a pair of games in the tournament. But Millis has seven players who’ve returned and that group has a variety of strengths.

Experience and depth might not be considered as assets on a 13-man roster that has three seniors, two juniors, and eight sophomores, but they are. Seven of the 13 players have AAU experience.

“We’ve got some work to do but we’re starting to jell, and our team chemistry has improved,’’ Adams said. “We can go nine deep and although we’re still young, we’ve got talent. Our kids are very coachable, well-skilled and athletic. Other strengths include a high basketball IQ, solid team chemistry and good instincts.’’

The goals Adams listed at the start of the season were to qualify for the playoffs, compete for the Tri Valley League Small Division title, and to play at a high level in practice and games. 

“Our objectives are realistic,’’ said the 55-year-old Adams who previously was the Mohawks’ girls’ coach for 10 years. “We’ve got the talent and ability to take the next step. That step includes the division title and a deep run in the tourney. We’ve lost three games in the division, but we can still make a run for that title.’’

Three players in key roles for the Mohawks are the captains — senior Andrew Fiala (center), junior Sean Ryan (forward), and sophomore Franco Barisano (point guard).

“Andrew is tall (6-4) so he provides rebounding and a defensive presence,’’ Adams offered. “A three-year veteran, he can do it all — score, pass, and rebound. He works hard, is coachable, has a high hoop IQ and is always in the right position. He leads by example.’’

Ryan, a 6-foot quick forward, averaged 10 points a game last year and at Local Town Pages’ deadline, he was averaging 14 points and five rebounds this season. “Ryan, who also leads by example, is a great shooter who can hit threes,’’ Adams said. “He’s also a good mid-range shooter. A capable rebounder who’s strong and physical, he drives to the hoop effectively.’’

As a freshman last year, Barisano averaged nine points and six assists at the point. “Franco is a vocal leader who’s an all-around player,’’ Adams emphasized. “A good passer who can also shoot threes, he’s a very instinctive player who makes everyone better.’’

Sophomores aren’t often viewed as focal points on an experienced team but 6-foot-4 forward Jack Carter, who was chosen as a TVL all-star as a freshman, is a key cog for the Mohawks. He averaged 15 points and 10 rebounds last year. Through seven games this season he’s averaging 20 points and 12 rebounds.

“Jack is a big-time competitor,’’ Adams said. “He’s a really good athlete who does it all. He can rebound, shoot threes, pass, and slash and drive to the hoop.’’

Two seniors who effectively contribute are off-guard Nick Hohman and power forward Henry Kiggen.

“Nick is athletic, runs the floor well and defends tenaciously,’’ Adams noted. “He’s a key when we press because of his quick hands. Henry is 6-1 and he fits in nicely with our overall style of up-tempo offense and pressure defense. He runs the floor well, is a hard worker and he hustles all the time.’’

Junior Jason Fornier is a versatile 5-foot-8 guard who is physically strong and very athletic. “Jason might be our most athletic player,’’ Adams said. “He can jump, he’s quick and he’s got great instincts and court awareness. He’s improved his game and we use him as our backup point guard.’’

Sophomore Liam Kraby, Millis’ quarterback in football, is a very athletic, 5-foot-10 forward. “Liam is a good athlete who can shoot threes and rebound,’’ Adams said. “He’s tough and strong and can definitely develop into our defensive stopper.’’

A native of Millis, Adams is pleased with his staff of assistants. His jayvee coach is Dan Donovan and his middle-school coach is Sagar Desai. His varsity assistants include Paul Zonfrelli, Kevin Laduke and Mark Maguire. “They’re all dedicated to the kids and the program and they’re all well-respected,’’ Adams said.

A Millis police officer for almost 33 years, Adams retired three years ago but continues to operate his landscaping business. Coaching, however, is a passion that he’s devoted to.

“My philosophy of coaching is all about working hard to become a strong competitor,’’ he said. “I want our players to reach their potential and have fun in whatever sport they play. If those two things occur, then winning likely will follow.’’

Valuable life lessons so often are learned in sports venues and Adams is acutely aware of that. “I rate overcoming adversity as a great takeaway from sports,’’ he emphasized. “When an athlete conquers an adverse situation, what comes next is resiliency. Both are great lessons to be learned through athletics. Other key lessons are how to become strong leaders and good teammates, and to always hold yourself accountable.’’  

Before a tourney date is solidified, the Mohawks are focused on trying to win the school’s first TVL Small Division championship. 

“Dover-Sherborn is the defending champ and remains a traditionally strong program,’’ Adams offered. “Norton has talent and its team chemistry is always good. And Medway is a consistent team. It’s a balanced division and no team can be taken lightly.’’

Both Adams and his Millis players know that talent and experience are key attributes for success. If his squad is going to take what he calls “the next step,” then those two ingredients must surface at all times and be sustainable.