By KEN HAMWEY

Staff Sports Writer

The Medway High girls’ basketball program is rock solid and much of the credit should go to Coach Joe Iannone.

Now in his 16th year at the helm, the 57-year-old Iannone has led the Mustangs to 13 tourney appearances in his previous 15 seasons and his squads have been to the Final Four three times. His formula for success is definitely linked to the goals he and his staff set.

“We stress to work hard and improve every day to maximize potential,’’ he said. “We also emphasize 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.’’

Qualifying for the tourney and going on a deep run are definitely part of the Mustangs’ goals. “We’ll strive to get to the Final Four again, but it will take complete focus, good health and a little luck,’’ Iannone said.

At Local Town Pages deadline, Medway had a 12-5 record and was No. 2 in the Division 3 power rankings. Last year, the Mustangs were ranked No. 3. Medway defeated Triton, Springfield International and Newburyport before bowing in the Final Four to Norwell.

“We’re very excited about participating in the state tournament once again,’’ Iannone said. “One of our team strengths is our versatility.  We can get offense in a variety of ways from many different players.  It’s always exciting to see who steps up each game.’’

Only two seniors graduated from last year’s squad that compiled a 19-5 overall record, and 10 of its players are on this year’s roster.

“Our other team strengths are experience, depth, athleticism and we’re very skilled,’’ Iannone said. “Our players are also flexible. The style we’ve relied on emphasizes an up-tempo offense, a defense that applies pressure when needed, and effective rebounding.’’

Medway’s three captains — seniors Olivia Melanson (point guard), Victoria Bullard (power forward) and junior Anna Freeman (center) — are supportive leaders who also can be vocal and lead by example. They also personify the team’s strengths. Freeman is the team’s top scorer and rebounder, averaging 11.8 points and 12.2 rebounds.

“Olivia works hard and always aims to improve,’’ Iannone noted. “She’s instinctive and quick and she’s a natural scorer, able to shoot threes and drive to the hoop. She’s the first to arrive to practice and the last to leave. 

“Victoria has a high basketball IQ, is versatile, shooting either threes or powering inside, and she often watches film to improve. She has the qualities to be a coach someday. Anna is a 6-foot-1 center who gets lots of double-doubles. She had 12 rebounds in the first half against Medfield. A strong finisher at the rim, she’s instinctive and gets good position.’’

Two guards — junior Regan Longval and freshman Alessandra Cautilli — are major contributors.

“Regan can also play forward,’’ Iannone said. “She’s our most complete player on offense and defense. She’s a good shooter who can get to the hoop and she’s a steady free-throw shooter. Her motor never stops and she’s assigned to guard our opponents’ top player. Allessandra has been a big surprise. A tremendous athlete, she handles the ball well and shoots effectively. She’s strong going to the hoop and has great confidence.’’

Six-foot sophomore forward Maeve Kelly and senior forward Katie Anderson bring a variety of assets to the table.

“Maeve is smart and steady,’’ Iannone said. “She’s improving on offense and is one of our better offensive rebounders. On defense, she gets her share of steals and deflections. A second-year player, Katie is physical and has a positive attitude. One of our most improved players, she’s extended her shooting range to the three-point arc.’’

Bella and Ava Cortis are triplets, both play forward and are juniors.

“Bella is 5-10, provides energy, and is super active on defense,’’ Iannone noted. “She’s also very good in transition. Ava has a high hoop IQ and understands all the defensive concepts. On offense, she continues to improve her shot.’’

Junior guard Eva Miranda has been labeled “the energizer bunny’’ by her coach. “She competes at a high energy level and is vocal on the bench and at practice,’’ said Iannone. “That effort has earned her more playing time. Eva, along with Katie Anderson, serve an added role as members of the team’s leadership council.’’

Two players who continue to improve are sophomore guard Brooke Parlon and freshman guard Sophia Nielsen.

“Brooke is in her second year of varsity play,’’ Iannone said. “She’s a tremendous shooter whose efforts on defense have improved greatly. Sophia is a strong competitor who can also play forward. She gets to the hoop and can shoot with either hand. She’s improved her shooting every day.’’

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

A native of Paramus, N.J., Iannone has a competitive philosophy that’s linked to the goals he sets. “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 to be supportive teammates and to become effective leaders.’’ 

The Mustangs are gearing up for another tourney appearance that very likely could be a lengthy journey. They’re a contingent that knows the value of teamwork and commitment. Desire, dedication and devotion to the task make the Mustangs a difficult matchup for any playoff opponent.