Beavers coming together under new head coach

By Chris Villani

First-year Blackstone Valley Tech girls’ basketball coach Jacob Ramos knew there would be a transition period when he took over the program, but he said the Beavers are starting to come together, as January came to a close.

“We are turning things around and a lot of it is just us gelling,” Ramos said. “We are playing with each other and understanding the standards that I bring with me as a coach and getting everybody on board with the system I brought with me.”

Denary Kirby #10 is one of the Beavers’ top scorers this season. Photo credit Sage Hurteau

Prior to taking over at BVT, Ramos, a BVT graduate, spent the past several years working at Nipmuc as a varsity assistant coach and most recently as the head coach of the JV boys’ basketball team. He said he is enjoying his new gig.

“It’s been great,” Ramos said. “Being a former student here at BVT, I am very familiar with a lot of the programs we play. Adapting to the varsity level has been a transition but, at the same time, I have been able to go through it a little easier.”

Good players have also helped ease the transition. Danika Kirby and Syla Jack provide a strong one-two scoring punch for Valley Tech and Jack brings the added benefit of being what her coach described as a “steal machine” on defense.

“They have both been playing well and they can really fill up the score sheet,” Ramos said.

In the past, Mara Keane has been solid on offense and, Ramos said, provided a crucial boost in rebounding. BVT has also had some players contribute in unsung ways. Ramos said, Ella Rogozenksi “has been contributing in every way, shape, and form.”

“She is willing to guard the other team’s best big, she is willing to play defense, she is willing to play defense, rebound, communicate,” the coach said. “She is willing to do all of the glue things to hold the team together.”

Pyper Bourre is another unsung hero for the Beavers.

“Her persistent dedication to the team and leadership qualities help bring us together,” Ramos said.

He added that guard Maya Lorion “has been providing a great spark offensively and defensively for us this season.” 

Ramos said the progression of his team this winter has been exciting to watch. They have set some lofty goals, including getting to the new girls’ division of the Clark Tournament as well as advancing in both the Central Mass. and MIAA tournaments.

“In the beginning of the season, it was learning how to play with one another and not so much about Xs and Os,” Ramos said. “But, towards the playoffs, it’s all about execution and playing in close games. We are learning how to win in those tough situations.”