By Chris Villani

Sports Writer

Over the past couple of seasons, Milford High head girls’ basketball coach T.J. Dolliver has had to rely on some of his younger players to lead the way. But this year, those younger Scarlet Hawks are now in their junior or senior seasons, and Dolliver said the experience will aid the team’s success this winter.

“I have a good group of kids; the girls are great and I have a mix of all ages,” Dolliver said. “My two senior captains have been on varsity for four years. We definitely have experience, and experience can take you a long way.”

Emily Croteau and Brook Ferreira anchor the Hawks as team captains this winter.

“They bring a lot of experience and a lot of leadership,” Dolliver said. “They are great kids and they do a great job as captains in helping the younger girls on the team.”

Junior Erin Michelson played a big role last season, and is playing an even bigger one this year. Dolliver said he noticed from an early point in the season that she had worked hard during the offseason and came in stronger and improved in all facets of her game. She proved him right with double-digit scoring performances early in the schedule.

“She does a lot,” the coach said. “She is very versatile.”

The Scarlet Hawks do not have a lot of height on the roster, but senior forward Aliza Syed is the exception. At 5-foot-10, she is the tallest player on the team, and Dolliver said she is primed to have a good senior year and be an impact player. Milford is also seeing contributions from junior guard Maeve Driscoll.

“She played off the bench last year but she is a starter this year,” Dolliver said. “She does a lot of good things on the wing, she plays good defense, and she is always in the right spots on the court. She is also a competitor. Day-in and day-out in practice, she is focused and ready to compete and she gets better every day because of that attitude.”

Sisters Olivia Baglione, a sophomore, and Ava Baglione, a freshman, are two more rotation players for Milford. Dolliver praised their work ethic and their desire to get better and help the team win.

Dolliver is hoping the mix of experience and skilled younger players helps the Scarlet Hawks get back to the postseason for the first time since 2018. Back then, 10 wins was enough to qualify for the tournament. It is unclear how many victories it will take this year due to the new statewide tournament and the ratings system that factors in strength of schedule — something that should play to the Hawks’ advantage given their position in the ultra competitive Hockomock League.

“I think we can get there this year, but we are going to have to get better on a daily basis and grind out some close games,” Dolliver said. “If we do things the right way and follow our principles offensively and defensively, I think we have a pretty high ceiling this year.”