Solving the puzzle: Four reasons why Narragansett girls basketball is rolling
With its its fourth consecutive win to improve to 4-2, the Narragansett Regional girls basketball team has gotten off to a strong start.
The team now sits at third in the Mid Wach D league, behind undefeated Gardner and a 5-1 West Boylston.
Even early, it is evident that the Warriors have put some of the major pieces together. These are the four things that have helped Narragansett get four wins in a row.
Active defense
In their latest game against Sizer on Wednesday, the Warriors came out with a full-court press and later dropped into a 3-2 zone to hold their opponent in a 61-25 win
Their active and aggressive defensive strategy resulted in turnovers and steals in favor of the blue and white.
"We have a pretty good athletic group and we've also got length, and the length is what's helping us," Narragansett coach Mickey Kirby said. "We have to use our hands more -- not reaching, but length-wise our presses our working that way."
Strength in numbers
With just two seniors, Narragansett has a big underclass making up the team. This group of younger players gives great depth and enhances the game through their ability to perform along with the few older leaders of the team.
Kaelyn Cote is a freshman starter for the Warriors, taking on the role of guard as if she was a seasoned veteran. Comfortable taking control and running the offense, Cote has been able to become a leader despite her status as a freshman.
Along with Cote is fellow freshman Brooke Haddocks, who scored 10 points against Sizer.
Juniors Brielle Haddocks, Amanda Iannacone and Alaina Gallagher round out some of the key contributors.
Excelling in effort
Something obvious about the team is that they are determined to work hard constantly. In a game, it can be seen in the way they dive for every loose ball, defend until there is no where else to go, and continue to get offensive rebounds until the shot is finally made.
Narragansett coach Mickey Kirby explained that the effort never lacks in practice either, and he can see how much the girls want it.
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"I told them from day one, 'if you want playing time when you go out there make it so I won't take you out,' and they are going in with that mentality," Kirby said.
The starters put in maximum effort, and when the subs come in they do just the same to keep a continuous rotation of speed and power on the court.
A combination of scoring threats
With Cote, Brielle and Brooke Haddocks, Iannacone, Gallagher and the addition of a few more like Madeline Habel and Lily Celata, Narragansett has an array of scoring threats.
The Haddocks sisters and Iannacone work off one another in the paint and down low, creating space for buckets there.
"Brielle on the wing, there isn't going to be someone, I don't think, that can cover her, because she's just that tall of a girl and she's got good ball-handling skills," Kirby said.
Cote and Celata play the guard and can both shoot while taking lanes to drive.
Gallagher and Habel similarly are able to make opportunities all around the court.
"When we move the ball, and it's when we move the ball, we could be dangerous. We can't stand still, we have to keep moving and not get complacent," Kirby said.
This article originally appeared on Gardner News: Narragansett Regional girls basketball is rolling
