Braintree High’s Girls Basketball Program just hired a new Freshman and JV coach, adding two new members to their coaching staff.
“The head coach came to me in October and said she had heard that I had played basketball in high school, and was interested in coaching” says Lauren Sanuik current Freshmen Girls Basketball coach.
Ms. Sanuik was hired to be Braintree Highs freshman girls basketball coach for the 2024-2025 season.
“Ms Sanuik has been a real help with leading our team and teaching us new plays,” says Irelynn Fennessy current Freshman Girls Basketball player.
Ms. Sanuik has been learning new drills to help the girls meet their goals and get better.
“I played basketball when I was in high school, I was captain of my team” says Sanuik. Ms. Saniuk has experience playing and coaching.
She understands the players perspective and knows how hard it is to be a student athlete.
“I’ve learned you need to adapt to new things” says Sadie Riley Freshman Girls Basketball player.
For many of the freshmen in past years they have played on the Braintree Youth teams. This year it is a new group of girls from different parts of the town that have come together as one team.
“I love the team and everyone on it. We are all already friends” says Riley.
Playing on a new team can be very challenging and nerve wracking, but the freshmen seem to be adjusting well.
“We got a good group of girls, they’re working really hard,” Says Sanuik.
The players on the freshman team understand that winning isn’t going to be easy and they must put in lots of time and effort.
“ I have been playing since elementary school and still play to this day” says Robert Mckinnies current Jv Girls Basketball coach.
Mr. Mckinnies has been playing basketball for many years and has lots of experience. Mr. Mckinnies played basketball in high school, so he was once in his players shoes.
“Something I’ve learned from playing basketball this season is that even if it is not your favorite sport, just have fun with it” says Zoe Baxter, Jv Girls Basketball player.
Zoe has played basketball since she was a little kid and her love for the sport has grown. She now realizes that the game isn’t all about winning, it’s also about having fun.
“I used to coach them back in 2010-2015” says Mckinnies.
Not only does Mr. Mckinnies have experience with being a high school student athlete, he also has coaching experience.
“I’ve learned a lot already just at the beginning of the season like new offenses. I hope to use them during the rest of this season” says Rylee Chipman Jv Girls Basketball player.
Rylee is already learning new plays and strategies to help her and her teammates improve.
“I’ve been impressed so far, we have 5 sophomores and 4 freshmen. They look pretty strong so far” says Mckinnies.
Both the Girls Freshman team and JV team are looking strong this year. They have all been putting in the time and work to get better and will continue to for the rest of the season.
