The Frontier Regional boys basketball team has a shared vision. The Redhawks want to win at all costs. With a team that’s played a lot together, Frontier has all the tools to compete at a high level this season.
Scoring for the Redhawks begins with Max Millette, who is 66 points away from hitting the 1,000-point milestone.
“He’s our point guard,” Frontier coach Josh Morse said. “He’s been our leading scorer. We have a lot of returners. We’ll have some pretty seasoned guys.
Millette is a professional scorer whose shooting abilities were evident from a very young age playing for Frontier. The milestone is somewhere in the deep recesses of his brain, but Millette is not focusing on individual accolades.
“Obviously it’s on my mind but I am trying to keep it in the rearview mirror,” Millette said. “Trying to not think about it. Let it happen but just get the wins. That’s all I care about.”
Frontier has an excellent mix of experienced players and younger players who can contribute this season.
“We have a number of seniors,” Morse said. “But we have some really good players coming up. That’s good for us.”
Senior forward Alex Ellis likes the way the Redhawks are looking early in the preseason. Ellis is an aggressive player who can shoot for Frontier.
“The chemistry has been great so far,” Ellis said. “This same core group has been playing since the summer. Pretty consistently. We’ve been to the gym almost every day. This isn’t really anything new. We already feel we are already in season shape right now.”
Ellis would like to be considered for individual awards, but that is secondary to team goals.
“I want to just win,” Ellis said. “I think we have a good shot at winning Western Mass. Going far in the state tournament. That’s really what I want more than anything.”
The sizable Rowan Modestow will patrol the paint for the Redhawks. Modestow is a solid rebounder and defender. Frontier is making some changes to their offense this season.
“I am excited for the season,” Modestow said. “We are moving the ball more than ever. This is bringing us all together. The season is about winning. “
Last year’s squad finished 12-9 and lost to Assabet Valley Regional Tech in the Division 4 state tournament preliminary round.
Playing in the Hampshire North league, clashes with fellow Franklin County squads should be interesting all year for Frontier. Dean Gray is a young player who can contribute this year along with Landon Lavallee. Sophomore Ty Skroski could move into a starting role this season.
“We are going to play the guys that give us the best chance,” Morse said.
The Redhawks begin their season on the road against Ware on Thursday, Dec. 11.