By Chris Villani

The Milford High girls’ basketball team did not have to wait long this season to face some tough tests. The Scarlet Hawks, playing under new head coach Austin Costa, took on three teams that posted a combined record of 59-7 the year before. 

“It was a doozy of a first week for us, but we bounced back from that,” Costa said.

Milford scored a couple of wins early in the year in what Costa hopes will set the stage for a strong season.

“We are definitely trying to become a little more competitive in the Hockomock League,” Costa said. “Looking at the scores last year, we want to keep the game a little bit closer against some of those powerhouse teams and start closing things out against the teams that are comparable to us.”

Senior Khatrina Leger has been a leading scorer for MHS through the early part of the season, including a 14-point, 15-rebound effort against Sharon. Fellow seniors Erin Michelson and Maeve Driscoll have also provided strong leadership. Driscoll downed a three pointer at the buzzer to send Milford to overtime in an early game against Grafton.

“That was an exciting moment for the team,” Costa said. 

The coach described Michelson as a “poised leader.”

“She gets us into the offense, she slows the game down, and she is always doing the right thing,” Costa said.

T.J. Downing is a strong perimeter player for the Scarlet Hawks and will be counted on to drain big shots. Katelyn Kearnan is one of Milford’s top defensive players and among its most versatile.

“She always covers the other team’s best player,” Costa said. “And she can play the two through the five, depending on the matchups and what we need that day.”

Costa said the Hawks are hoping to play in transition this season and get up and down the floor quickly.

“We want to get some organized chaos out there,” he said. “I think it’s less so about my personal style and what fits with the girls that we have. This team is long, athletic, and they can give teams some problems.”

Costa said he wants to see his team continue to play with confidence and shoot the ball when it gets the opportunity. 

“That should put us in a position to compete for the playoffs,” Costa said.