By KEN HAMWEY

Staff Sports Writer

The Millis High girls basketball program is worth emulating.

The Mohawks, who compete in Division 4, have compiled some amazing results and built a rich tradition during the last 17 years with coach Dave Fallon at the helm.

The 46-year-old Fallon has helped Millis qualify for the state tournament 16 times, missing out of a playoff invitation only once. His squads have won eight sectional titles, three state championships (2009, 2014, and 2015) and finished twice as runner-up (2016 and 2023). The Mohawks’ recent past has also been a model worth duplicating — two trips to the Final Four in their last two seasons.

Millis may be one of the smallest schools in the Tri Valley League but it stands tall in achievement. Fallon, who’s been teaching history at Millis High for 24 years, is humble when linked to his team’s success and quick to shine the spotlight on his dedicated players and the community.

“We’ve had success because I’ve been fortunate to have good players,’’ he emphasized. “They personify our core values. And let’s not forget our community. It’s invested in youth sports and the girls basketball program.’’

The values Fallon embraces are similar to the life lessons he hopes his players learn while they compete. “Those values include overcoming adversity, being resilient, disciplined, accountable and responsible,’’ he noted. “I also admire the way our players commit to a strong work ethic and how eager they are to be quality teammates and leaders. Our core values will define the present and the future.’’

Fallon’s athletic philosophy also is a key to the program’s strength and a formula for excellence. “I stress the importance of reaching their potential and emphasize that they should enjoy competitive challenges,’’ he said. “When those two elements occur, then winning is the by-product.’’

The 2025-26 edition of the Mohawks seems like it’ll be adding more lore to the program. Only two seniors graduated and Fallon has 10 returnees with varying degrees of experience. One of last year’s seniors, Lindsey Grattan, was a dynamic captain who could dominate. She averaged 11 points and 5 assists a game, was a two-time TVL all-star, and twice was the team MVP. Millis’ all-time assist leader, she finished her career with 729 points. 

“The returning players provide experience, depth, athleticism, high basketball IQs, and solid technical skills,’’ Fallon offered. “We’ve also got some size, our players are coachable and promote team chemistry.’’

All the assets Fallon listed will be crucial for the Mohawk girls to achieve the goals he discussed in pre-season workouts.

“We must develop team chemistry and build trust with one another,’’ he noted. “And we also want to be competitive in the TVL. Then, we want to qualify for the tourney, get to the Final Four again, and aim for a berth in the state final.’’

Fallon labels his goals as “realistic,’’ primarily because four of the returnees were starters on last year’s 16-8 team. They include tri-captains Grace Higgins, Lucy Miller and Ella Maher, plus Caroline Connors.

Higgins is a senior forward, Miller and Maher are junior guards, and Connors is a sophomore guard/forward.

“Grace is a two-year starter who’s a strong rebounder,’’ Fallon said. “She adds strength, can play inside and outside effectively, and leads by example and by being a positive communicator. Lucy averaged 10 points last year and she’s a strong driver and shooter who has great court vision. A TVL honorable mention choice last year, she’s a vocal leader who can be very motivating. 

“Ella averaged nine points last year. She’s a strong three-point shooter, a strong defender (has taken over 13 career charges), and typically takes the toughest defensive assignment. A TVL honorable-mention choice, she leads by example, always playing hard and with passion.’’

The 5-foot-9 Connors also was a TVL honorable-mention choice last year. “Caroline has an incredibly diverse skill set,’’ Fallon noted. “Able to play all five positions, she averaged 10 points and was our leading rebounder (7 per game). She got 3 assists a game and led the team with 2.3 steals a game. Her 17 blocks also led the squad.’’ 

Four key contributors will include junior forwards Sydney O’Toole, Gabby Herrlein, and Molly Rand, and junior guard Macy Ingraham. 

“Sydney is 5-9 and adds toughness and rebounding,’’ Fallon said. “She was hurt most of last year. Gabby is athletic, a slasher and a solid defensive player. She, too, was hurt most of last year. Molly is a good three-point shooter and a strong rebounder, and Macy is a tough defender who’s a sound player.’’ 

Two freshmen guards — Tessa McGhee and Peytan Barber — will provide depth after competing as jayvee players who were called up to the varsity. 

Fallon has three capable assistants who include jayvee coach/varsity aide Paul Geary plus Dale Maki and Steve Cassidy.

The Mohawks will open their season at Canton on Dec. 12. They will also host their third annual Millis Holiday Hoops Tournament on Dec. 29 and 30. The teams include Hopedale, Maynard, and Uxbridge.

Fallon, a native of Scituate, R.I., attended Mount St. Charles Academy where he played three varsity years of basketball. A captain and league all-star as a senior, he later earned a bachelor’s degree from Northeastern University and a master’s from Framingham State.

A well-respected coach, Fallon has a sign on the door of his office that puts an exclamation point on his core values and the important attributes he embraces. The sign says: “Play hard, play smart and play together.’’

As his 18th year as Mohawks head coach is about to begin, it’s obvious that Dave Fallon and the Millis girls basketball program have been a magnificent partnership.