Connor Moroney, who’s in his first year as the boys’ basketball coach at Millis High, set three goals at the start of the season and he believes they’re not only realistic, but also very likely to be achieved. 

“We want to compete for the Tri Valley League Small Division championship, qualify for the state tournament and strive to improve from week to week,’’ said Moroney, who previously was an assistant coach for three seasons at Franklin High, which won the Division 1 state crown last year.

“Our goals are realistic because of a variety of team strengths,’’ Moroney offered. “We’ve got talent, experience (nine returnees), depth and a solid basketball IQ. Other plusses are we’re skilled, and we have a team-first attitude, a competitive nature, and capable leadership.’’

The Mohawks, who opened the season by defeating Northbridge, Bellingham and Norton, had a 4-5 record at Local Town Pages deadline. 

“The start of the season has been a valuable learning experience for our group,’’ Moroney said. “Our focus remains on improving every day, staying together, and continuing to build.’’

Although the Millis job is Moroney’s first as a varsity head coach, he’s acutely aware of the valuable training he got while working in Franklin for C.J. Neely. Moroney was Neely’s freshman coach during the 2022-23 season, then served as a varsity aide the last two years. 

The 28-year-old Moroney has incorporated three elements of Neely’s style and he’s sure they’ll be very helpful in reaching his objectives at Millis. 

“Coach Neely built positive relationships with his players, he cultivated a competitive environment every day and he strived to help his players reach their potential,’’ Moroney emphasized. “To be on the staff for the title run was an incredible experience. I’m grateful to have coached with C.J. who did everything in a positive way.’’ 

The Mohawks’ two captains — senior guard Sean Ryan and junior point guard Franco Barisano — personify a positive atmosphere, leading by example, communicating effectively and being supportive.

“Sean is poised, skilled on offense, can shoot the three and drive to the hoop,’’ Moroney said. “A talented all-around player, he relies on a high basketball IQ. Franco brings a competitive edge to the team. He also has a good hoop IQ, can score, has good instincts and is strong on the defensive end.’’

Senior Jason Fournier is a combo-guard who’s a key contributor. “Jason is a confident shooter who can drive and play off the ball,’’ Moroney noted. “Very athletic, he’s also a strong defender.’’

A pair of junior forwards handle the frontcourt duties. They include Harrison Loer (6-2) and Lincoln Hart (6-3).

“Harrison is a team-first player who can rebound and finish in the paint,’’ Moroney said. “A good athlete, he can run the floor and is a capable mid-range shooter. Lincoln is confident on offense and able to score in the paint. He’s a capable rebounder who knows how to get position.’’

Junior Hayden Leach is a combo guard who serves as the sixth man. “Hayden is competitive, has a good basketball IQ and a high motor,’’ Moroney noted. “Able to drive to the hoop, he’s an effective catch-and-shoot three-point shooter.’’

A tri of guards — juniors Thomas Grattan and Chad Saghbini, and sophomore Dillon FitzGerld — are athletic and work hard. “They’re eager to contribute, have team-first attitudes and are smart players,’’ Moroney said.

Juniors Owen Caulfield and Noah Ryan, and sophomore Nathan Sumner, provide frontcourt depth. “They’re also eager to contribute, they put the team first and are very instinctive,’’ Moroney added. 

Three assistants comprise Moroney’s staff and they include Rob Mosher (varsity aide), Anthony Manzello (jayvee coach), and Greg Dickerson (middle school coach). “They relate well to the players, are dedicated and we all work well together,’’ Moroney said.

Moroney’s background has close links to the Hockomock League, which is considered one of the top-notch conferences in the state. The Easton native played basketball and football at Oliver Ames and later was an assistant jayvee coach at Oliver Ames before joining the basketball staff at Franklin. He and his wife live in North Attleboro.

At Oliver Ames, Moroney was a league all-star in football, playing linebacker and running back. He also played point guard in basketball and was a captain in both sports his senior year. As a sophomore in football, he competed on a team that finished 10-1 and won the division title. As a junior in basketball, Oliver Ames won the Hockomock League’s Davenport Division crown

After graduation, Moroney enrolled at the University of New Hampshire where he majored in health and physical education. After he graduated in 2020, he was hired to teach physical education in the Norwood school system.

Moroney’s coaching philosophy aligns with Neely’s, focusing on reaching one’s potential and building strong relationships. “If our players can be the best version of themselves, then winning will be the by-product,’’ he said. “And, it’s important that they learn life lessons from athletics. Lessons like overcoming adversity, being resilient, being good teammates and leaders and willing to accept responsibility and to be accountable.’’

Last year, Millis finished with a 9-13 record and split two games in the playoffs. Moroney no doubt would like to improve on that and see his team continue to develop their skills and rely on good habits on both ends of the court.

“We’ve got a selfless group and hopefully that quality will make it difficult for opponents to defend us,’’ he said.

Millis’ players have bought into Moroney’s approach and the partnership no doubt will strengthen considerably by the time playoff basketball arrives.