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By Michael Flanagan
Hometown Weekly Sports Editor
Needham High boys basketball was the talk of not only the town, but a large portion of the state last winter following an incredible to run to a South Sectional title, backboned by star guard and Brown commit Thomas Shaughnessy.
The Rockets’ season ended with a tough loss to eventual Division I champs Cambridge Rindge and Latin in the state semifinals, but the success didn’t stop there for the Rockets, as Shaughnessy was named to the Boston Globe and Boston Herald’s respective All-Scholastic teams, as well as earning the honors of Bay State Conference Carey MVP.
Now, Shaughnessy returns for his senior season and will look to help Needham defend its South Sectional title - and maybe make another long playoff run and take care of some unfinished business.
Head coach Paul Liner praised his team for the amazing effort they gave last winter, but acknowledged that the Rockets have a lot of work ahead of them if they want to repeat that same success this winter on the hardwood.
“Last year was an amazing journey for the players, coaches, and families,” said Liner. “This year’s team has high expectations for success. The journey this year starts with developing our own identity. To achieve our goals, our players obviously have to work hard to win every practice, we have to play with a ‘we over me’ mindset, and we need to embrace focusing on the little things that are needed in order to be successful.”
Shaughnessy, along with his two fellow co-captains, Brandon Monheimer and Adam Freundlich, already have the team in the right mindset heading into the season, according to Liner.
“The captains this year are Thomas, Brandon, and Adam,” said Liner. “We expect all of our seniors to be leaders of this team on and off the court. They are all great role models for our program and the community.”
When it comes to replacing key departures from last season’s South champion team such as Matthew Shaker, Liner says that the team will turn to its veterans, but also expects several young up-and-comers to provide significant contributions.
“Thomas [Shaughnessy] had an outstanding season last year,” said Liner. “He plays with tireless energy, leadership, attention to detail, and always holds the will to win. Brandon [Monheimer] also had an outstanding junior season and was selected as a Bay State Conference All-Star. We will look to Will Cooper to continue his outstanding play from the MIAA tournament last year. Michael Klemm will provide outstanding defense while Jack Cruickshank and Matthew Smith are both experienced post players. Guard Adam Freundlich will provide scoring, and sophomore Will Dorion is a talented shooting guard.”
At the time of print, the Rockets will tip off their regular season on December 12 at St. John’s Prep before opening up conference play at rival Walpole on December 15.
For funny and incisive sports analysis, follow Mike Flanagan on his personal Twitter at @fLAno0, or read his blog atwww.flannylive.wordpress.com.
