It’s a whole new game for English girls basketball

Stepping into a head coaching position with a wagonload of proven talent wouldn’t be the worst thing in the world, but new English High girls basketball coach Rachael Bradley is just fine taking a leap into the unknown.Bradley took over for Fred Hogan after the 2013-2014 season. Although she has a few players returning from last year’s team that finished 25-1 and reached the Division 1 Eastern Mass final, only one was a starter.?As a coach, there’s no better way to come into a program,” Bradley said. “I’m able to build it from the bottom up. I’m really excited about the challenge.”Bradley may be new to the head coaching ranks, but she’s not new to coaching or to the English program. She was an assist at English for six years.?It’s exciting for me to be able to step into a program where players can see what hard work and dedication will bring you,” Bradley said.Bradley played basketball at St. Mary’s, graduating in 2003 after winning a Division 4 state title in 2002. She went on to play at Endicott College, where she earned her degree in nursing. She currently works as a school nurse at Callahan Elementary School.Bradley will have some serious firepower to replace with the graduation of the “fab four.” Catherine Stinson, a two-time Northeastern Conference North MVP and 1,000-point scorer, is now playing for Southern New Hampshire University. Diondra Woumn, also a 1,000-point scorer, is now playing for Franklin Pierce University. Deidra Newson, who averaged 13.7 points and 12 rebounds per game, is attending Roxbury Community College and Mikayla Everette is at Salem State University, but neither is playing basketball. The lone returning starter from last year’s team is 5-feet-7 senior guard Sam Holey.?Sam’s energy on defense is where she thrives the most,” Bradley said. “I’m looking for her to be our leader as a senior. I look for her for her ability to make a play on defense and get us back in ? she’s a hard-nosed kid who will run through a wall for you.”Bradley has plenty of players with varying degrees of experience looking to step into more prominent roles this year, including 5-feet-1 point guard Kosama Chhay. Now a sophomore, Chhay had a limited role with the varsity last year. Sophomore Rachel Calnan is expected to play forward.?(Calnan) helps settle down the offense. She has a high basketball IQ. She’s able to run plays and rebound. She’s tough under the hoop,” Bradley said.Waleska Muriel, a transfer in from KIPP Academy, should help the Bulldogs at guard.?She’s a quick guard and a tenacious defender,” said Bradley, while noting Muriel?s skills on the fast break.Other players looking to crack the lineup are Taylor Sullivan and 6-feet-1 Regina Ngelau. Sullivan was a forward on varsity last year while Ngelau moved up from junior varsity midseason.?They’ll be good additions this year,” Bradley said. “They’ll see more playing time.”Bradley is also watching several freshmen, including guard Tommi Hill, who shoots the ball well, and Dorothy Ezemba, who is a force in the paint with her tenacious rebounding. Freshman Sheyla Manon has been performing well, while senior Nairobis Rodriguez, who played varsity last year and often came off the bench to provide a defensive spark, could get some playing time.Bradley is still evaluating her players, so the list is fluid.?I’m excited and honored to take over this program,” Bradley said, adding that coaching in a program as successful as English’s has been has helped her know what it takes to get to a high level.?I had great people around me,” she said. “I had a great group of players who know what it is to be an English basketball player.”English gets started Dec. 13 against Bishop Fenwick in the 22nd Annual Paul Duchane Girls Basketball Jamboree at Classical High. Game time is 5:50 p.m.