LYNN — St. Mary’s senior Derick Coulanges is a two-sport athlete, one who has won a state title in both of his respective sports. Known for his ball-hawking skills in football and lockdown defense in basketball, Coulanges makes life difficult for the opposition – no matter the season.
That said, what goes into being a defensive star? Well, it starts in the offseason. Coulanges has a particular drill that helps him stay in front of his opponent in both basketball and football.
“During the summer, I do this movement drill where I line up cones in a tight circle and I try to run around it,” Coulanges said. “It’s a lot more difficult than it sounds.”
“When I’m defending people, some kids are stronger than me, but I don’t let their momentum and strength push me off,” Coulanges said. “I usually stay attached to the offensive opponent and keep the least amount of distance as possible.”
The offseason work helped Coulanges, who finished the football season with 53 tackles. He also showed his offensive skills by rushing for more than 1,200 yards.
When asked about his football mindset, Coulanges referenced how basketball helped.
“I have guarded many tough players who are Division I basketball players,” Coulanges said. “I’m thinking, ‘if I’m staying in front of people as fast and as shifty as these Division I players, I should be able to stay in front of anyone.’”
St. Mary’s football coach Sean Driscoll called Coulanges “one of my favorite players of all-time,” also adding he “was the oil that made the engine run.”
After helping the Spartans win the state championship in football, Coulanges had to quickly turn his attention to basketball.
“It was actually very tough,” Coulanges said. “I think I literally only had one day off. It was hard at the start of the basketball season. Most of the teams we played had been practicing for weeks, and I’m just recovering from the football season.”
Coulanges was named Defensive Player of the Year for the Spartans’ basketball team, and head coach David Brown often puts Coulanges on the other team’s best player.
“Derick is one of our main defenders,” Brown said. “It doesn’t matter if the guy is a guard or a big man, we trust him in that position… he’s done a tremendous job this season and he’s been thriving lately.” Brown said.
The Spartans will need Coulanges and his defensive skill-set if they want to repeat as state champions. Coulanges and the rest of the Spartans take on Tech Boston at Salem State with tip-off scheduled for 1 p.m. on Saturday.
