Warriors Posted 17-6 Record Last Season

By Ken Hamwey
Staff Sports Writer

The players who participate in the girls basketball program at King Philip Regional know a thing or two about leaps and bounds and the significance of reaching new levels.

Last year’s 2024-25 squad began its season without nine seniors who had graduated. It was a young contingent that played the previous year on a .500 team. Not much was expected and there weren’t any targets on their backs.

Well, all coach Jeff Miszkiewicz’ Warriors did was finish their regular season at 15-5 and get to the Elite Eight in the State tourney where they lost to Bishop Feehan after defeating Lexington and Quincy. They managed to go 17-6 and had a No. 10 power ranking in Division 1.

Improving on those records and the ranking seems like a Herculean task for Miszkiewicz and his nine returnees. The fifth-year head coach, however, isn’t subscribing to that thinking and he remains optimistic about the new season that gets under way on Dec. 16 when KP hosts Mansfield.

“Our current group is more refined, more confident and more cohesive,’’ he emphasized. “A year ago, we had only two seniors and our starters were all underclassmen. We learned on the job and caught many teams by surprise. We were close-knit, we worked hard and the players did a fabulous job.’’

Miszkiewicz is acutely aware that his new team will have a bullseye on its back but he likes the variety of strengths his current team possesses.

“We’ve got experience, depth, high basketball IQs and athleticism,” he said. “The girls are very coachable, they promote team chemistry and they’re unselfish. Our court awareness is very good, we’re physical, can rebound, shoot and pass. And, we’ve got good senior leadership.’’

The 35-year-old Miszkiewicz and his players set three goals for the new season.

“We want to win the overall Hockomock League championship,’’ he noted. “We’re aiming to go to the Final Four, and we plan on limiting our turnovers and holding opponents to one shot on every possession. The players and I believe that our goals are all realistic.’’

KP’s roster has seven seniors, two juniors and two sophomores and the players personify many of the Warriors team strengths.

The trio of senior captains — guard Erin Berthiaume, center Shayne Dugan, and point guard Jessica Persky — display a blend of leadership qualities. “Erin leads by example and Shayne and Jessica are more vocal,’’ Miszkiewicz said. “All three are varsity veterans who also are very supportive.’’

An honorable-mention league all-star last year, Berthiaume was the team’s third-leading scorer (7-point average); Dugan was the No. 2 rebounder (6 per game); and Persky, who missed two-thirds of last season because of an ACL injury, will play next year for Skidmore College.

“Erin can score inside, mid-range and from the three-point arc,’’ Miszkiewicz noted. “A clutch shooter, she can take advantage of opportunities when our opponents focus on her teammates. She’s very good driving to the hoop. Shayne is 6-1 and able to rebound effectively and block shots. Very coachable, she’s a smart defender who gets good position. Jess, who was a starter as a sophomore, has solid play-making skills and she can drive and score inside.’’

Junior point guard Katie Stierer, who was a Hockomock League all-star as a sophomore, averaged 2.5 steals and 2.4 assists last year. “Katie is intense and very instinctive,’’ Miszkiewicz said. “A fine passer, she’s got good court vision and is an excellent on-ball defender. She’s got the ability to play in college.’’

Junior two-guard Tatum Morgan, also a league all-star, averaged 13.3 points and 3.1 rebounds last year. “Tatum is one of the best shooters in the state,’’ Miszkiewicz said. “She can shoot from anywhere and she puts pressure on opposing defenses. A good three-point shooter, she’s excellent at cutting and moving without the ball.’’

Senior Lauren Majer, who can play either forward position, possesses some key attributes. “Lauren is super athletic,’’ Miszkiewicz said. “She’s quick and has speed on the break. A very good offensive rebounder, she can score on second-efforts and put-backs.’’

Cheyenne Murray, a 5-foot-4 sophomore two-guard, was second in offensive rebounds as a freshman last year and averaged 2.3 steals a game. “Cheyenne can really jump, is very athletic and plays solid defense. She’s an electric player.’’

Seniors Maryna Yuzhda (5-11) and Teagan Carver (6-feet) will be assets in the front court. Yuzhda plays forward and Carver is a forward/center.

“Maryna is a good shooter who can also rebound and defend,’’ Miszkiewicz noted. “A college prospect, she took advantage of her playing-time opportunities. Teagan is a fine offensive player, is fast, and gets out quickly in transition. She provides depth up front.’’

Senior Ayla Ricci (guard-forward) and sophomore Annie McLeish (forward/center) are capable in their roles and can contribute when called on. “Ayla works hard, is a great shooter and has a high basketball IQ,’’ Miszkiewicz said. “Annie is a six-footer who’s very athletic, has a good work ethic and continues to improve her overall game.’’

Miszkiewicz will have little difficulty getting advice from his staff of five assistants. Justin Feinberg is a varsity aide and Brett Coderre will coach the jayvees and also assist Miszkiewicz. Volunteer aides include Grace Davis, Ellen Wagner and Chris Wilson. “They are a very cohesive and motivating group of assistants,’’ Miszkiewicz said.

When it comes to his philosophical approach, Miszkiewicz relies on a competitive style that focuses on winning, reaching one’s potential and having fun.

“Those situations are all related,’’ he said. “Reaching one’s potential leads to winning and winning creates enjoyment and fun. There also are life lessons the girls can learn from sports. The ones I hope they learn are how to overcome adversity, to be resilient, and to be good communicators, good leaders and good teammates.’’ 

A former combo guard at Cumberland High School in Rhode Island, Miszkiewicz graduated from the University of Rhode Island in 2013, getting degrees in English and Secondary Education. After a year of teaching at the middle-school level in Central Falls, he joined the faculty at LaSalle Academy in Providence where he’s taught English for the last 12 years.

Miszkiewicz coached LaSalle’s jayvees for two years and also served as a varsity assistant for two seasons. He also was jayvee coach and varsity assistant for two years at East Greenwich High. 

A very positive and optimistic coach, Miszkiewicz’ fifth year at KP’s helm could be very memorable. If there’s improvement on last year’s 17-6 record, the 2025-26 squad might join or surpass one of the top teams in the program’s history. Coach Tom Schmidt’s Warriors posted a 19-6 record for the 2002-03 season.

Jeff Miszkiewicz and his players know they’ll be challenged game after game, and opponents will save their best efforts for KP. The current squad, however, could alter the program’s history.

Time will tell, so let the games begin.