KIPP’s girls basketball team is under new direction this year with Mike McCarthy in charge, and he’s already started to make an impact.

It’s his first varsity coaching job, too. 

“Last year, I was the boys JV coach at Manchester-Essex,” he said. “I was just trying to move up. I’m always trying to seek other opportunities and I think with any advancement in life, I think interviewing for things is also good for experience.” 

He applied for the KIPP job in the spring, but it was put on hold.

“Then, in September, they called back,” he said. “I liked how they were also trying to rebuild the culture here and I thought it would be a good idea for me to be there as I’m also new and we can build together. It was a good opportunity for me.”

Talk about seeing results. Last season, the Panthers went 1-19. This year, they have four wins already. 

But if you ask McCarthy, the credit goes to the players on the hardwood.

“Most of it is just the girls. I feel, as a coach, you can come in and present the plan, but ultimately the coach doesn’t play in the game,” he said. “The girls put the work in and get out there and execute… They have been a great group to work with and develop. Putting those tools on the court, they’re seeing rewards for it.” 

Joining Athletic Director Anthony Grimaldi and multi-sport coach Jim Rabbitt, among others, McCarthy hopes to help build a culture at the high school.

“We’re trying to build a culture of one. We’re teaching basic high school sports things like responsibility, being on time, making sure they know the priority is school, and being a good student. Sports are just something extra that you get if you perform well,” McCarthy said. “We just want them to compete to be who they are.”

As for expectations, McCarthy says, “I’m a simple guy.”

“I want them to show up and work hard,” he said. “If you choose to commit to something – whatever that thing is in life – you should show up and give your best every day. You chose to play. Show up and compete and play hard.” 

As for the game itself, the Panthers have a talented backcourt, one in which McCarthy praised as being the most consistent group thus far. 

“Our most consistent performers have been our backcourt of Sky Delacruz and freshman Hailey Herrera,” McCarthy said. “They’re leading the floor well and getting their teammates involved. When we had a few tough games, they kept the play steady and led us in games we’ve won.” 

Of the four wins, McCarthy pointed to a 57-46 overtime win over Greater Lawrence as his favorite moment this winter.

“We were able to lead for the majority of the game and then, in the last minute, they came back,” McCarthy said. “With eight seconds left, Katrina Fortes hit two free throws to tie the game and force overtime. We shut them out in overtime to give us our third win of the season. We got to see our hard work pay off in this game since the two wins before that weren’t that challenging of games.” 

In that game, Herrera scored 17 points, Fortes had 18 points and 14 rebounds, and Delacruz chipped in with 14. 

The Panthers are a team to watch out for this season. Their next game is Thursday when they host Rockport at 6:30 p.m.