Callie Messina ’22

Calie, a returning player to the varsity basketball team, rounded out last year with an average of 7 points and 4 assists per game, and hopes to continue to up her stats in the upcoming season. As point guard for the team, Calie is at the center of the game and must distribute the ball as she sees fit, combining skills of ball-handling, driving to the basket and an intuition about when to take three-point shots. Her competitiveness and hard-working attitude are the traits that her coaches and teammates most value about her. Coach Spring said, “She supports her teammates, understands when they are having a tough time, and is remarkable in her ability to get everyone involved in our offense.”

Calie started playing basketball at the age of six and immediately fell in love with the fast pace, competition, and teamwork of the game. Outside of school, she plays for an Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) club team called the Bay State Jaguars, which keeps her constantly working on her game. When asked about the upcoming season, she said, “I’m looking forward to the team’s excitement on game days, at school, and during the pregame warmup”. She hopes to improve on her defense and shooting skills.

Rami Hahami ’22

Rami looks forward to being back on the basketball courts as a first-year varsity player. Rami’s basketball career began at five years old, and playing the sport has always provided him with a release from the day. Outside of Groton, Rami plays for the New York Lightning, a club team in his hometown. 

This winter season at Groton, he is excited to improve on his game, saying, “there is always more to work on.” Rami plays relentlessly, and teammate Robbie Stankard ’21 said, “If you’re playing one-on-one he won’t leave the gym until he beats you, no matter how long it takes.” This season, Rami will be working hard on playing the best defense he can. According to him, if Groton’s team can “out-hustle” other ones, they will be very successful. 

Captain Bennett Smith ’19 noted that even though Rami is a little undersized for a freshman, his hard-working attitude and commitment make the whole team stronger. Bennett said, “his uniqueness and dynamic playing style really compliments the team in a new way and he will bring a lot to the season.”

Wes Turner ’22

Since the boys varsity hockey team graduated three defensemen last year, incoming freshman Wes’ skill as a defensive player makes him an especially crucial member of the team. As a player coming into the team and the New England League, one of the hardest leagues in the country for hockey, his ability to handle the puck well and jump into offense when he needs to will come in handy. This year he will be challenged in adjusting to the speed and skill of the league, but no doubt his skills will help him adjust and improve with the team this year.

Not only is he a valuable asset on the ice, Wes also maintains a positive attitude off the ice. Mr. Riley said, “Wes is a terrific young man. He is positive, smiles often, and is a positive presence in the dorm and on the ice.”  At the age of four, Wes began playing hockey and enjoyed spending time with his friends on the ice. Aside from playing with the Groton team, he prepares for the season and keeps his skills sharp by playing for the Top Gun Selects club and the Fall Prep team. This season, Wes looks to improve his quick shot from the point.

Griffin Johnson ’22

Griffin started squash at the age of seven, and instantly fell in love with the competitive nature of the sport, playing in tournaments on his club team. His previous school did not have a squash team, so he is looking forward to playing for a school team for the first time and bonding with his new teammates. Over the course of the season, he will work to improve the consistency of his shots. 

Griffin is an eager young player, and as Coach Prockop said, “Griffin is both a determined competitor and an enthusiastic student of the game.” Griffin set his sight on earning a sport on the varsity squad with his speed on court and his love of the sport. According to his coach and teammates, his agility and athleticism combined with his willingness to take constructive criticism make him easy to work with. 

Try and catch a boys JV squash match to see Griffin bagel his competition!