The rhythmic bounce of basketballs and squeaking of sneakers echo through the Farrell Field House this winter, reminding our community that alongside the many on-snow sports and action at the Teddy Maloney rink, basketball season is in full swing. For Proctor's Girls Varsity Basketball team, the story of this season – still unfolding with half their games yet to be played – is one of resilience, growth, and a philosophy that values personal development and team culture as much as the win-loss column.
This lean squad has turned heads in the highly competitive Lakes Region and NEPSAC Class B schedule under the leadership of Head Coach Gregor Makechnie '91 and Assistant Coach Cheka Ventura '13. With just seven or eight active players spanning all four class years, point guard Mia Canales '26 and Jarelise Torres '28 have emerged as key playmakers, while senior Jelena Subasic '25 and captain Sierra Jean '26 have established themselves as culture-setters for the program. Recent weeks have showcased the team's potential, stringing together three impressive wins against Groton School (62-42), Cushing Academy (47-31), and Pingree School (49-35), before bouncing back from a setback to deliver a commanding 65-22 victory over St. Paul's School this afternoon. With their record now at 6-6 and momentum building, this young Hornets squad has positioned themselves as a team to watch in the second half of the season.
Read more from Coach Makechnie and Team Captain Sierra Jean '26 in the Q&A below!
I hear GVBB players speak about the team as a family. How do you build a team community within the larger Proctor community and a supportive team culture?
Gregor Makechnie ‘91 (Head Coach): We recognize that our performance on the court is fueled by the time we spend together, away from the court. Whether it may be sitting together for a meal in the dining hall, gathering on a Friday night to decorate Christmas cookies, bus rides to games, or participating in team meetings. Before practice each day we gather as a team for an hour. The time allows us to review film and focus on fundamental principles of high performance: sleep, nutrition, hydration, and mindset. We also spend time discussing and practicing the skills of relationship. Our team feels like a highly functional family because we are committed to one another and embrace the power found in unity. We recognize the value of competition and appreciate the opportunities basketball affords to test ourselves against opponents. We also recognize the opportunities basketball presents to learn important lessons that transcend the boundaries of the court.
What has the team learned about itself over the past several months of practicing and playing together?
Gregor Makechnie ‘91 (Head Coach): We expect a lot of ourselves. The complexity of our offensive and defensive schemes requires a great deal of learning. In order to execute our schemes in games, we have to commit to focused attention during each practice session. Man-to-man is the foundation of our defense. However, we also utilize three different zone defense formations. Our offense is comprised of multiple transition concepts as well as two half-court continuities and five set plays that each feature multiple concepts. It is a lot to learn! Most importantly, though, in our approach to the game of basketball, we learn about each other -- how to motivate; how to support; how to provide helpful feedback; how to encourage growth; and, significantly, how to trust and how to be trustworthy.
Sierra Jean ‘26 (Team Captain): Before the season started we established that we were a family. We spent time in the gym and the weight room with each other and in various buildings on campus with each other. We've learned to be more flexible in our roles, with teammates stepping up into positions they may not have expected. This has strengthened our communication and teamwork. We've also developed a stronger sense of resilience, supporting each other through tough moments and adjusting our game plans when necessary.
Looking ahead at your season, what goals do you have as a team?
Gregor Makechnie ‘91 (Head Coach): We embrace a simple goal: to improve daily so that we are playing to the best of our ability in our final game of the season. Of course, as a competitive group, we hope that is a championship game. However, winning a championship is not the only metric by which we can evaluate success. We play a competitive schedule that allows us to test ourselves against some of the best teams in New England. As we develop and progress as a team, we have opportunity to solidify ourselves as a top New England team. Our preparation for this type of competition requires that we practice playing with physical intensity and mental focus. We recognize that we gain confidence through preparation and mastery of key mechanics. Given our focus on the skills of relationship, team culture and cohesion is aa primary metric of our success. We also recognize that basketball is a game. People play games because they are enjoyable. Our team embraces basketball because it fun. In fact, we break must of our team huddles by bellowing "Fun!"
Sierra Jean ‘26 (Team Captain): Some goals we have set for ourselves this year are a belief in each other and to care for each other as we go through this season. Our team has set clear goals for this season that focus on both development and building a strong team culture while also pushing ourselves to compete at a high level. First, we aim to continually improve our skills, whether that’s increasing our shooting consistency, our defense collectively, and basketball IQ so that we collectively get better. In terms of culture-building, we’re focused on furthering a positive, supportive environment where every player feels accountable and motivated to put the team first and emphasize hard work, communication, and trust.
How has the team offense evolved since last year? What aspects of your defensive system have clicked especially well with this group?
Gregor Makechnie ‘91 (Head Coach): We are learning how to sustain the effort and intensity required to play a brand of defense that exerts extreme pressure on the ball while denying passes and dribble penetration. Playing at our best, we have been able to limit our opponents' ability to score. Recently, we held a good team to only 7 points in the first half of a game. We are still working to channel the effort required to play at the required level of intensity and focus each game. From last year to this year, our offense has evolved in sophistication for two reasons: returning players have committed to learning and growing and players new to the roster, who possess high basketball IQ, are similarly committed to growth and learning.
Can you tell me about a specific game or practice moment that really exemplified this team's growth and character?
Gregor Makechnie ‘91 (Head Coach): At the beginning of winter break, we participated in a holiday tournament – actually, we limped into the tournament (figuratively and literally) bruised and battered by injury. In the final game of the tournament, two of our starters were sidelined. We did not win the game, but we competed with purpose and pride. Although winning is the implicit goal of competition, it isn't the only valuable outcome. The holiday tournament game revealed what we are capable of and provided momentum for the games after the break – we won our first three games following the winter break.
How have you approached your leadership role in helping develop the younger players and keeping the team focused and competitive during each game?
Sierra Jean ‘26 (Team Captain): As captain for the past three years, what was important to me was creating a family within our team. Bringing new players and former players together before the season starts allows us to form bonds with each other and get to know one another before the season even starts. My approach is to bring everyone together to get to know each other before the season starts, letting everyone know that I am always here if anything is needed. I try to stay vocal, whether it’s guiding players through tough moments, offering a quick tip, or just keeping the energy up so we all stay locked in. At the same time, I’ve worked on keeping the team focused on our goals, reminding everyone that we’re all in this together and that every possession counts.
What do you love most about being part of Proctor's basketball program?
Sierra Jean ‘26 (Team Captain): What I love most about being a part of the proctor basketball program is that we become a family. From teammates who are now alumni to current teammates, there is this bond that we create every year, which is so exciting to be a part of. Also, I love the sense of community and friendship among teammates, working together toward a shared goal, pushing each other to improve, and celebrating each other and our victories, big or small.
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