The Basics:
Name: Jim Sullivan
School: Oliver Ames High School
Grade: Senior
Position: 2B and SS
Height: 5'9"
Favorite Subject: Biology
What You Need To Know:
How did you get started and who introduced you to the sport?
I started playing baseball (in some form) at the age of 2. I used to hit off an old umbrella stand in my backyard with a Mark McGwire vortex bat. I guess it looked like a Tee to me. I'm not sure who actually introduced me to the sport, baseball simply spans the entirety of my family. It was just always there. My grandparents, uncles, and parents were obsessed. My sister dated and eventually married a baseball player. One of my cousins is married to former Red Sox second-baseman, Lou Merloni. I was brought up on the sport.
What’s the best part about being on a team?
Fortunately, I have had the privilege of being apart of teams my entire life. For me, the best part about being on a team is the chance to foster relationships that will only grow stronger with both triumph and defeat. I feel as though a large portion of my character stems from the relationships built over the years through athletics. The relationship I have with my OA baseball teammates rivals that of a family. Months prior to this past season, we lost a friend, a teammate, and an unbelievable person, Brendan Wolfe. With nowhere else to turn, our team came together unlike anything I have ever been apart of. Our season was dedicated to what would have been Brendan's senior season. That is what I like most about being on a team.
What is the best part of playing for Oliver Ames High School?
Playing for Oliver Ames has been a tremendous experience. The support that exists between the community and students astounds me each time I attend a sporting event. The sea of orange and black always lifts my spirits and to play in front of such a loyal fan-base is nothing less than incredible.
What are your goals for after high school?
After high school, I plan to study Medicine but I am undecided as to which undergraduate college I will attend.
What is your favorite baseball memory?
I believe that my favorite baseball memory came with the entirety of the 2010 season. Sweeping the Hockomock League and finishing the regular season with a 19-1 record and the number 1 seed is something that I will never forget. Yet, niether is the first-round, extra-innings loss that we suffered to Plymouth-North later that spring. I know that I speak for my teammates when I say that we hope to get them again this year.
When you're not practicing, what can people find you doing?
Off the baseball field, I can often be found with my friends, playing other sports, eating, reading, or fishing with co-captain Ryan O'Shea.
What are your pregame/postgame rituals?
I am a reasonably superstitious person. Before games, I always read a page of "The Last Best League," tape my wrists and those of my teammates, apply eyeblack even if its not sunny, and play a couples games of 2 ball and Flip with my teammates. If it's a home game at Frothingham, we all run to touch the scoreboard in deep center. After games, I like to go to Maguire's Bar & Grill, pick up some Honey Hots, and jump in the pool if it's warm enough.
The Basics:
Name: Jenna Liljeberg
School: King Philip
Grade: Senior
Position: Guard
Height: 5'7
Favorite Subject: Anatomy and English
What You Need To Know:
How did you get started and who introduced you to the sport?
I started basketball in about 1st grade. My dad was a huge basketball player in high school and I was always into playing the sport.
What is a common misconception people have about girls and sports?
Many people think girl sports allow little contact and lack physicality. This has always annoyed me because in all three sports I play there is just as much contact as boy's sports, even if the rules try to permit it.
What's more rewarding: beating a rival or bettering yourself?
It is definitely rewarding to beat a rival, but improving as a team and achieving something you never thought your team could do is the best feeling in sports. My game is all about intensity and being aggressive. I know that I'm not the most skilled basketball player, but I always try to push myself and my team mates to never let up. I am definitely more of a defensive player because I thrive off the aggression.
What is the ratio of hours you spend practicing compared to schoolwork and how important is it to remember you're a student-athlete?
Keeping up your grades is really important. My coach checks to make sure we are keeping are grades up because school comes first. Playing basketball definitely limits my homework time, because I have practice for about 2 hours every day after school plus games, but it also helps to balance out my time management. Remembering that I'm a student athlete makes me keep my grades up so I can be successful in college.
What are your goals for after high school?
After high school, I am attending Sacred Heart University for lacrosse and I hope that I really like it there and have a successful career and do well in school.
What is your favorite basketball memory?
Beating Milford by a buzzer beating shot our first game this season was the best feeling I have felt in basketball in a long time. It gave our team a lot of hope for the season, and we definitely needed that win to start off the season. It was the most intense end to a game I have ever played in basketball.
What are your pregame/postgame rituals?
Pregame I usually listen to my iPod and sleep on the bus to try to get in my zone of focusing on the game. Our team usually gets pumped up together in the locker room too. Post game I always evaluate my individual and team play, depending on if we win or lose my reactions are different.
The Basics:
Name: Candace Steadman
School: Oliver Ames HS
Grade: 12
Position: Guard
Height: 5’11’’
Favorite Subject: Philosophy
What You Need To Know:
How did you get started and who introduced you to the sport?
I started playing basketball when I was about 5 or 6 on my Dad's team. I had grown up with my brother playing and that’s how I really got into the sport.
What is a common misconception people have about girls and sports?
I think a common misconception about girls and sports is that girls aren't as intense, but girls have the same passion and intensity that guys do to win a game.
What's more rewarding: beating a rival or bettering yourself? How would you describe your game?
I will always say that beating a rival is more rewarding because once you have beaten a rival you know that you have worked hard and put in your best effort to come out on top of the other team. Also, basketball is a team sport and when your team beats a rival you know that everyone did their part, and that’s when you are the most successful. I would describe my game as being fast and revolved around defense.
What is the ratio of hours you spend practicing compared to schoolwork and how important is it to remember you're a student-athlete?
I would say my ratio of practicing to school work is about 2/4. It is important to remember that you are a student athlete because school always comes first, and you can't get anywhere without a solid educational background. At the same time I think being a student athlete also helps with time management.
What are your goals for after high school?
After high school I plan to play either volleyball or basketball in college.
What is your favorite basketball memory?
My favorite basketball memories are always just being with my team. We are really close so I enjoy hanging out with them. Another great memory was the 2010 State Championship.
What are your pregame/postgame rituals?
I am very superstitious so I always do the same things before each one of my games.
 Canton's T.J. Duggan The Basics:
Name: T.J. Duggan
School: Canton High School
Grade: Senior (2012)
Position: Left Wing
Height: 5' 10"
Favorite Subject: Economics
What You Need To Know:
How did you get started and who introduced you to the sport?
My dad introduced me to hockey when I was little, teaching me how to skate on the pond in the back of our house.
Who is your favorite professional hockey player? Who would you compare your game to and why?
Teemu Selanne is my favorite hockey player, he is a great goal scorer and play maker.
What's more rewarding: beating a rival or bettering yourself?
Bettering yourself as a player is most important. By making yourself better, you are helping out your line mates and bettering your team.
What is the ratio of hours you spend practicing compared to schoolwork and how important is it to remember you're a student-athlete?
The ratio of hours I spend training and practicing for hockey is about equal to the amount of time I spend studying for school. I know that school is more important than hockey, but I still love hockey and dedicate a lot of time to it.
What are your goals for after high school?
My goals for after high school are to attend a good college, and get a good high paying job in the line of business.
What is your favorite hockey memory?
My favorite hockey memory was when Coach Shuman told me that I made the varsity hockey team for Canton High School. As a little kid I always dreamed about playing for the Bulldogs in high school.
What are your pregame/postgame rituals?
Before hockey games, I eat a peanut butter and jelly sandwich, listen to Zac Brown Band and Kenny Chesney, then dust off Nick O'Conners skates before the first period.
 Mansfield's Steve Folan The Basics:
Name: Steve Folan
School: Mansfield High School
Class: Senior
Position: Right Wing
Height: 5'11"
Favorite Subject: American History
What You Need To Know:
How did you get started and who introduced you to the sport?
I got started when I was about five years old by my father who played 4 years at Fitchburg State and was the head coach for Xaverian Brothers High School.
Who is your favorite professional hockey player? Who would you compare your game to and why?
My favorite professional hockey player is Jonathan Toews because he respects the game and is a great leader. I would compare my game to Patrice Bergeron because I believe I can play both ends of the ice and can play on both powerplay and penalty kill.
What's more rewarding: beating a rival or bettering yourself?
Definitely more rewarding beating a rival.
What is the ratio of hours you spend practicing compared to schoolwork and how important is it to remember you're a student-athlete?
Probably around 2:1. It's very important to me to remember that I am a student athlete because I understand that education is the most important thing and it is what will get me through life after hockey.
What are your goals for after high school?
My goal after high school is to either play juniors hockey or go to a good college for education. But no matter what I want to keep playing hockey.
What is your favorite hockey memory?
My favorite hockey memory is beating our rival Franklin for the second time in the season to clinch the division.
What are your pregame/postgame rituals?
My pregame ritual is stretching early then playing a bit of soccer with my teammates. My team's post game ritual is listening to our victory song in the locker room after every win.
 OA's Sean Kyne
The Basics:
Name: Sean Kyne
School: Oliver Ames High School
Grade: Junior (2013)
Position: Forward
Height: 6'0
Favorite Subject: Biology
What You Need To Know:
How did you get started and who introduced you to the sport?
I started ice skating at age 4, yet always wanted to play with a hockey stick. My parents finally gave me one when I was 6, and I have been playing ever since.
Who is your favorite professional hockey player? Who would you compare your game to and why?
My favorite player would have to be Milan Lucic as we both love to grind it out in the corners.
What's more rewarding: beating a rival or bettering yourself?
Beating myself is definitely more rewarding. For example, I lift in the off season with my friend Corey and after every workout we always finish with an intense cardio session. Until we cannot physically push each other any harder, we don't stop. I love the idea how mental toughness can mask the pain.
What is the ratio of hours you spend practicing compared to schoolwork and how important is it to remember you're a student-athlete?
The ratio would be 1:4 hockey to school. I love the game of hockey but realize that how I perform in the classroom will ultimately decide my future.
What are your goals for after high school?
I first plan on getting my undergraduate degree in neuroscience, then attend medical school either becoming a neurosurgeon or simply researching the brain.
What is your favorite hockey memory?
My favorite hockey memory would have to be my first career varsity shift as a freshman. It was the first game of the season and 9 seconds after touching the ice, I got my first career penalty....
What are your pregame/postgame rituals?
I get to the rink early, get a nice strech in, and simply go out and play my game.
 Franklin's Keith MacKay The Basics:
Name: Keith MacKay
School: Franklin High School
Grade: Senior (2012)
Position: Defense
Height: 6'0
Favorite Subject: Biology
What You Need To Know:
How did you get started and who introduced you to the sport?
I was introduced to the sport by my childhood friends at a very young age. I learned how to skate at the age of 4 and soon enough I was playing organized hockey for the town of Franklin then moving onto different leagues and teams as I grew.
Who is your favorite professional hockey player? Who would you compare your game to and why?
My favorite player is Brad Marchand but I would compare myself to Zdeno Chara because of his style of play. He is more of a defensive defenseman, with a great slap shot, plays solid defense, and has the ability to rush the puck when the time is right.
What's more rewarding: beating a rival or bettering yourself?
In my opinion, beating a rival is more rewarding because as an individual, you have to better yourself to achieve that goal. Also, it is a team accomplishment which will boost morale and pay off later in the season.
What is the ratio of hours you spend practicing compared to schoolwork and how important is it to remember you're a student-athlete?
I spend about double the amount of time doing school work compared to practicing hockey. School always comes first and everything I learn in high school will help me be successful in college and in my future job.
What are your goals for after high school?
After high school I would like to attend a four year college majoring in Biology then possibly attend a Physician Assistant graduate program.
What is your favorite hockey memory?
My favorite hockey memory would be winning the state championship game for the Franklin Flyers in squirt 2, but a memory I will never forget is playing at the TD Banknorth Garden in the Division II state championship game. Even though we did lose in overtime, it was an amazing experience being on the same ice as the Bruins.
What are your pregame/postgame rituals?
My pre-game ritual would be listening to music, always focusing on the game and going over what I need to improve so I perform to the best of my ability.
 KP's Tanner Jensen The Basics:
Name: Tanner Jensen
School: King Philip
Grade: Senior (2012)
Position: Goalie
Height: 5’8”
Favorite Subject: English
What You Need To Know:
How did you get started and who introduced you to the sport?
I got started because I lived in Canada and was born on skates. My dad introduced me to the sport.
Who is your favorite professional hockey player? Who would you compare your game to and why?
My favorite hockey player is Patrick Roy. I would compare my game to Curtis Joseph’s because he is not the biggest goalie but offsets his size with his speed and agility.
What's more rewarding: beating a rival or bettering yourself?
Beating a rival.
What is the ratio of hours you spend practicing compared to schoolwork and how important is it to remember you're a student-athlete?
I spend the same amount of time doing homework as I do practicing and it is extremely important to remember that you are a student-athlete and to get all schoolwork done before athletics.
What are your goals for after high school?
I plan to go to college.
What is your favorite hockey memory?
My favorite hockey memory is playing in Scotia Bank Place in Ottawa and winning the OHF’s.
What are your pregame/postgame rituals?
Before every game I listen to my iPod and always put my right pad on first. After the game I always talk to my dad about the game.
 Canton's Matt Malloy The Basics:
Name: Matt Malloy
School: Canton High School
Grade: Senior (2012)
Position: Center
Height: 5'10"
Favorite Subject: European History
What You Need To Know:
How did you get started and who introduced you to the sport?
My parents started sending me to "learn to skate" sessions at the Canton rink when I was three years old. Both of my parents love hockey and inspired me to play from a young age.
Who is your favorite professional hockey player? Who would you compare your game to and why?
My favorite professional player is Patrick Kane because of the spark that he provides for his team and because of his great hands and vision. I would compare my style of play to that of Patrice Bergeron because I pride myself on doing the little things right and battling hard in all three zones of the ice.
What's more rewarding: beating a rival or bettering yourself?
I'd have to say that beating a rival is more rewarding because it automatically implies that the team is succeeding. Also, the overall atmosphere in rivalry games cannot be matched and makes them especially fun to play in.
What is the ratio of hours you spend practicing compared to schoolwork and how important is it to remember you're a student-athlete?
I would say that I spend an equal amount of time on both hockey and schoolwork. I typically dedicate an hour and a half to two hours to both each night. Remembering the "student" component of "student-athlete" is especially important because after high school, most athletes will have to rely on academics in order to succeed in college and get a good job.
What are your goals for after high school?
After high school, I hope to study accounting or finance at Boston College, Bentley University or Providence College.
What is your favorite hockey memory?
My favorite hockey memory is definitely winning the MIAA State Championship at the TD Garden sophomore year. Nothing can compare to that moment.
What are your pregame/postgame rituals?
I usually go for a pregame warmup run with some of my teammates and listen to "Infinity" by the Guru Josh Project with my line mate Mike Denehy before we take the ice.
 Sharon's Caleb Piltch-Loeb The Basics:
Name: Caleb Piltch-Loeb
School: Sharon High School
Grade: Senior (2012)
Position: PG/SG
Height: 5'9
Favorite Subject: History
What You Need To Know:
How did you get started and who introduced you to the sport?
My dad introduced me to basketball when he bought me a Fisher Price hoop when I was in pre-school.
Who is your favorite NBA player and who do you compare your game to?
My favorite NBA player is Manu Ginobili, but I'd compare myself to J.J. Barea because the first time I saw him in his warm-up suit I thought he was a team trainer who wanted to be a part of the team.
What's more rewarding: beating a rival or bettering yourself?
Beating a rival is always better, nothing compares.
What is the ratio of hours you spend practicing compared to schoolwork and how important is it to remember you're a student-athlete?
I practice about 2 hours a day and now since I have submitted all my college applications, I study about 2 hours a week. However before I sent in my applications school was my number one priority.
What are your goals for after high school?
Attend a four-year college and major in business or leadership studies.
What is your favorite basketball memory?
My favorite basketball memories are all the times I spent hanging out with my teammates.
What are your pregame/postgame rituals?
Before games I like to eat at Pizzigando with my teammates and after games I go to Chipotle.
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