RallyNorth.net

Trovato not discouraged, looks ahead for Hillies

Tuesday, February, 19 By Dave Dyer
Staff writer

It may seem hard to be upbeat after completing a 3-17 record, which is the worst for Haverhill High in at least 25 years, but first-year coach Mike Trovato is doing the best he can.

With only two seniors graduating, he believes much better days lie ahead, perhaps as early as next year.

"I think, with the core players we have returning, we can come back next year and possibly get in the state tournament," said Trovato. "I don't think the turnaround will be as long as anticipated. If the kids continue to work hard | and I have no problem with their work ethic | and we can get some of the kids in the school who didn't come out, we'll be a lot better."

Reflecting on the dismal record, Trovato said: "We were just trying to get better every day. Obviously, we had hoped to be better than 3-17, but we had a lot of kids with no varsity experience and it showed when we got in close games. I think the year's experience should make a big difference." Unfortunately, the Hillies also did not enjoy success on the freshman and JV levels, but Trovato points out that five sophomores and a freshman were playing with the varsity.

Of course, since he is technically listed as an interim coach, there is no guarantee that Trovato will be back next year. He definitely wants to return.

"I don't know what will happen, but I love basketball and I absolutely want to keep coaching here," said Trovato. "I plan on coming back, and I think the kids are planning on it, but we'll have to wait and see."

As far as the feeder system, Trovato has gone to the middle schools to give clinics, and he's determined to revive the travel teams in Haverhill.

"We hope to get them (travel teams) back next year, and I think that's a necessity," he said. "In the meantime, we'll get some kids on other (AAU) teams."

As for his future, Haverhill athletic director Pete Shanahan is not certain what the process will be for either opening up the head position or making Trovato permanent.

"I'll have to sit down with the superintendent and see what he wants to do," said Shanahan. "But I think Mike did a nice job with what he had to work with. I also think he's doing the right things to get Haverhill basketball known around the city.

"He made a couple of rookie mistakes, and he has his work cut out for him, but I think he's trying to get things moving forward."