By KEN HAMWEY

Staff Sports Writer

Chris Vanesian may be Holliston High’s new boys basketball coach but he’s no stranger to the Panthers’ program or to other teams in the Tri Valley League.

The 30-year-old Vanesian is a Holliston native who graduated in 2010 from Holliston High where he played center back in soccer and a combo guard in basketball. During his senior year, he was a TVL all-star in soccer and a captain in basketball.

After majoring in math and secondary education at Salve Regina College in Newport, R.I., Vanesian taught math in West Bridgewater for a year before returning to Holliston where he’s worked the last eight years teaching seventh grade math at the Adams Middle School. 

Vanesian’s coaching experience includes two years as the Panthers’ jayvee hoop coach, one year coaching the Holliston freshmen, four years as an assistant at Lasell University in Newton and last year as Medway’s junior varsity coach.

Now ready to begin his career at the varsity level, Vanesian says he’s “excited about the opportunity to coach players he’s taught in math classes and excited to be coaching a team that has experience and potential.’’

Vanesian’s style will be a combination of up-tempo offense with a relentless defensive effort. “Our identity will be on the defensive end but we’ll go with different looks,’’ he said. “We’ll look to run in transition, to be creative and to offer the players some variety that’ll allow them to identify their strengths.’’

As far as his team’s overall strengths go, the personable Vanesian lists six that he firmly believes will play a major role in achieving his ultimate goals — competing for the TVL Large Division title and qualifying for the state tourney. 

“Our strengths are a high basketball IQ, athleticism, team chemistry, solid skills, experience and depth,’’ he emphasized. “Besides competing for the division title and qualifying for the tourney, we want to compete hard every day, improve every day, win the day by taking steps forward as a unit and to hit our stride at mid-season.’’ 

Vanesian, who experienced tourney action twice as an assistant to Jenna Galster at Holliston and once last year with Medway, is a proponent of building a program by getting younger players involved in the town’s youth program. “We want our varsity players to be active role models for kids at the youth level,’’ he noted. “We want them to be involved in clinics and to give back to the community.’’

The Panthers, who have 10 returnees from last year’s 2-18 squad, will be led by three senior captains — Austin Mirken (wing), Andrei Koev (point guard), and Joey Gentile (power forward).

“Austin leads by example and has a high hoop IQ,’’ Vanesian said. “He facilitates the offense and can create his own shot. He sees the court well and has a good work ethic. Andrei is a fine ball-handler who can pass effectively. He sees the court well, works hard on both ends of the court and is a vocal leader. Joey is a three-sport captain (football and baseball) who’s a great leader. He’s respected on and off the court and is a good rebounder who gets extra possessions by never giving up on a play.’’

Senior Dillan Foley is a talented power forward around the hoop. “Dillan plays defense very well,’’ Vanesian said. “He also gets extra possessions and has very good post moves.’’

Owen Vaughn is a sophomore guard-forward whose future is bright. “Owen displayed great shooting ability as a freshman,’’ said Vanesian. “He had some big games last year. He’s got a high basketball IQ, can get to the hoop and finish, and can also shoot threes.’’

Two seniors who’ll be part of the Panthers’ nucleus include Michael Gonsalves at point guard and Kaden Dumas at forward.

“Michael knows how to get teammates in the right spots,’’ Vanesian offered. “A good ball-handler, he can facilitate the offense, he passes effectively and he’s a three-point threat. Kaden does the little things that win games. He’s a good shooter and a solid rebounder who battles down low.’’

Vanesian will rely on a coaching philosophy that’ll emphasizes work ethic, reaching one’s potential by giving 100 percent and ensuring that his players enjoy their athletic experience. “If all those factors are in play, then winning will be the end result,’’ he said.

Valuable life lessons can be learned in sports and Vanesian hopes his players will learn their share. “Some excellent lessons are how to overcome adversity, to be resilient, and become quality leaders,’’ Vanesian noted. “Other lessons are to be supportive teammates, to set goals and to manage time effectively.’’

Vanesian met 30 prospective players on sign-up day in June when he was hired. He’s optimistic about how his transition to varsity coaching will go. “It’s all about trust,’’ he emphasized. “It’s all about getting to know the players, to build trust and help them achieve their goals. I want them to enjoy playing basketball.’’

The Panthers will open their season on Dec. 13 at home against Medfield.

Vanesian knows that Holliston’s basketball program enjoyed a rich tradition, especially when legendary coach Tom Keough led the program. 

“I knew Tom who was a great mentor and a great person,’’ Vanesian said. “I want to build the tradition and the culture again. The ultimate goal is to finish in the top three in the division and compete in the state tourney. Our goals are realistic, our drills in practice will be competitive and we’ll see how they impact us.’’

Vanesian’s assistants are Joel Bernstein, who’ll coach the jayvees, and Kevin LaMarque, who’ll direct the freshmen. “Joel has lots of experience as a teacher and coach and Kevin and I were classmates in high school,’’ Vanesian said. “Kevin is also a teacher who is an assistant coach in football.’’

Chris Vanesian is eager to start the season and he’s excited about directing a varsity squad.