The Rhinebeck High School varsity boys basketball program returns a veteran varsity team and welcomes a seasoned coach for the 2024-2025 season. The varsity boys open the season in the Saugerties tournament on Friday and Saturday.
The Hawks return six seniors from a team that won a 2023-2024 Section IX playoff game before coming up short in a semifinal. The seniors are forward/center Jeremiah Boyd, forwards Skylar Green and Connor Meltzer, and guards Jason Gisby-Hanks, Grady Pietras and Parker Ruger.
“The six returning seniors will all be key components for this year’s team,” said varsity coach Mike Milliman. “They all bring different skill sets and have great work ethics.”
Milliman comes to Rhinebeck after retiring earlier this year from his teaching position in Highland, where he coached varsity basketball for 23 years. He brings a high level of energy to practice and games.
“I think he’s done a good job coming in,” said senior Grady Pietras.
Rhinebeck scrimmaged Marlboro for six quarters at home on Dec. 2.
“We had a good scrimmage,” said senior Parker Ruger. “We played well and worked hard. I liked our hustle and communication. I think we have a lot more work to do before Friday, but I think it’s going to be a good game on Friday.”
Pietras added, “I think it was a good starting point and we’ll progress off that. Obviously, there are things we could do better.”
Pietras and Ruger are hopeful the Hawks will have a successful season.
“I think it’s too early, but I think we’ll be a good team,” said Pietras. “We have to play really good defense and the buckets will come.”
Ruger added, “The section finals would be great. I think this team could do it. I think the finals would be amazing.”
The Hawks will have their home and Mid-Hudson Athletic League opener against Dover on Dec. 17. The junior varsity boys, who welcome veteran coach Bill Sniffen to the program, will start the day at 4:15 p.m. with the varsity boys to follow at 5:45 p.m.
“The environment is great,” said Milliman. “The staff and boys are working together. It’s nice to see adults and students working together for the good of all.
“The upcoming season will initially be an adjustment for the team and myself. The boys work extremely hard. We look forward to being very competitive within the MHAL and build to compete for a sectional title.”