As the air finally cooled, and courts and rinks replaced the fields that fall athletes played on, Milton's winter sports teams began putting in work for another season full of high expectations, difficult practices, and promises of growth.
The message is clear for Boys' Varsity Basketball. “The goal is the utmost—winning an ISL championship and a New England title,” says captain LJ Reddicks ‘26. “We've worked hard, brought in some new pieces, and everyone's improved drastically since last season.” Coming off of a competitive scrimmage against Dexter Southfield School that concluded in a close loss, Reddicks viewed the result as a good learning experience. "We turned the ball over 20 times but only lost by six. If we take care of the ball and play better defense, we should be able to win every game we play."
Co-captain Cole Simmons ‘26 mirrored that drive, but with an emphasis on mentality. “Our goal is to be the toughest team with the most pride,” he said. “If we do that and have each other’s backs, our goals are achievable.” Simmons also highlighted that overconfidence can sometimes get in the team’s way. “Being confident is taking the open shot when you have it—not being cocky,” he said. “You have to treat the ball like it’s your kid—don’t let anyone take it from you. Every game matters, and we can’t afford to be lazy.”
Practices, both captains agreed, have been intense. “They’ve been very competitive—guys getting after it and after each other,” said Reddicks. “Iron sharpens iron.” That work ethic, he added, will carry them through the long season ahead. Coach Lamar Reddicks, who also serves as Milton’s athletic director, praised his players’ effort but noted the fine line between potential and performance. “We have great kids and incredible athletes,” he said. “We’re good enough to beat anyone, but if we don’t bring the right level of focus and determination, we can be beaten by anyone as well. Every day we’re taking baby steps toward getting better.”
While the basketball teams prepare for their respective openers at the Zero Gravity Prep Classic, Milton’s hockey teams are already making strides of their own. For Girls’ Varsity Hockey, it is about unity and progress. “Our goal this year is to have a fun and successful season,” said McKenna Ruland ‘27, a member of Boys’ Varsity Hockey. “We are working on being there for each other, having each other’s backs no matter what.” Coming off of a promising scrimmage against St. Mark’s, she added, “We lost, but it felt like we were starting to move in the right direction with more offensive opportunities.” Practices have reflected that energy—fast paced, competitive, and designed to simulate real game situations.
On the Boys’ side, Varsity Hockey enters the season feeling very confident after a great preseason. "Our main goal is obviously to win, but more importantly, to build off every game and keep maturing as a team," said captain Jeremy Polzer ‘26. "We went 2-0 in our scrimmages and have a lot of confidence heading into our first game. Practices have been very competitive—it's been a great atmosphere for development."
On the squash courts, that same spirit of focus and endurance defines the Boys’ Varsity Squash team. “Our goal for the season is to finish top two in the ISL. Tabor’s looking pretty strong at number one, but we can definitely fight for that second spot,” said captain Adam Amin ‘25. “I just want to see everyone improve and work on what they want to fix. Everyone’s been really dedicated. In practice, we do a lot of repetition and try to build our endurance and fitness.” The team opens its season next Saturday with a multi-school scrimmage against Nobles, Belmont Hill, and Tabor. “We’re feeling really good,” Adam added. “We’re excited to get started.”
But across every team, the themes prove similar: accountability, focus, and a belief that success comes through consistency. In the gym, on the rink, or during conditioning sessions, players are pushing each other and learning from challenges. For many athletes, the first few games of the winter season are about competition, but also opportunity: a time to define their team's identity and set the precedent for months ahead. As Coach Reddicks best sums it up: “It’s going to be fun to compete every game day and see which team shows up—but every day, we’re getting better.”