By KEN HAMWEY

Staff Sports Writer

The Natick High girls basketball team is off to a slow start as it transitions to a new coach and a new system. 

The Redhawks had a 2-6 record at Local Town Pages deadline but adjusting to a new coach and a new system has not been a problem. Trying to stay healthy, however, is the prime issue.  

“Anytime a new coach arrives, there’s bound to be some ups and downs while the players learn a different system,’’ said Oryx Cohen, the Redhawks’ coach. “But the players and the coaches have bonded well. What’s gotten in the way early on are injuries. Our starting guards have missed games and our top scorer and rebounder has been sidelined for six games.’’ 

Cohen has taken the reins from Dan Hinnenkamp, who guided the girls for the last 14 years but decided to retire to spend more time with his family. The Natick girls squad is the first varsity post for the 51-year-old Cohen, who has extensive coaching experience at the club and middle school levels (Northboro and Grafton) and also with recreation and travel teams. A five-year veteran of club basketball, he’s a senior coach with the Blazers, a team based in Southboro.

Cohen played basketball and golf in high school and college. A native of Oregon, he played point guard at South Eugene High where he was a captain who earned all-district honors. At Lewis and Clark College in Portland, he moved into the shooting-guard slot.

Cohen’s first eight games as Natick’s head coach haven’t gone the way he expected but he’s still upbeat about his players achieving the goals he laid out during the pre-season.

“We want to improve daily as individuals and as a team, and we want to qualify for the state tournament,’’ he offered. “Plus, we want to get the town excited about girls basketball. It’ll take time but I want to develop a quality girls hoop program in Natick.’’

Cohen’s players continue to work hard and stay positive in spite of their slow start.

“The girls have put in extra time before and after practice and have spent added time in film sessions,’’ he emphasized. “The team comes in early and stays late. They keep battling. They’re weathering the storm by staying together and remaining positive.’’

The Redhawks are balanced — 3 seniors, 5 juniors, 2 sophomores and 2 freshmen. There are also other strengths.

“We’ve got size and depth,’’ he noted. “And, we’ve got capable outside shooters. The girls are very coachable and willing to grow and learn a new system. They’re also mentally and physically tough, athletic and smart.’’

A capable core group should play a major role in bouncing back. The senior captains are a good starting point — True Liner at small forward and Katie Stopka at power forward.

“True and Katie are leaders by example and by being vocal,’’ Cohen noted. “True works hard, is a good shooter who can drive to the hoop, and she also can pass and rebound. A smart player, she’s a coach’s daughter. Her father Paul is the varsity boys coach at Needham. Katie is versatile, able to shoot, rebound and finish inside. A good defensive player, she makes few mistakes and is a solid all-around player.’’

Junior Sammy Collins, a 6-foot-1 center, is another plus. “A strong inside player, she crashes the boards hard,’’ Cohen said. “She has a great work ethic and a nice inside shooting touch. A strong rebounder, she also can block shots.’’

Junior Olivia Penn, the team’s starting point guard, missed the pre-season and the opening game. “Olivia has great court sense and sees the floor well,’’ Cohen said. “She passes effectively, hits the open shot and is solid on defense. A good finisher, she’s athletic and smart.’’

Joining Penn in the backcourt is junior Kira Henderson at the two-guard slot. She’s returned after missing three games. “Kira is a capable shooter who can knock down threes,’’ Cohen noted. “A tenacious defensive player, she’s also a good finisher who’s physically strong and a relentless worker.’’

Freshman Bridget Pole is a point guard whose future is bright, according to Cohen. “She’s got an all-around game, and is able to score, pass and defend,’’ said Cohen, who’s on-court style involves an up-tempo offense and an aggressive defense that applies pressure. “Bridget has a high hoop IQ, is instinctive and sees the floor well.’’

Katie McMahon and Aly Kastantin are sophomore power forwards who can also play center. McMahon is 5-11 and Kastantin is a six-footer. “Both have good post moves, can score inside and are solid rebounders,’’ Cohen said. “Katie is aggressive on defense and Aly, who’s our top scorer and rebounder, has missed six games.’’

Junior guards Christina Lopas and Addie Robie bolster the team’s depth in the backcourt. “Christina is a two-guard who can shoot, rebound and get steals,’’ Cohen noted. “An aggressive competitor, she works hard on all the other aspects of her game. Addie is a versatile two-way guard. An all-around player, she can shoot, drive and finish. She also passes effectively and is capable on defense.’’

Rounding out the squad are senior Remy Shapiro, a shooting guard, and freshman Lily Downing, a point guard. “Remy provides senior leadership, can shoot, is solid on defense and she’s smart,’’ Cohen offered. “Lily is the point guard of the future. She’s very quick, is a good shooter, passes well and can drive to the hoop.’’

Cohen’s two assistants are coaches from the Blazers. They include Chet Smith and Debbie Krause. “They’re very involved with Natick basketball at the youth level,’’ he said.

Cohen, who has a bachelor’s degree in psychology and a masters in public administration, is the chief executive officer of National Empowerment Center, an organization that educates and trains clients around mental health issues. The training is offered to school districts, corporations, government agencies and mental health organizations. He and his wife Kristin have two children — Katiya, 15, and Ethan, 13 — and reside in Grafton.

Cohen’s coaching philosophy focuses on helping his players reach their potential and to ensure they’re enjoying their athletic endeavors. “I want our team to win and we expect to win,’’ he said. “But, winning will only occur when players put in the work and prepare at a high level.’’

Life lessons can be learned from athletics and Cohen has some specifics.

“The girls can learn to overcome adversity,’’ he emphasized. “That helps them to be mentally tough and resilient when things aren’t going their way. Other key lessons they can learn are how to lead, how to be good teammates and to be accountable.’’

The girls have a new coach and so far they’re adapted to the change. Now, if they can stay healthy and add some triumphs, they could get into the mix for playoff consideration.