Sam DeFreese is Leader On and Off Basketball Court

Sam DeFreese, a 17-year-old senior has lived in New Milford for 10 years and has made her town and head coach quite proud. DeFreese stands at 6’3" and can play many different positions on the New Milford girl’s varsity basketball team.

"Her ability to score in different ways; she is very talented back-to-the-basket but can also step outside and shoot really well," said head coach Michael Kilgallen.

That type of versatility allows DeFreese to bring the ball up, get rebounds, put a lot of points on the board and play both the guard and forward positions effectively. These wide range of abilities led her to be named The Record's "Athlete of the Week" during the week of Jan. 25, following a week that included a triple double and a buzzer beating three to force overtime against Emerson. As important as DeFreese’s athletic abilities and numbers are, her leadership qualities are just as important.

“Since taking over the program last year, I have seen her grow and mature as a player,” said Kilgallen. “Sam is the first player to help a teammate with a drill; she always takes time to work with younger and inexperienced players.”

DeFreese embraces the role with open arms, which is key for this team moving into the postseason.

 “I try my hardest to be a great role model for the girls,” said DeFreese. “Basketball, at the end of the day, is an extra curricular activity, so to participate; the grades and attitude off the court have to come first.”

With an attitude like that, it is no wonder DeFreese broke the 1,000 point mark this season. The more amazing part is that she did it in three years, due to the fact that she played on the Junior Varsity team her freshman year.

 “It really feels great and its just something that I'll be able to look back on ten years from now and say “I did it”, said DeFreese.” “It's just a fulfilling accomplishment, but before the seasons over, I plan to keep achieving higher goals for myself and my team.”

The team is 12-3 and has goals of winning the state championship and also being a threat in the North I Group II state sectional championship.

 "I believe talent can't be judged by the teams that you play or the competition you face,” said, DeFreese. “It comes naturally and no one can take that from a player or a team. “I just want to win and so does my team, and we're gonna get after it.”

 This current season is the task at hand, but a collegiate future also seems bright for the senior.

“Sam will go on to be a valuable member of whatever collegiate team she joins,” said Kilgallen. “She can handle the ball well and will be an instant asset as a 3 guard or small forward.”

When DeFreese is off the court one of her hobbies is modeling, which she plans on continuing when the season is over.

DeFreese and the team have a bright future ahead of them with talent and a 12-3 record.