MONROE, CT — It has been quite a team effort for Masuk High’s girls basketball team this winter, as the Panthers won 16 of 20 regular season games and will look to make a state playoff run.
Contributions come from throughout the lineup with a bulk of the scoring generated by underclassmen in this sophomore-heavy lineup. But one key cog is a senior captain who stands out for her all around play: Hannah Fagan.
The 5-foot-8 power forward earned McDonald’s All American honors.
McDonald All American nominees are recognized for being some of the best high school players in the United States. In order to receive this nomination a coach, athletic director, principal or member of the McDonald’s All American Games Selection Committee nominates players. From there the committee reviews each player and makes their selection.
Fagan attributes her success and being recognized to the support she gets on and off the court.
“I thank God every day for the incredible basketball experiences, life lessons and friendships it has given me,” she said. “I would like to thank my parents for their never-ending support and sacrifices they have made throughout the years. My Coach Dave Taylor, Noel Roman and the whole DTX program for making me into the player I am today. None of this would have been possible without any of them.”
Fagan has seen the Masuk girls basketball program evolve quite a bit since her freshman year on varsity to where the team is today. The senior notes that she is privileged to lead the team as one of the captains.
Fagan averages about 7 points, 6.4 rebounds and 2.4 assists per game and also provides solid defense.
“She’s a good kid. She’s a captain. All the intangibles — she checks the box,” Masuk Coach Dan Young said.
“Masuk has provided me with an outstanding program to continue my basketball career,” Fagan said. “I am so thankful for the team. I could not ask for a better group of girls or coaching staff. Whether on or off the court they always have my back. They truly embody what it means to be a team.”
“Each day we show up ready to work and our success is proven on the court. It is an amazing feeling to be a part of a team with such passion and love for the game,” she said. “Our head coach, Dan Young, and assistant coaches Seamus O’Reilly, Nolan Beardsley and Chris Zuraw are constantly pushing us to reach our potential. Our success would not be where it is without their encouragement, positivity and support throughout the season. I could not ask for a better senior season.”
After high school, Fagan plans to attend college and is looking at a lot of large, competitive, Division I schools, mostly in the south, where she hopes to be involved in the basketball program in some capacity.
“I plan on playing club basketball and potentially helping manage the D-1 girls team. But, I have always prioritized my academics,” she said. “I would like to major in psychology and minor in neuroscience.”
Looking ahead to her career, Fagan hopes to continue strong defense in the courts rather than on the basketball court.
“After college I hope to attend law school where I am planning on being a criminal defense attorney,” she said.
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