Courting Greatness

BUILDING A BASKETBALL LEGACY

Ryan Berger and Mike O’Neill, the co-coaches of the Millburn Girls eighth grade travel basketball team, have nurtured this group since the third grade into a formidable force in the competitive world of youth basketball. Their inspiration to coach began when each of their middle children developed a love for the game in elementary school.

“The influence of our older kids and the constant presence of the Knicks on TV gave the girls no choice but to fall in love with basketball,” Berger recalls. What started as a small circle of friends casually playing together on Berger’s driveway quickly expanded into a powerhouse of a team. “Basketball is a sport that involves five players working together on the court. From an early age, these girls wanted to play as a team, sharing the ball and building an incredible bond that will last a lifetime.”

From the humble beginnings to competitive play, the transition was seamless, thanks to the girls’ fervor for basketball and its culture.

“Our early practices were designed to help the girls learn how to play and grasp the basics of basketball,” Berger says. “Basketball is a very popular sport in today’s culture; it comes with a lifestyle, and it was clear from those early practices that this group loved the sport, the culture and the idea of playing together as a team.”

Over four seasons, from grades five to eight, this talented girls Millburn travel team amassed a record of approximately 75-10, winning several tournaments and championships around New Jersey. Their final season was proof of their growth, finishing with a perfect 12-0 regular season and outscoring opponents by a combined score of 532-239.

GAME CHANGERS

The road to success was not without its challenges, but the team’s unity and commitment helped them overcome any obstacles. “The challenges can be difficult, but this group didn’t face too many, and that’s why they are so successful,” Berger notes. “We became a family, and everyone contributed where they could. We made it clear that the priority was the team and the bond we all shared.” Berger and O’Neill emphasize that a strong team dynamic hinges on selflessness and embracing roles for the greater good. “These girls play for the name on the front, not the back, and truly bought into the idea of family and team,” Berger explains. “No one is bigger than the team.”

Watching the team develop over the years has been the most gratifying aspect for both coaches. “I think the most rewarding thing is seeing the smiles on the girls’ faces and their confidence in knowing they can play with anyone,” Berger shares. “This is the first time in 10 years living here that I’ve seen people wearing Millburn Basketball sweatshirts and gear at the girls’ games in town. Our championship game had hundreds of fans in the crowd, with kids and families bringing signs and parents chanting, ‘Defense, Defense.’”

A standout moment that perfectly captures the team’s spirit and community impact was their unforgettable opportunity at Madison Square Garden. Berger recalls, “Two years ago in New York, when the Knicks heard about what we were building, they invited the team to play before their game at Madison Square Garden. It was an amazing experience for the girls, with 75 people from our community there to support them. They had the chance to play in the world’s most famous arena before an NBA game—an experience none of the girls will ever forget.”

HOOP DREAMS

This has been a dream for Berger, O’Neill and the girls. “We have built a culture and a platform for these girls to showcase their basketball talent, and we had so much fun doing it,” Berger shares. “The memories, the experiences, the wins and losses.” Berger’s passion for coaching remains strong, and he is open to future opportunities. “I believe I have a lot left to give as a coach. And I think Mike does, too.”

“I have an 8-year-old daughter whose group needs some coaching, and whenever people ask me if I will coach her, I always answer the same way: ‘If they have kids like Parris Smith, Hope Chastain and Nola Lewis, I’m in!’”

As the girls prepare for high school, Berger is optimistic about their future. “Of the twelve girls on this year’s team, about eight will be going to Millburn High School, and all intend to be part of the basketball program,” he says. “The high school coaching staff has done a great job of embracing the team and even had them out at a Varsity game this season, where they go to sit behind the bench with the team.”

Two of the girls, Charlie Berger and Nola Lewis, are playing for the Jersey Aces travel team this spring, competing in tournaments in Atlanta and Orlando. Many of the others are among the top lacrosse players in town and will be busy juggling that while staying on top of their basketball game in their spare time.

As Berger and O’Neill look to the future, they reflect with pride and love. “After five long, incredible years, Mike and I are now in the crowd as their biggest fans,” Berger says. “It will be very difficult for me to watch them without coaching, as it is all we know, but I have a feeling we will find ways to continue our connection to this group and watch them take Millburn Girls Basketball to the next level.”

2024-2025

TEAM ROSTER: 

Shooting Stars

Charlie Berger

Hope Chastain

Morgan Chimenti

Samiya Gupta

Morgan Kulikowski

Alexa Landau

Nola Lewis

Margot McKinney

Keira O’Neill

Brooke Ploetner

Parris Smith

Sophia Wong

BY EVE GOLDEN