Ryan Middlemiss, 40, is the definition of a Methuen sports lifer. He played basketball and soccer for the Rangers, graduating in 2003.

Eventually, he would coach the boys’ junior varsity basketball team for seven years and the girls’ varsity hoops team for three years.

He has also coached Methuen’s Unified Basketball and Unified Track and Field teams for the past four years. Middlemiss, a Methuen physical education teacher, and his fiancée, Yosibel Valdez Dicuru, have a 5-year-old son Sebastian.

This season, the coaches’ coach has taken on a new role at Methuen High School as boys’ varsity head coach. Middlemiss shares his emotions upon getting the new gig,

“Very excited and grateful,” he relates. “It was a little bittersweet as well as I knew I would be no longer be coaching the girls, and I had great relationships with so many of them, but excitement definitely took over and I was ready to get things going immediately.”

The boys’ basketball job always had a place in the front and back of Middlemiss’ mind.

He explains, “While I was the JV coach under coach Anthony Faradie, I was definitely looking forward to the opportunity if he ever decided move on from Methuen. Over the past few years while I was the girls coach, I never really thought about it. I was really just enjoying my time leading the girls’ program.”

When Faradie announced that he was leaving MHS to take the same job at Wilmington High School, Middlemiss was the choice, but was leaving the girls’ program difficult?

He responds, “Absolutely. It was an amazing experience for me to have the opportunity to coach the girls at the high school. I was able to coach some phenomenal kids and build amazing relationships. It was not an easy decision at all to apply for the boys’ job, but I thought it was the right decision for me. Fortunately, I am a teacher at the high school, so I still get to see the girls I coached around school.”
Middlemiss certainly had familiarity with the boys’ team coming into this season, which has been a help: “I had relationships with most of the kids before entering the season, so I have some baseline on their personalities and their abilities. It definitely allowed us to get into the rhythm at a quicker pace.”

The new coach’s first words to his new team were telling. Middlemiss explains, “My most important message was about being great people and great teammates, and to be a great representation of the community of Methuen – hard working, selfless and able to fight through adversity.

“We also talked about taking the program to the next level, contending for MVC Large, Christmas Tourney championships and state championships every year. Most important, it was about helping these young adults develop into great people.”

Middlemiss definitely has some great young players on this team with great talent. In addition to his three senior captains – Isaiah Andino, Lennon Abreu-De La Cruz and Nethaniel Clemente – senior Alex Figueroa is a huge piece in the team’s success.

The coach also has two juniors, Jeyvien DeLeon and Alexander Santiago, who bring defensive energy and toughness. Fellow juniors Quinn Vuylsteke and Dylan Sweetser are competitive shot-makers, while sophomore Niles Scott has a huge upside.

This depth brings great expectations. Says Middlemiss, “Expectations are extremely high for this group. We are returning three starters and two All-Conference players, and a team that advanced to the Sweet 16. We aren’t quite there yet with this group, but I am very confident that as the season progresses and we continue to get better, we will be able to beat anyone in the state.”

Indeed, Methuen laid claim to their potential with a stirring run to the finals of the recent Commonwealth Motors Christmas Classic Tournament, losing to Andover in a hotly contested title game. Says Middlemiss, “It was an amazing experience for the program and the kids.

They were really dialed in and played exceptional basketball all weekend.

“We unfortunately just came out a little cold in the finals and dug ourselves too big of a hole. We fought all the way back from 17 down to get within 1 and the ball back with 30 seconds left, but just couldn’t get over the hump. I wish we were able to pull it off, but it definitely will be a great memory we can all share together.”

“Together” is a watchword for Middlemiss and it includes a very special member of his staff: “I want to give a big shout-out to one of my assistant coaches, James Staples. He has been coaching with me for the past five years and has been amazing. He has been going through significant health complications, but still maintains an amazing positive attitude. The program and community is blessed to have him.”

The same can be said for Middlemiss himself, a team builder and motivator who sees great things for his club as we move into February and the season stretch run.

“Over the final month of the season, we are just solidifying our identity as a hard-nosed defensive team,” says Middlemiss. “When we take care of the ball and compete at a high level on the defensive end, we are going to be a tough team to beat in the final few weeks of the season.

We are continuing to focus on making the right play every time. No matter the situation, the focus needs to be on doing the right thing to help the team win. Once we all commit to that, amazing things will happen.”

Key captains

One of the strengths of Ryan Middlemiss’ 2024-25 Ranger boys’ hoops team is the talent and leadership of his captains Isaiah Andino, Lennon Abreu De La Cruz and Nethaniel Clemente.

“All three are amazing kids, extremely talented in basketball, and hard workers,” Middlemiss relates. “They each have their own leadership style and are passionate about leaving a special legacy with the program.”

This trio knows the pulse of their team and recognizes their crucial roles in achieving collective goals. Senior guard Isaiah Andino talks about expectations, camaraderie and Coach Middlemiss: “My goals are simple, make the state tournament and go far in the state tournament. The whole team gets along really well. It’s like a brotherhood over here, and I love showing up to practice just talking and laughing with them all. It makes this experience so much better.

“Coach has brought a lot of energy and discipline, keeping us in check so that we can always be our best. He’s been great for us and he treats the whole team with respect, always giving opportunities. What else can you ask for from a coach?”

Guard Lennon Abreu-De La Cruz talks about his concept of leadership and what that Christmas Tourney run did for the club. He states, “This year, I feel as if I am a role model for the other players, whether it’s on or off the court. I take pride in making sure my teammates are physically and mentally prepared for every practice or game, no matter the situation, and I believe I bring a source of leadership to the team. Not only am I a leader, but I am also a positive, upbeat and outgoing teammate. Making it to Christmas Tournament finals was definitely a great feeling for me personally and us as a team to see and understand how much potential we have this year.”

Senior forward Nethaniel Clemente, who has been eyed by several colleges to continue his academic and hoops career, talks about his team and what he personally can do to help the cause: “I truly believe the group of guys we have are the most talented in the MVC. We came into the season with a big goal and that goal is to be playing in Tsongas Arena on the big stage.

“The team expects a lot out of me, so I hustle for the team, grab rebounds, block shots and score. I and my teammates hold ourselves to a high standard. We all play together and have fun, and we hang out to build the team chemistry, but when we get on the court, we know what we have to do and most importantly what we’re playing for this year.”

John Molori is an author, columnist, and a 2011 inductee into the Methuen Athletic Hall of Fame. Facebook: John Molori, Twitter @MoloriMedia. Email molorimedia@gmail.com