By KEN HAMWEY

Staff Sports Writer

Madi Forman became a starter for the girls basketball team at Natick High when she was a freshman. Now, as a junior, she’s become an integral component for the Redhawks, excelling as a center-forward and serving as a co-captain.

Forman’s ascension to a starting role, however, wasn’t the way she would have preferred it to occur. Unfortunately, in a game against Newton-North two years ago, forward Maya Stopka suffered a serious injury — a torn ACL — ending her season.

Forman stepped into the frontcourt role with almost no varsity experience. “Knowing I had some big shoes to fill, I was nervous at first but eventually settled down,’’ Forman said. “We consoled Maya throughout her injury and she encouraged the team to succeed.’’

Forman adjusted and progressed and her presence paid dividends, especially in the Redhawks’ second-round playoff encounter against Wachusett.

“That was an intense tourney game,’’ Forman recalled. “We trailed by 15 early, rallied to get back into the game and eventually won it. I had 15 points, 12 rebounds and 2 blocks. It was a breakthrough game for me and I felt comfortable in spite of the playoff pressure.’’

The 6-foot-2 Forman didn’t suffer any sophomore jinx when coach Dan Hinnenkamp re-installed her as a starter last year. She finished her second season averaging 12 points, 13 rebounds, 2 steals and a block.

“Madi is an excellent post player,’’ Hinnenkamp emphasized. “She’s a great rebounder, a power dribbler and a phenomenal shooter. Chosen as a captain this year by the players, she’s a terrific leader. Her athleticism, court vision and high basketball IQ make her an all-around player.’’

Relying on a pro-active, aggressive style on offense and defense, the 16-year-old Forman is adept at battling for rebound position in the paint and using her body to avoid defenders trying to limit her ability to drive to the hoop or fire up a medium-range jumper.

“I like to think I’m mentally tough and resilient and that I’ve got good court sense,’’ she said.

When it comes to setting individual and team goals, the Natick native not only makes a lot of sense, but she’s also fearless.

“My individual goals are to contribute on and off the court,’’ she said. “On the court, I’ll strive to rebound and find the open shooter. I also want to improve my statistics from last year. Team objectives include qualifying for the tourney, advancing deep and battling for the State championship. Competing for the Carey Division title is another goal.’’

Forman likes Natick’s chances of fulfilling her goals. “We’ve got a solid nucleus, good depth and experience, and terrific team chemistry,’’ she said. “We can make those goals happen.’’

Honored to be a captain, Forman intends to lead by example and by being supportive and communicative. “It’s humbling when your teammates select you,’’ she said. “I appreciate their respect.’’

Two teammates Forman respects for their ability to contribute in a positive way are senior co-captain Alana Ciccarelli, who plays off-guard, and junior guard-forward Ally Burke.

“Alana is understanding, a good communicator and she can drive for an easy hoop,’’ Forman said. “She can also shoot effectively. Ally has great energy, is quick off the drive and a very good shooter from the wing or her forward position.’’

Selected to the Bay State Conference all-star team as a sophomore, Forman wouldn’t mind achieving that status again. “Being selected as a captain is a great thrill and to be chosen as an all-star by the league again would be rewarding,’’ she said. Forman also was named to the Metrowest Daily News all-star squad. 

As proficient in the classroom as she is on a basketball court, Forman has a GPA of 3.50. She’s leaning on majoring in mathematics in college and possibly teaching for a career. A collegiate venue at this point has not been decided.

One area where there’s no indecision is Forman’s view of her coach, who believes she could be a Division 1 college prospect.

“Coach Hinnenkamp is a genuine person who puts the team first,’’ Forman noted. “He’s a terrific motivator and a solid role model. He prepares us well and his words are positive.’’

Besides varsity basketball, Forman also participates in unified track and basketball,  and she’s also involved in the mentorship program at Natick High, often helping freshmen adjust to high school experiences. She also competes in AAU basketball with the Bay State Jaguars.

Calling her parents (Warren and Deb) role models for their support and encouragement, Forman relies on an athletic philosophy that focuses on winning, reaching one’s potential and having fun. “Winning is important but if we lose, I strive to make it a learning experience,’’ she offered. “That’s where mental toughness and resilience should take over.’’

The personable Forman also values athletics for the important life lessons that can be learned. “Athletics help us to be good teammates, to sharpen our leadership skills, to overcome adversity, to work hard and to set goals,’’ she said.

Forman no doubt will learn more life lessons before her career ends at Natick. And, on the court at power forward or center, she’ll continue to give opposing teams fits. That means getting blocks, rebounds and deflections or scoring on a hook shot, a drop-step drive, a medium-range jumper or a three-pointer.

Madison Forman has all the ingredients to be one of the Redhawks’ best players. Her excellence won’t be one-way or limited to athletics.Because academics matter, too.