Open gyms are a way for prep school teams to get reps in a scrimmage-like environment while gaining exposure in front of college coaches. However, they're not as effective for player development as practices.
Tilton coach Tara Brisson can't coach her players during open gyms — but she can choose the lineups in advance.
"I never let them make the teams," she said. "I always make the teams, just because it's very specific for me in terms of who I want to see together, and then what matchups I want to see against each other (and) who wins that matchup."
Brisson and the Rams are spending preseason searching for an edge. They're among the elite tier of NEPSAC programs this upcoming season and one of seven schools in the new Class AAA. But despite winning the National Prep School Championship last March and going 28-3, Tilton is still chasing an elusive top-tier NEPSAC championship after losing in the Class AA final two of the last three years.
Here's what to expect as the Rams try to prove those doubters wrong in 2024-25.
