Nick Simonetti’s first 12 months on the helm at Dartmouth is shaping as much as be document breaking.
Led by a ferocious tandem in Aiden Smith and Hunter Matteson, Dartmouth is a scorching 13-1 whereas additionally holding a key highway win over Brockton because it pursues its greatest win whole in program historical past. As the season heads to its residence stretch, the Indians rank because the No. 7 seed in Division 2, based on the MIAA Power Rankings.
“I just wanted to ensure our chemistry on the court got better this year when I took over,” Simonetti stated. “We have most of the same guys as last year since we only had one senior a year ago. But we needed to learn to play better together and the kids have done that.”
Throughout the winter, the Indians’ offense has been explosive, scoring not less than 60 factors on all however one event. They have reached the 70-point whole in half their video games. One have a look at the Indians and it’s simple to see why their offense has been so prolific. Smith is shortly growing into one of many premier guards in Eastern Mass. as his quickness permits him to get to the basket whereas his anticipation makes him a nightmare on the defensive finish of the ground. On the 12 months, Smith is averaging 15 factors and 5 assists an evening with a spotlight 37-point efficiency coming in Dartmouth’s win over the Boxers.
Then there’s Matteson who, at 6-foot-7, has been a pressure within the Southeast Conference. Not solely is the junior proving to be a high quality finisher across the basket however his athleticism permits him to run the ground whereas his physicality supplies a robust presence on the glass. Matteson is averaging 23 factors and 10 rebounds per recreation.
“Aiden has commanded the offense at such an impressively high level,” Simonetti stated. “He gets people the ball at the right time. Then when you have someone like Hunter, he is just a catalyst down low.”
Surrounding the 2 are key items, together with Adam Mogawer and Dylan Gomes. Mogawer supplies a 3rd scoring possibility whereas Gomes serves because the staff’s pure glue man. It has all mixed to offer Dartmouth its most inspiring staff since 2008 when the Indians fell to Catholic Memorial within the Division 2 South sectional ultimate.
“Our effort and attitude going into games that we have lost in the past has been tremendous,” Simonetti stated. “We have already clinched a tournament spot but now it’s about achieving other goals. We have a chance for the most wins in Dartmouth program history if we get to 19. So, we have a long way to go to prove something.”
Around the rim
Tuesday evening was an thrilling one for Kate Olenik because the senior scored her 1,000th profession level in Medfield’s win over Holliston. Olenik, who’s averaging over 22 factors per recreation this winter, is the chief of an undefeated Warriors staff primed to be the staff to beat in Division 2.
A premier Boston City League matchup is about for Monday when Charlestown visits Burke. It’s the second assembly between these two statewide contenders with the Townies knocking off an ill-stricken Bulldogs staff the primary time, 84-68.
Source: www.bostonherald.com