When it involves favorites in Division 1, Worcester North is not possible to disregard.
Tahlan Pettway scored 22 factors whereas Lawrence’s game-tying three level try on the buzzer rimmed out as Worcester North defeated the No. 1 Lancers, 57-54, on Saturday evening in entrance of a full home for the CITI Team High School Hoops Classic at Emmanuel College.
Pettway was named the sport’s Most worthy participant for his efforts. Worcester North now holds key wins over each the Lancers and Newton North and has but to fall to an in-state foe.
“Two great teams that are similar teams here tonight,” Worcester North coach Al Pettway stated. “I thought in the end we were a little more disciplined and made some more big plays than they did.”
Throughout the night each side matched one another pound-for-pound on the defensive finish of the ground. While Worcester North alternated between bodily half court docket strain and a field and one on Lawrence star Marius Canery, Lawrence showcased its conventional run and bounce full court docket defensive assault.
Lawrence (11-1) held a 47-45 lead with simply over 4 minutes remaining, however Pettway buried a nook triple to push the Polar Bears in entrance by one. Worcester North’s benefit bought as much as 5, 52-47, however Ryan Grunon drilled a triple to get Lawrence inside 52-50 with 2:20 left.
Worcester North (10-2) stored its lead courtesy of an electrifying reverse end from Amir Jenkins on the shot clock buzzer earlier than finally carrying a 3 level lead into the sport’s remaining 20 seconds. With the clock ticking below 5 seconds, Lawrence bought a high-percentage take a look at a triple as Grunon fired a clear look off a display screen but it surely rattled across the rim and off to ship the Polar Bear followers into celebration.
“Worcester North is one of the top five if not arguably the best team in the state,” Lawrence coach Jesus Moore stated. “They are tough, gritty kids. They are as good as anyone out there. We missed some free throws and had bad turnovers. Even at the end we got a clean look.”
Lawrence held a 17-14 lead early within the second quarter, however the Polar Bears sprung off a 13-0 run highlighted by six straight factors from Joseph Okla to go in entrance 27-17. The Lancers clawed their manner again earlier than the half discovering baskets in transition whereas forcing three turnovers with their strain. Senior Danny Reyes drilled a 3 whereas Canery completed a two handed slam to tug the Lancers again inside 27-26 on the break.
In the sport main as much as the night traditional, St. Mary’s took down defending Division 4 state champion Randolph, 58-39. David Brown took house the sport’s Most worthy participant for his efficiency as led all scorers with 14 factors.
Along with Brown, the Spartans obtained contributions from JJ Martinez (13 factors) and Omri Merryman (12 factors). Cam Rainford led Randolph with 11 factors.
Source: www.bostonherald.com