Holliston Youth Basketball – Week 8
From Derek Cordon and Michelle Friedman
If your team played despite the snow – the basketball fans deserve to know
Is anyone in HYBA a head coach for one team and an assistant coach for another team? Great question and the answer is yes! Brian McDonald is the head coach of the 5th grade girls’ team who are currently boasting a record of 5-3 (the 3 losses were by a combined total of 9 points). He is assisted by Jessica Kerchner & Jason Dufault. Coach McDonald is also the assistant coach for the 7th grade boys’ squad who are also having an impressive season. And, for those of you who may not know, Brian is also the President of the Holliston Youth Baseball and Softball program and the Vice Chairperson for Holliston Parks and Recreation. Thank you for your many contributions to the youth in our town, Brian!
As for Week 8, the snow came down and games were cancelled left and right. Holliston had 3 teams who braved the elements and played their games on the road. Clearly the weather did not have a negative impact on Holliston as they swept all 3 games.
Girls’ 5th Grade
On the heels of the snowstorm, a short-handed 5th grade girls team headed to Millis for a late day matchup. With only seven players available, the girls had their work cut out for them, but they were up for the challenge making defense, grit and hustle their top priority. Holding Millis to just 11 points secured them a 19-11 victory. Between periods, Caroline Coughlin was describing for her teammates and coaches how she boxed out an opponent and her enthusiasm was priceless. Apparently, it was also contagious as Emma Arsenault secured 7 rebounds and Lila Cohen and Mackenzie McDonald had 6 each. On the offensive side, Maddie Sullivan had a crucial 3rd quarter basket that shifted momentum back to Holliston as Millis was initiating a comeback, while Emerson Harrington led the team with 5 points. Next week, the girls host a challenging Franklin team at the Adams Middle School.
Boys’ 6th Grade
The Holliston 6th grade boys team came out with a hard-earned 41-38 win over Millis. The boys got out to a hot start in the first quarter but lost the lead in both the second and third quarters, only to pull away at the end and come away victorious. Nick Flannery led the way with 14 points, and Sean Sullivan was absolutely dominant on the inside, scoring 11 points. Guard play was a huge bonus for Holliston as Anthony Faletra was able to break the Millis press with ease and contributed 6 rebounds and 3 steals. Gavin McGann added 5 points along with 3 boards. Colin Doherty hit a huge jumper on the right wing down the stretch to seal the win for the Panthers. The boys take on tri-valley league rival Bellingham in a Friday night matchup at 6:15 at the Adams Middle School.
Boys’ 7th Grade
The Holliston 7th grade boys won an exciting game 43-42 over Natick. Natick came out with an aggressive press defense. Holliston handled the pressure well with great team passing leading to two Henry Hayes baskets at the end of the first quarter to help put Holliston up 12-4. Natick continued to press and chip away at the lead, but back-to-back three pointers by Thomas DiPippo and Jack McDonald maintained the Panthers lead at halftime, 26-18. Natick battled back from double digit leads by Holliston, but tremendous hustle plays on defense by Jake Brodsky helped extend the Holliston lead to 10 points after three quarters. Natick continued to press and took the lead 40-39 with under two minutes remaining in the game. Then Cal Leverone stole the ball leading to a Luke McHugh floater in the lane to put the Panthers up 41-40. Natick reclaimed the lead 42-41, but Jack McDonald picked off the ensuing inbounds pass and made a driving layup over two Natick defenders to put Holliston back in the lead, 43-42. Jack McDonald led all scorers with 23 including an impressive 7-8 from the free throw line. With 1.6 seconds remaining, Natick called time out and set up one more play, but Holliston put up another great defensive stand leading to a contested shot that rolled off the rim as the buzzer sounded and time expired. Next up for Holliston is a visit to Brookline.
