The Patriots beat the Broncos in a snowstorm to clinch the AFC Championship—because of course they did—and Holliston’s youth basketball teams followed suit with their own brand of winter toughness. Only seven games survived the 16-inch blizzard, but they packed in a season’s worth of storylines. The 4th Grade Boys (Red) ended their 0-6 drought with a gritty 30-22 win at Northboro, responding to a 9-1 first-quarter deficit with a 12-2 run and a season-high 37 rebounds that had Mother Nature so impressed she gave them two snow days. Harry Cirillo put together a career masterpiece for the 6th Grade Boys (Red)—19 points, 18 boards, 5 assists, 5 steals—as Holliston rolled past a higher-division Southborough team 47-26. The 7th Grade Boys (Red) improved to a perfect 7-0 with Ryan Baker’s dagger three sealing a 34-17 win over Medway. Meanwhile, the 8th Grade Girls (Red) kept rolling with their third straight win, a 46-26 demolition of Wellesley behind Ella Bennett’s 19 points and Jackie Schiavoni’s 15 rebounds. But the moment of the week? Reagan Taylor of the 5th Grade Girls (Red) swatting a shot and channeling her inner Dikembe Mutombo with a finger wag—in a heartbreaking 31-30 loss that featured 13 lead changes and 19 points from Catherine Levasseur. Four wins, three nail-biters, one perfect record, and a Super Bowl to look forward to!
GIRLS:
5th Grade Girls (Red)
Coach: Cooper
The 5th Grade Girls Red Team were once again in a barn burner of a game vs Millis, this time on the losing end, falling 31-30 on the road. In a game that saw 13 lead changes, Holliston came out firing on all cylinders with 7 first quarter steals. Addie Cicciarella started the scoring for the Panthers in the first quarter off an Alice Dalbec assist. Dalbec was a menace on the defensive end with 4 steals on the day.
Catherine Levasseur led Holliston in scoring with a cool 19 points, while Madeline Cooper added 3 points to go along with 4 assists. Sadie Adamson, Jaxy Mix, and Reagan Taylor also found themselves in the scoring column with a basket each.
The 4th quarter brought fans to the edge of their seats. Holliston’s in your face defense kept things close in the last 3 minutes with a powerful full court press. After a couple more lead changes and a Dikembe Mutombo block by Reagan Taylor who was seen waving her finger in the air after block, the Panthers could not capitalize on a last second shot attempt. The 5th Grade Girls Red Team continues their 3 week road trip at Milton next week.
Next game: Sunday vs. Milton (away)
6th Grade Girls (White)
Coach: Wing
The 6th grade girls (White) travel team played Belmont on Sunday and unfortunately, experienced another discouraging loss.
The Holliston Panthers started out with strong, aggressive defense and put 4 points on the boards in the first half of the game. The Belmont Cheetahs seemed rattled and we thought we had this game in the bag. However, our girls somehow lost some of their hustle and the game slowly slipped away from us.
Amelia Parker showed great determination and played hard the entire game. She was able to make 2 baskets, one in each half of the game. Izzy Bartels and Olivia Wing both landed a bucket in the 4th quarter and each delivered solid passes throughout the game. Willa Drummey played aggressively and drew a foul, but unfortunately, was unable to sink her foul shots.
The girls demonstrated they have the drive by their performance in the first half, now they just need to figure out how to keep it the entire game. The team will continue to work on improving their mental game along with their shooting and rebounding.
Come cheer on the girls at their next home game on Sunday vs Dedham.
Next game: Sunday at home vs. Dedham
8th Grade Girls (Red)
Coach: McAdams
Holliston 8th Grade Girls Dominate Wellesley, 46–26
The Holliston 8th grade girls’ basketball team delivered a statement win this week, overpowering Wellesley 46–26 with a balanced attack, relentless defense, and standout individual performances across the roster.
From the opening tip, Holliston set the tone with aggressive drives, sharp passing, and disciplined pressure on the defensive end. Avery Palma sparked the offense early, tallying 10 points, 2 assists, and 4 steals, including several strong drives that resulted in and-one finishes that energized the crowd and her teammates.
The scoring surge continued behind the hot hand of Ella Bennett, who led all scorers with 19 points while also recording 4 steals. Bennett’s confidence from the field and defensive tenacity helped Holliston build a double-digit lead that Wellesley struggled to overcome.
On the defensive end, Mia Malvey was a major problem for Wellesley’s guards. Serving as Holliston’s shutdown defender, Malvey applied constant pressure and still contributed on offense with 6 points, scoring off crafty fakes and smooth long-range jumpers.
Inside the paint, Jackie Schiavoni dominated the boards, pulling down an impressive 15 rebounds to go with 2 points. Her presence underneath limited Wellesley’s second-chance opportunities and helped Holliston control the tempo throughout the game.
Rounding out the scoring effort, Addy McAdams added 4 points and 3 assists, facilitating the offense with precision passing and keeping Holliston’s fast-paced attack moving in rhythm.
With contributions from every corner of the lineup, Holliston showcased its depth, teamwork, and competitive edge. The decisive 46–26 victory serves as a strong momentum builder as the team heads deeper into the season. The victory extends the Panthers win streak to an impressive 3 games.
Next game: Sunday vs. Ashland (away)
BOYS:
4th Grade Boys (Red)
Coach: Javier
The lessons learned during an 0-6 start to the season lead directly to the first win of the season for the 4th Grade Boys (Red) 30-22 over host Northboro (Red). The biggest storm of the season could not compete with the most complete game by Holliston this season. This game started with a familiar script, Holliston playing with great energy in the 1st quarter but falling behind 9-1 by the end of the first quarter. In the 2nd quarter, the team continued moving the ball and driving to the basket, earning 4 trips to the free throw line. This led to a 12-2 run and the first half-time lead of the season. In the second half the 4th Grade Boys (Red) attacked the boards and pressured Northboro constantly on defense. Coulton Mayo (6pts 10rebs 1stl) and Caleb Javier (6pts 8rebs 2stl 1blk) led Holliston to a season-high 37 rebounds. Cristian Robinson (2pts 1 rebs 3stl) and Calder Guellnitz (5rebs 2stl) led 6 different players to Holliston’s 11 steals as a team. The 4th Grade Boys (Red) found open teammates all game long and played strong defense until the final whistle to secure a well-earned win against a scrappy Northboro team. Mother nature was so impressed with the performance that we got 2 snow days as a bonus. The 4th Grade Boys (Red) come home to play Needham (Blue) at RAMS on February 1st at 5:30 PM.
Next game: Sunday at home vs. Needham, 5:30 PM.
6th Grade Boys (Black)
Coach: Donohue
Holliston 6th grade boys (Black) “Hornets” hosted a strong Ashland team at home on Saturday evening. The boys started off the game strong and kept this team within reach in the first quarter and equaled the scoring in the 2nd. However, Ashland pulled away in the second half and despite an explosive 4th quarter from Emerson Vail, scoring 7 fast points, the Holliston boys fell to Ashland 19-31. Emerson ended the game with an impressive 11 points and 5 boards. Jack Donahue and Neel Lele both added 4 to round off the scoring. Ronan Ojha and Henry Cuneen controlled the glass with Ronan securing 6 rebounds, while Henry pulled down an impressive 11 boards. The team will move on, hoping for their first win of the season, this weekend playing Medfield at home.
Next game: Sunday at home vs. Medfield
6th Grade Boys (Red)
Coach: Gum
As the snow began to fall over Metrowest, the Holliston 6th Grade Boys (Red) team took to the court on the road against a Southborough team that is ranked a division up from the Holliston boys. The team took to the court with lots of excitement and were ready for the challenge. Holliston won the tip thanks to Harrison (Harry) Cirillo. The offense hit their groove right away as two quick passes led to an in rhythm three by George Taylor (also added 5 boards and 4 steals for the game) and Holliston was off and running. The boys started pressing which led to some early turnovers and frustrations by a frazzled Southboro team. Tyler Crean wrapped up the first quarter with a real nice drive into traffic for two. Harry wrapped up the first quarter with 6 points, and 6 rebounds and Holliston took an early 15-8 lead after 1. The second quarter was more of the same, Ayen Hemaratne made a nice pass to Yamori Richardson for 2 of his 4 second quarter points. Max Cohen made a nice drive, was fouled, stepped to the line and drilled both of his free throws. Andrew Levasseur pulled down 3 of his 5 boards for the game which all led to a 25-17 half time lead. The second half was dominated by more tough D, but mostly by Harry Cirillo. Harry had a career performance dropping 19 points, 18 boards, 5 assists and 5 steals.
There was just no answer by Southborough for Harry. Darian Harris also continued his tough
play with 4 steals, and 4 rebounds and Dylan Maillet ended the game second in scoring with 9 points and 3 boards. Holliston once again eclipsed the 20-point differential with a final score of 47-26. Things look to get a little tougher this week as the boys take on a 1 loss Waltham team right here at the Robert Adams Jungle. Make sure to watch the day for this one as the game will be Saturday not Sunday, January 31, at 4:15. See you there!
Next game: Saturday at home vs. Waltham, 4:15
7th Grade Boys (Red)
Coach: McDonough
Coach McDonough’s unbeaten Panthers earned a 34-17 win over neighboring Medway as the winter storm started in earnest, stretching their record to 7-0 on the season.
Guard Ryan Baker carried the offense in the first half, scoring 10 of the Panthers’ 14 points. The game was within reach for Medway after Holliston scored just 7 in the 3rd, but the boys answered the bell in the 4th. Six players combined for 13 points while holding Medway to just 4, highlighted by a dagger 3 from Baker to salt this one away in the final minutes.
The defense set the tone as usual for the Panthers, forcing turnovers and limiting Medway to desperation shots throughout the game. Center George Floeckher tallied 6 points and 5 rebounds, and Anderson Langlois added 5 points and a pair of steals. Also of note, Medway High School’s gym is very nice.
The Panthers look to keep the good times rolling Sunday at Blackstone.
Next game: Sunday at Blackstone-Millville, 12:10.
