The beauty of youth basketball was on full display in Week 10—sometimes five players with limitless heart beats eleven with less desire. Coach Flannery’s 5th Grade Boys (Red) proved that point, suiting up just their “Fightin’ Five” and battling Framingham tooth and nail for three quarters before legs gave out in the fourth quarter of a 41-26 loss that stayed competitive far longer than anyone expected. The 4th Grade Boys (Red) delivered the rally of the season, erasing a 21-point fourth-quarter deficit with a historic 15-0 run that brought them within six points of Norwood — they just ran out of clock, not fight. Perfect seasons require perfect focus, and Coach McDonough’s 7th Grade Boys (Red) delivered both in staying undefeated at 10-0 with a comfortable win over Needham. The 4th Grade Girls (Red) had the weekend of the year, sweeping two games with defensive dominance — a 25-6 crushing of Watertown and an 11-3 lockdown of Westwood that extended their win streak to three. The play that defined the weekend came from Alice Dalbec of the 5th Grade Girls (Red), who channeled Marcus Smart with three consecutive diving plays for loose balls that brought Adams Gymnasium to its loudest roar of the season, even in a 24-22 loss that marked their sixth heartbreaker decided by two points or less. Shorthanded squads showing unlimited heart, undefeated teams staying focused, and enough hustle to make the pros jealous. Week 10 delivered everything that makes February basketball special.
BOYS:
4th Grade Boys (Red)
Coach: Javier
On Superbowl Sunday, the 4th Grade Boys (Red) had their worst loss of the season 42-10 and then saw the Patriots lose to the Seahawks. Coach Javier asked the kids to flush that game down the toilet and start fresh this week. Would there be any carryover this week, especially missing 2 of their 3 point guards and their assistant coach (the Brannigan boys)? This game was all about stepping up. Elliot Duemig (6pts 3reb) and Cristian Robinson (5pts 3rebs) stepped in at PG and helped push the pace on offense with great drives and aggressive shooting. Matthew McCarthy (4pts 9reb) owned the baseline with tough rebounds and shifty shots. Nevertheless, The 4th Grade Boys (Red) started the 4th quarter down 35-14, giving up 20 points to a relentless #23 for Norwood. So what happened in the 4th quarter? Holliston proceeded to play its best team basketball of the season. Xander Gratton (3pts 11reb) and Harrison Howden (4pts 8reb 1stl) overwhelmed Norwood on the boards. Coulton Mayo used his length and positioning to lock down the previously unstoppable #23 from Norwood. And Caleb Javier (5pts 15reb) scored all of his points in the 4th quarter on the back of relentless rebounding and powerful drives to the basket. After a great inbound pass from Mayo, Javier drove from halfcourt all the way to the basket converting a driving bucket plus a foul. The 4th Grade Boys would come within 6 points of the Norwood team with seconds left in the game, but Holliston just ran out of time. They ended the game with an incredible 15-0 4th quarter, completely shutting down Norwood. The 4th Grade Boys (Red) look to carry the energy of that ending to their home game at RAMS on Sunday, February 22 at 9:30am versus Milton (Silver).
Next game: Sunday at home vs. Milton
5th Grade Boys (White)
Coach: Peterson
HOLLISTON- The Holliston Panthers defended their home floor this week with a brand of basketball that would make any old-timer proud, locking horns with a stout Canton quintet in a spirited, back-and-forth contest before bowing by the narrow margin of 28-26.
From the opening tap, it was evident the afternoon would be a bruising affair. Canton never led by more than a field goal at the close of any quarter, and every inch of hardwood was hard-earned. Passes were challenged, rebounds were fiercely contested, and neither side yielded an easy basket. It was basketball in its purest form — tight defense, steady nerves, and honest effort.
Henry Paine, whose diligence in practice has not gone unnoticed, turned in a sterling performance. The industrious forward tallied 10 points and complemented his scoring with 5 rebounds, 4 steals, and 2 assists, proving a steady hand at both ends of the floor. Charlie Ogoreuc followed with 7 markers, including two pressure-packed free throws in the waning moments that drew the Panthers within a single basket. He, too, was a menace on defense, collecting 6 rebounds and pilfering the ball 4 times.
JT Barry was enjoying a fine contest, accounting for 7 points, 3 steals, and 3 rejections before misfortune struck in the third stanza, when an ankle injury forced his departure from the fray.
The defensive work of the Panthers deserves special commendation. Fleet-footed David Girgis harried Canton’s ballhandlers all afternoon, coming away with 6 steals and 5 rebounds through sheer tenacity. Benjamin Leach ably assisted in the backcourt pressure, contributing 4 steals and 4 rebounds of his own, along with 2 points and 2 assists. Oskar Peterson once again ruled the boards, corralling 11 rebounds and swiping 5 steals in a tireless effort beneath the basket. Leo Patka’s line — 2 rebounds and 2 splendid assists — tells only part of his story, for his stout screens and timely help defense played no small part in keeping Holliston within striking distance.
Though the final tally did not favor the home side, the Panthers left the floor with heads held high. Their coaches spoke glowingly of the club’s grit, discipline, and growing composure in the game’s decisive moments. If this contest is any indication, brighter days lie ahead for the Holliston five, who next take the court Sunday morning at 9:15 in Hopkinton.
Next game: Sunday vs. Hopkinton, 9:15AM
5th Grade Boys (Red)
Coach: Flannery
A shorthanded 5th Grade Boys Red squad lost a tough decision Sunday morning against a talented Framingham team. It was a much closer game than the final score of 41-26 indicated. With only the bare minimum amount of players available, the “Fightin’ Five” of Holliston hung in valiantly through 3 quarters of play. The 4th quarter proved to be a mountain too high to climb, as exhaustion sunk in, they were outscored 17-7 in the final frame. The five players of Cam Chiantera, Jameson Drake, Jayce Sweet, Max Burian and Keegan Flannery deserve praise as they didn’t use a lack of numbers as an excuse, and they played hard the entire game. They represented themselves, their town and their families well and should be proud of their efforts. They deserve to be commended for fighting to the end! Keegan led the team with 12 points and 6 rebounds. Max had a big game with 10 points and 4 rebounds and played solid defense against Framingham’s top player. Cam battled the Framingham bigs and contributed 4 points and 3 rebounds. Jayce and Jameson played with energy, even when their legs were heavy with exhaustion, and never flinched despite the odds being stacked against them. The team currently sits on a 5-4 record, and the road does not get any easier for this group as they host a tough Hopkinton team next weekend.
Next game: Sunday at home vs. Hopkinton
6th Grade Boys (Black)
Coach: Donohue
Holliston 6th grade boys (Black) “Hornets” travelled to Watertown this Sunday for their second last game of the regular season. The fast-paced and pressing Watertown team started off strong winning the first half 25-10 with the Holliston boys struggling to hold their defense. The Holliston boys regrouped at half time and managed to contain the Watertown boys with strong defense, crashing of the boards and some powerful offensive runs winning the second half 16-14. Unfortunately, the second half heroics were not enough to overcome the early lead Watertown pulled out in the first half and the Holliston boys lost this one 26-39. Samayan Alladi had his best performance of the season with 4 points, 9 rebounds and 1 steal. Emerson Vail led the scoring with 6 points, 2 rebounds and 2 steals. Henry Cuneen returned to his rebounding ways this week with 12 boards alongside his 5 points and 3 steals. Ronan Ojha posted 4 points alongside his 8 rebounds and 2 steals while Jack Donahue chipped in 4 point and 6 boards. Clay Duffy drained a classy 3 pointer in the first quarter and the entire team fought hard to the end. The Holliston boys will travel to Westborough for their last game of the regular season on March 1st, hoping to enter the Playoffs on winning ways.
Next game: Sunday vs. Westborough (away)
7th Grade Boys (White)
Coach: Sgarano
The Holliston 7th Grade Boys Team (White) lost a tough game against Hopkinton, 30-8, on Sunday afternoon at Adams Middle School. Holliston kept the game close in the first quarter, but Hopkinton’s tough defense and hot shooting enabled them to pull away in the second quarter.
Joe Sgarano led Holliston with 4 points, while David Blackerby and Ryllan Kelley each had a basket. Tommy Ogoreuc had 2 rebounds.
Holliston will battle Parkway on the road on Sunday afternoon.
Next game: Sunday vs. Parkway (away)
7th Grade Boys (Red)
Coach: McDonough
The 7th Grade Boy Panthers (Red) cruised to 10-0 this past Sunday at home against Needham.
Holliston started strong with full-court pressure generating turnovers to open a 10-4 lead after the first, and the Panthers never looked back. Point guard Ryan Baker scored all 10 of his points in the first half, including back-to-back steals and scores, to spur Holliston to a 24-12 halftime advantage.
Speedy swingman Donovan “The Glove” Vail slashed his way to a season-high 9 points, while Ty Looney added 8 points and grabbed 11 rebounds to limit Needham’s second-chance opportunities. Cole ‘n Roll Dennison and Teddy Miller added 4 points apiece.
With key players and coaches hitting the Vermont slopes on the second leg of school vacation week, Holliston’s perfect record will be tested by a strong 7-3 Westborough team this Sunday.
Next: Sunday at home vs. Westborough
GIRLS:
4th Grade Girls (White)
Coach: Marien
The Holliston 4th grade girls (White) extended their winning streak to three games with a 23–15 victory over Norwood, powered by active defense, improved rebounding, and a fast-breaking attack that continues to develop each week.
Holliston established early momentum when Lyla Wisner (4 points, 7 rebounds, 9 steals, 3 blocks) scored the team’s first four points and repeatedly turned defensive pressure into transition opportunities. Laiana Girgis (8 points, 7 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 steal) provided steady scoring throughout, while Cassidy Cicciarella (5 points, 2 rebounds, 1 block) added key baskets and a presence on the wing.
Scoring support came from several directions. Ava Snyder (2 points, 8 rebounds) hit an important shot and led the team in rebounding. Liliana Brown (2 points, 7 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 steal, 1 block) filled the stat sheet, and Riley Marien (2 points, 2 rebounds) chipped in another efficient outing.
The box score showed the rebounding progress that has been a focus for the team recently. Snyder, Brown, Wisner, and Girgis all finished with at least seven boards, helping Holliston control possessions on both ends. Iris Smith (4 rebounds, 2 steals) and Amal Hadad added toughness and helped move the ball on offense.
Next game: Sunday vs. Southboro (away)
4th Grade Girls (Red)
Coach: King
GAME 1:
The Holliston 4th Grade Girls put together an impressive weekend, highlighted by two outstanding defensive performances. The team improved to 5-5 on the heels of a 3-game win streak. On Saturday, the girls earned a convincing 25–6 road victory over Watertown. From the opening tip, Holliston set the tone with relentless on-ball pressure, sharp help defense, and a dominant presence on the boards. The entire team committed to defense, consistently forcing turnovers and limiting scoring opportunities. A key defensive moment came when Evelyn Dellicker got low in her stance, anticipated a pass, and came up with a steal that energized the team. Hannah Kane also made a significant impact with excellent awareness and timely help defense throughout the game.
Dev King led the way in the Watertown matchup, scoring 10 points to go along with multiple steals and strong on-ball defense. Adriana Dello-Iacono added 6 points while delivering another outstanding defensive effort. Avery Jacquet contributed 4 points, and Natalie Negri chipped in 3 while running the point with confidence and composure. Sloane Miller and Avery Jacquet worked tirelessly on the boards, helping secure multiple possessions for Holliston while Maya Bernstein showcased a solid defense effort.
GAME 2:
Holliston carried that same intensity into their second game of the weekend, earning an 11–3 home victory over Westwood in a true defensive battle. Maya Bernstein sparked the team early with 4 quick points and strong defensive play. Adriana Dello-Iacono followed with 6 points, leading the offense while continuing her solid work on defense. Natalie Negri distributed the ball beautifully at the point, keeping the offense organized and composed. Sloane Miller hit the boards hard, Kate Robertson battled inside for position, and Hannah Kane, Avery Jacquet, and Dev King once again delivered strong defensive performances. It was another complete team victory, showcasing Holliston’s commitment to playing tough, unselfish team defense. The girls have an early game on the road next Sunday against Arlington. Good luck to all teams!
Next game: Sunday vs. Arlington (away)
5th Grade Girls (Red)
Coach: Cooper
The Holliston 5th Grade Girls Red Team were back at it for the second game of a weekend double header, in what turned out to be a down to the wire loss to Parkway, 24-22, at the famed Adams gymnasium in Holliston, Massachusetts. Holliston had a Madeline Cooper shot rim out with 16 seconds to try and tie the game, which was then followed by a Catherine Levasseur full court pass to Lilah Rowe, which was deflected by a Parkway defender to end the game with seconds left. This was Holliston’s 6th game of the season decided by 2 points or less.
Catherine Levasseur led the game in scoring with 9 points with Sadie Adamson and Madeline Cooper each chipping in 4 points. Lilah Rowe notched 3 points of her own, including 5 steals on the day. Addie Cicciaerlla had a huge basket in the 3rd quarter to bring the game within one basket. The story of the game was Holliston’s passing. Jaxy Mix led the team in assists with 4, and Holliston’s ball movement has been improving every game of the season. Mia Fosberg added 3 assists of her own and also 3 rebounds and 4 steals.
In the 3rd quarter the crowd was brought to their feet on a defensive sequence that saw Alice Dalbec diving for a ball no once, not twice, but three times withing the defensive stop. Dalbec came up with ball after the Marcus Smart like defensive heroics, which increased the noise at the Adams gym to its highest decibel of the season. Holliston travels to Medfield next weekend with two regular season games left on the schedule.
February 14 home vs Westwood
The 5th Grade Girls Holliston Red team played their first game of a home and home weekend double header against Westwood. Sadie Adamson and Holliston brought the sweet treats for on the Valentines Day afternoon matinee under the bright lights of the famed Adams gymnasium. Adamson got the team of to a red-hot start, scoring two quick buckets in the first quarter to set the tone for the day. Holliston never looked back, beating Westwood 23-16.
Catherine Levasseur was all over the court, scoring 4 points to go along with 5 steals and a monstrous 12 rebounds. Reagan Taylor brought down 9 boards to along with 4 points, both baskets coming off huge offensive rebounds. Taylor also was not shy on the defensive end finishing with 3 blocks. Mia Fosberg and Lilah Rowe each had two points. Fosberg was in on many offensive possessions and Rowe led the fast break time after time wearing Westwood down.
Madeline Cooper finished with 7 points and 3 steals while Alice Dalbec had 3 key assists, all coming in the second half for Dalbec. Jaxy Mix and Addie Cicciarella played a ferocious help defense stopping multiple easy scoring opportunities for Westwood. The team will be back in the famed gymnasium in Holliston for the second game of the weekend double header vs Parkway as Holliston looks to break Parkway’s 5 game winning streak.
Next game: Sunday at home vs. Parkway
6th Grade Girls (White)
Coach: Wing
The 6th grade girls (white) travel team played Parkway this weekend and walked away with an exciting win!
The Panthers were on fire this game, playing aggressive offense and defensive as well as charging to the hoop. The girls had some impressive “give and go” plays and many successful break aways.
Parkway was a very physical team, but Holliston pushed through their frustrations and played harder and smarter. Amelia Parker, even though a bit rattled by an opposing player’s negative comments, put up an amazing 12 points. Her speed and determination greatly contributed to her success.
Signe Strand played fiercely in the eye of difficult competition. She stayed strong and sunk 2 baskets and landed 3 out of her 6 foul shots. Nora Corcoran had another killer game with multiple steals and also drove to the hoop and put in a sweet layup. Willa Drummey demonstrated her awesome defensive skills, often preventing Parkway players from scoring. She also put in 2 baskets and sunk one of her foul shots.
The Holliston Panthers played an overall solid game and what a great way to kick off February break with a dominating win! The girls play again on Sunday afternoon at home vs. Milford. Come cheer our girls on at their 2nd to last game of the season.
Next game: Sunday at home vs. Milford
7th Grade Girls (Red)
Coach: Cooper
The 7th Grade Girls Red Team hit the road for match up against Parkway, the West Roxbury powerhouse. Holliston came out firing on all cylinders led by Emma Sochanek’s huge second quarter three pointer and Aarya Sharma’s 4 first quarter blocks. The first half had 4 lead changes including a 5-0 Holliston run to close out the half and went into halftime tied 13-13. Sochanek led the Panthers in scoring with 7 points, followed by Emma Whitehead who notched 4 points of her own.
The guard combo of Ellie Brown and Emma Whitehead kept the game close in the 3rd quarter, who combined for 7 assists on the day, but Parkway pulled ahead in the 4th quarter, and won the game, 29-19. Ellie brown scored 2 points which came on a 15-jump shot.
Kendall Hanlon played a great all-around game, adding 4 steals, 4 rebounds and 2 assists. Ruby Smith added 6 rebounds while she dominated the paint all game long, and Aila Howden was a menace on defense with 3 steals and adding 4 rebounds. The team is back on the road next weekend with a tough showdown with Needham.
Next game: Sunday vs. Needham (away)
