Week 5 proved that Holliston basketball runs on pure adrenaline and a complete disregard for parental blood pressure. The 5th Grade Girls (Red) delivered an instant classic against Canton—down 26-22 with under two minutes left, Catherine Levasseur decided she’d simply refuse to lose, scoring the final 6 points including two ice-cold free throws with 7 seconds on the clock for the 28-26 win, while teammate Reagan Taylor hauled down a jaw-dropping 18 rebounds. Not to be outdone in the clutch department, Coach Javier’s 4th Grade Boys found themselves buried by nearly 30 in the fourth quarter, responded with five straight forced turnovers, and watched Caleb Javier swish a fadeaway buzzer-beater with one second left—because why not? The 5th Grade Boys (Black) got their own cardiac finish when Declan Langlois drew a technical foul under pressure and calmly drained the free throws to seal a two-point road win, earning Player of the Week honors. The 8th Grade Girls (Red) played two games and aged their fans two decades—a heartbreaking 41-36 loss featuring Ella Bennett’s 26-point explosion, followed by a 40-39 nail-biter win over Somerville. Perhaps the gutsiest moment belonged to Emma Whitehead of the 7th Grade Girls, who took a fierce collision, disappeared into the locker room, then came sprinting back out two minutes into the third quarter demanding to play—and promptly dropped 5 fourth-quarter points including a banked-in three. Stat nerds will appreciate that Darian Harris and Harrison Cirillo of the 6th Grade Boys (Red) posted identical lines of 8 points, 5 steals, and 10 rebounds in a 63-17romp. Kailey Esposito of the 4th Grade Girls (White) knocked down the first basket of her MetroWest career, and Coach King’s 6th Grade Girls suffered their first loss on the cruel math of 6-for-23 from the charity stripe. Seven wins, plenty of heartbreak, and enough last-second heroics to fill a highlight reel—Holliston’s gym floors are earning every scuff mark.
GIRLS:
4th Grade Girls
Coach: King
The 4th grade Holliston Panthers girls basketball team dropped a tough one, falling 22–4 to a very talented and well-coached Walpole squad. On this day, Holliston wasn’t quite performing at peak level, and as happens over the course of a season, the team simply wasn’t firing on all cylinders. Despite the on-court challenges, the Panthers showed determination and effort, led by Avery Jacquet (4 points), Adriana Dello-Iacono (2 points), and Sloane Miller (1 point), while Maya Bernstein made a strong impact with excellent help defense on multiple possessions. Additional highlights included enthusiastic and positive cheering from the bench, spurts of physical and intense play, and great sportsmanship throughout the game. The Panthers will get back to basics, focus on fundamentals, and continue to grow and develop as the season moves forward. The play Franklin this coming Sunday on the road–good luck to all teams!
Next game: Sunday vs. Franklin (away)
4th Grade Girls (White)
Coach: Marien
Playing on the road in Medfield, the Holliston 4th grade girls (White) took a big step forward, turning in their most complete performance of the season on both ends of the floor. The Panthers brought relentless energy on defense, battled on the glass, and pushed the ball in transition, showing just how far they’ve come in five games.
Offensively, Lyla Wisner led the way with 4 points, continuing to attack the rim and create opportunities. Laiana Girgis added 2 points, and the highlight of the day came from Kailey Esposito, who made a steal and finished the play by knocking down the first basket of her MetroWest career to cap a strong all-around game. Riley Marien added steady play while sharing point guard responsibilities.
Rebounding and hustle were the trademarks of this matchup. Cassidy Cicciarella controlled the boards with 8 rebounds and added an assist, while Liliana Brown grabbed 6 rebounds, chipped in 3 steals, and blocked a shot. Wisner, Girgis, Molly Nechev, Amal Hadad, and Iris Smith all contributed key rebounds to limit Medfield’s second-chance opportunities.
Defensively, Wisner and Brown combined for 8 steals, with Smith, Esposito, and Girgis each adding steals of their own. The team consistently looked to outlet and run the floor on missed shots and turnovers.
Though Holliston came up short, the commitment to defense, rebounding, and unselfish offense made this game a clear sign of their continued growth. The team is improving every week and will look to build on this effort at home this Sunday against Watertown.
Next game: Sunday at home vs. Watertown
5th Grade Girls (Red)
Coach: Cooper
When you google instant classic January 11, you will forever find at the top of the search engine the Holliston vs Canton 5th Grade Girls Red team ESPN instant classic win, 28-26, under the bright lights of the famed Adams gymnasium. Catherine Levasseur scored 18 points leading the way, with the biggest 6 points coming in the last two minutes for the game. Holliston found themselves down 26-22 with 1:54 left in the game when Levassuer came up with an offensive loose ball and laid it in to bring the Panthers within a bucket, 24-22. Holliston’s full court press was relentless in the final two minutes, causing 3 turnovers, the last of which led to a second Levassuer layup, tying the game with 47 seconds remaining. Holliston then had a big defensive stop from ball pressure by Jaxy Mix and Madeline Cooper, which led to Levassuer getting herself to the line with 7 seconds left, in which she made both free throws to win the game.
Despite the last second heroics, it was the team’s best all-around team win of the Season. Reagan Taylor had an astounding 18 rebounds to go along with 2 points. Sadie Adamson had 5 steals and 2 points and played tough all game long.
In the 3rd quarter, Addy Cicciarella left the game after being stepped on chasing a lose ball, Cicciarella started the game hot, scoring in the first minute of the game. Jaxy Mix also scored in the 3rd quarter to keep the game close on nice bank shot. Mia Fosberg and Alice Dalbec were dominant on the defensive combining for 7 steals. The team is undefeated in the New Year and will enjoy a bye week before returning to the court in two weeks.
6th Grade Girls
Coach: King
The 6th grade Holliston girls suffered their first loss of the season in a hard-fought, physical battle against Hopkinton, ultimately falling 24–20 in a fast-paced and intense matchup. The Panthers came ready to play but were tested early by Hopkinton’s aggressive defense, which featured consistent double teams and full-court pressure that briefly shook the Panthers’ rhythm. To their credit, the girls responded well, rising to the challenge and effectively breaking down the pressure as the game wore on. The deciding factor proved to be free throw shooting, as Holliston went just 6 for 23 from the line, an Achilles’ heel on an otherwise competitive night. The silver lining was clear: the Panthers took care of the basketball, played tough, and repeatedly attacked the rim. The team was led by Winnie McHugh, who finished with 5 points and double-digit rebounds, while Millie Guellnitz (4 points), Richa Yedugani (3), Lennon King (3), Josie Brower (2), Katelyn Klein (2), and Olive Bennett (2) rounded out the scoring, with every Panther getting on the board. While the basketball gods weren’t in their favor Sunday night, this fired-up group is eager to get back to practice and looks forward to bouncing back this week against Waltham. Good luck to all teams this coming weekend!
Next game: Sunday at home vs. Waltham
6th Grade Girls (White)
Coach: Wing
The 6th grade girls (white) travel team played Medway Sunday and are very pleased to report that this game did in fact result in a WIN, a much-needed win at that!
The girls came out ready to play and boy, did they play! Each and every player, Willa Drummey, Amelia Parker, Olivia Darling, Julia O’Shaughnessy, Signe Strand, Maddie Joe Charette, Olivia Wing, Izzy Bartels and Nora Corcoran, all brought their “A” game and more. It was a fast paced game and the Holliston Panthers were roaring!
Every single player had a moment of glory in this game. Nora Corcoran played strong under the hoop, which led to a basket. Olivia Darling’s great communication in calling for the ball and getting to open space resulted in adding 4 points to the board. Izzy Bartels and Amelia Parker were also a part of the 4-point club as they each charged to the hoop to make some successful shots.
Maddie Joe Charette, often a sweet and cheerful individual, became fierce and aggressive under the hoop, rebounding shots and muscling the ball out of the opposing team’s hands. Signe Strand was another force to be reckoned with as she grabbed rebounds and put up multiple shots, one of those shots dropping and adding another 2 points to the score.
Willa Drummey was this week’s captain and a great captain she was as she was constantly encouraging her teammates, kept the game’s intensity high and had a sweet successful jumper shot too! Julia O’Shaughnessy’s energy and speed was impressive as she flew up and down the court and had some awesome steals. Olivia Wing assisted in several of her teammates’ successful baskets and had a killer fast break which resulted in a perfect layup.
The girls played a great game, and we hope to bring the same intensity and fire to our next away game vs Natick.
Next game: Sunday vs. Natick (away)
7th Grade Girls (Red)
Coach: Cooper
The 7th Grade Girls from Holliston hit the road for their longest road trip of the year to Freetown-Lakeville, which saw the Panthers lose 30-11. The game was a defensive battle to start with the first quarter ending with Lakeville ahead 4-2. The Panthers got on the scoreboard in the 1st with a Brianna Cooper jump shot, set up by a nice ball screen from Gwen Rosen.
Aila Howden recorded 8 rebounds and got herself to the free throw line the second quarter, sinking 1 of 2 free throws. Howden also had 4 steals on the day. Becca Lindros, who fouled out in the 4th quarter, had 8 rebounds. Brooke Sawicki played her best game of the season also getting herself to the free throw line and depositing her first free throw. Sawick made herself known on the defensive end with 4 steals and she was in on many defensive tie ups.
To end the first half, Emma Whitehead was sidelined due to a fierce collision. Panther fans thought she was done for the game, until 2 minutes into the 3rd quarter Whitehead was spotted running out of the locker room insisting to re-enter the game. Whitehead then proceeded to have her best game of the season, adding 5 points in the 4th quarter, one of the baskets was a 3 pointer she banked in.
Ryckie Reichheld rounded out the Panthers scoring with a hard fought put back in the 3rd quarter. Sam Baweja was in on multiple defensive plays, and Aarya Sharma added 6 rebounds to go along with 3 blocks. Charley Marcuard had multiple shots rim out which she started from 6 fast drives she created. The Panthers are on the road next week against Medway.
Next game: Sunday vs. Medway (away)
8th Grade Girls (Red)
Coach: McAdams
Game 1:
The Holliston Panthers 8th grade girls (Red) basketball team delivered a fierce, high-intensity performance in front of their home crowd, pushing Northboro to the brink in a thriller that ended 41–36. From the opening tip, the Panthers played with fire, matching Northboro basket for basket and refusing to back down in a game that stayed tight until the final minutes.
Ella Bennett was nothing short of electric, pouring in 26 points while adding 4 steals and 2 assists. Every time Holliston needed a spark, Bennett delivered—driving through defenders, knocking down shots, and keeping the Panthers within striking distance. On defense, Avery Palma was a force, grabbing 5 steals, along with 3 points and 2 rebounds, disrupting Northboro’s rhythm and igniting the crowd with her relentless hustle.
Guard Mia Malvey added toughness and grit, contributing 2 points, 4 rebounds, and 3 steals, helping fuel several momentum-shifting runs. Though the Panthers ultimately fell short, their determination, teamwork, and never-quit attitude made the game unforgettable. Holliston walked off the court with heads high, proving they’re a team built for big moments and even bigger comebacks. The team was right back in the mix with another home game on Sunday
Game 2:
Panthers Stun Somerville in a Thrilling One-Point Victory
The Holliston Panthers 8th grade girls (Red) basketball team delivered a heart-pounding performance on their home court, edging out Somerville 40–39 in a game that had fans on their feet until the final whistle. Momentum swung back and forth all afternoon, but Holliston’s grit and late-game composure proved to be the difference in a dramatic finish.
Addy McAdams lit up the gym with a commanding 15-point performance, drilling three clutch 3-pointers and adding 6 rebounds and 4 steals. Every time the Panthers needed a spark, McAdams delivered one—whether it was a deep shot to shift momentum or a defensive stop to halt a Somerville run. Ella Bennett added another strong outing with 9 points and 4 steals, attacking the basket and keeping Holliston’s offense rolling.
Aahana Kulkarni stepped up with a season-high 4 points, 2 rebounds, and a team-leading 5 steals, disrupting Somerville’s ball movement and creating key scoring opportunities. In the paint, Louisa Bigelow battled for 6 rebounds and chipped in 2 points, while Jackie Schiavoni dominated the boards with 10 rebounds and a career-high 6 points, giving Holliston crucial second-chance opportunities.
In a game defined by hustle, heart, and relentless defense, the Panthers proved they can rise to the moment. Their narrow victory over Somerville will be remembered as one of the season’s most electrifying battles.
Next game: Sunday at home vs. Brookline
BOYS:
4th Grade Boys (Red)
Coach: Javier
The 4th grade boys (Red) started aggressively in a close 1st quarter but lost the game to the Norwood-Blue team 46 – 24. The Holliston boys (Red) passed the ball and moved well on offense in the 1st quarter. Matthew McCarthy had 3 of his 6 rebounds in the 1st quarter. Coulton Mayo (4pts 4reb), starting his first game at point guard, scored a layup in the first quarter and joined Ronan Brannigan(4pts) and Elliot Duemig (4pts 3reb) as the only Holliston players to score in the first quarter. The 4th Grade Boys had one of their best days of ball movement and passes that led to many open shot attempts, but too many missed the mark. In the 2nd and 3rd quarters Norwood-Blue outscored Holliston 24 to 8. In the 4th quarter, Coach Javier asked the boys to ignore the score, fight through their frustration and simply play the rest of the game with energy. The boys responded with the same level of strong defense and selfless ball they had at the start of the game. And while most teams down by nearly 30 points in the 4th quarter might hang their heads, these boys used the last 3 minutes of the game to put on so much pressure with their press that Norwood had 5 straight turnovers. Even with 1 second left, Ronan Brannigan inbounded the ball to a cutting Caleb Javier (3pts 6reb) who swished a buzzer-beating fadeaway jumper. Declan Brannigan led the team in scoring with 9pts and added 3reb 2 steals and 1 block. The 4th Grade Boys (Red) fought to the last second and Coaches Javier and Brannigan could not have been prouder.
Next game: Saturday at home vs. Natick (Blue)
4th Grade Boys (Red)
Coach: Higgens
The Holliston Red Claws returned to a packed RAMS gymnasium for a Saturday matinee against Norwood. Fresh off a strong Week 4 win and a four-game road trip, the energy was electric for this highly anticipated home opener! In the first half, the Red Claws relied on gritty team defense to counter Norwood’s attack. Cole Cirillo and Jake Fioravanti anchored the defensive effort, dominating the boards and forcing multiple turnovers and jump balls. On the other end, David DellaRocca and Finn Malvey led the offensive attack, keeping the game tight heading into halftime. The third quarter proved to be a test of character as Norwood’s defense clamped down. But the Red Claws didn’t back down! Chase Heighington provided a huge spark with aggressive play on both ends of the floor, keeping the team focused. Peter Antony, Charlie Bronner, Jack Higgens, and Jackson Ferkler highlighted the team’s “never quit” attitude, bringing high intensity all the way into the 4th quarter. Although Norwood pulled away for a 28-14 win, the boys fought until the final buzzer. They’ll look to channel that energy next week when they host Southboro!
Next game: Sunday at home vs. Southboro
5th Grade Boys (Black)
Coach: Doss
Holliston’s 5th grade boys (Black) kept its winning season rolling with an exciting 31–23 road victory over Norton, improving to 3–1 on the year. Playing away from their home court at Adams Middle School, Holliston showed grit, composure, and growth in one of their toughest tests yet. From the opening tip, Holliston set the tone with relentless team defense. The entire squad played outstanding help defense, fought through screens, boxed out with purpose, and attacked rebounds – leaping out of the gym to rip balls out of the air. Robert Chung was especially strong on the glass, pulling down a handful of key rebounds that helped control the tempo.
Offensively, Thomas Baker led the way with a game-high 13 points, while Aiden Doss chipped in 6 and Drew Johnson and Keegan Shaw added timely buckets. Jack Kasper’s return after missing last week brought a noticeable boost – his leadership and presence were felt on both ends of the floor. Alex Navarro continued to show growth, improving his court awareness and making smart decisions as the game tightened.
And tighten it did. The fourth quarter was intense. Holliston held the lead all game, but Norton cut it to just two points with under a minute to play. Facing a full-court press and intentional fouls, the pressure was on -until Declan Langlois took over. Declan attacked the basket fearlessly, drew a technical foul, and calmly swished two free throws. On the very next possession, he did it again, knocking down another clutch free throw to seal the win.
For his poise and clutch performance, Declan earned Player of the Week honors. A gutsy team win and another step forward for Holliston basketball.
Next game: Sunday vs. Bellingham (away)
5th Grade Boys (White)
Coach: Peterson
The Holliston Panthers 5th grade boys basketball team dropped a 46–25 decision to Hopkinton at home on January 11, but the final score didn’t tell the whole story. The game got off to a rocky start, as Hopkinton jumped out to an early lead and built an 18-point advantage midway through the second quarter. From that point on, the Panthers settled in and played some of their best basketball of the season, battling nearly even with their opponents over the final 20 minutes of game time.
Holliston’s spirited play was evident on both ends of the floor. The Panthers drew 17 fouls over the course of the game and put forth a strong defensive effort against Hopkinton’s skilled big man, who scored 10 points in the first quarter but was held to just four points over the final three quarters. The improvement did not go unnoticed, as the referees commented on how much progress the Panthers have made since the beginning of the season. Coaches were proud of the grit, fight, and resilience the squad showed after falling behind early.
Offensively, JT Barry led the Panthers with 10 points, followed by Charlie Ogoreuc with 7, Oskar Peterson with 4, and two points each from Henry Paine and Youssef Lahiani. Paine’s hustle and energy helped spark the team, while Finn Rogers continued to show growing confidence and improved ball-handling. Strong screens and unselfish team play from Leo Patka, Benjamin Leach, and David Girgis played a key role in creating space and opportunities, helping the Panthers generate much of their offensive output.
Holliston will look for their first win on Sunday, Jan. 18 at Southboro.
Next game: Sunday vs. Southboro (away)
6th Grade Boys (Red)
Coach: Gum
The Holliston 6th grade boys (Red) team took the court after a thrilling conclusion to the 5th grade
girls (Red) team which saw them pull off an amazing 4th quarter win. The boys built off the buzz in the Robert Adams Jungle and took to the court with lots of energy ready for a battle. Holliston won the tip and jumped to an early lead. Quick hands by Ayen Hemaratne (4pts) and early pick and roll action by Max Cohen (2pts) and Tyler Crean (4 pts) helped see the boys jump out to a quick 17-2 first quarter lead. From there the boys stopped pressing full court and rolled to an easy win seeing a 35-2 halftime lead balloon to a 63-17 final score. Some individual highlights saw both Darian Harris and Harrison Cirillo finish the game with 8 points, 5 steals, and 10 rebounds each. Dylan Maillet led all scorers with 14 points and Grady Gum (7pts) led all players with 4 assists. Finally, Yamori Richardson (8pts) added 4 steals, Andrew Levasseur had 5 rebounds and 4 points and George Taylor added 6 points. The boys look to continue this momentum and high energy in the coming weeks with a run of difficult opponents coming up.
Up next for Holliston is a tilt with Mansfield right here in the Robert Adams Jungle on Sunday
January 18, 2026 at 10:50pm.
Next game: Sunday at home vs. Mansfield
6th Grade Boys (White)
Coach: Lyskowski
After a grueling week of practice, Coach Lyskowski had his 6th-grade Panthers ready to play at Millis this past Sunday. The boys answered the bell and played their best basketball of the season in the first quarter, jumping out to a 15 to 6 lead and never looking back.
Guards Jesiah Varghese and Jake Looney set the tone early, with Looney’s driving 3-point play an early highlight. Jevriel “The Rock” Perez fought for 5 big first-quarter rebounds and a season-high 10 for the game, establishing position and earning second-chance points for the squad. Swingman Liam “Wheels” O’Leary had a breakout game with 6 points, 5 rebounds, and pesky on-ball defense throughout, while teammates Trevor Lyskowski, Sam Wagner, Landon Maillet and Perez rounded out the scoring.
The team’s defensive effort limited Millis to 11 second-half points, while Varghese and Looney combined for 9 fourth-quarter points to seal the 37-25 victory.
The Panthers return from the long road-trip with an early home game on Sunday.
Next game: Sunday at home vs. Westboro
7th Grade Boys (White)
Coach: Sgarano
The Holliston 7th Grade Boys Team (White) lost a tough game against North Attleboro on Sunday afternoon 62-10 at Mass Premier. North Attleboro came out quickly and built a 20-point lead in the first quarter and never looked back.
Ryllan Kelley led Holliston with 5 points. Joe Sgarano hit a 3 pointer in the second half. Jacob Snow also had a basket, and Max Metivier played tough defense.
Holliston’s next game is on Saturday night against Sharon at Adams Middle School.
Next game: Saturday at home vs. Sharon
7th Grade Boys (Red)
Coach: McDonough
The Hoosiers vibes were strong as Coach McDonough’s Road Show continued in a small, brick gym outside of Boston. This time it was Milton’s turn to face the relentless 10-man 1-3-1 press, which enabled the Panthers to record a season-high 20 steals and force countless turnovers.
Guard Ryan Baker (8 points) sparked the offense with a driving three-point play as the Panthers took a 22-8 lead into halftime. Big man George Floeckher headbanded his way to a 12-point, 10-rebound double double, spearheading the defensive effort alongside Teddy Miller (6 points), Donovan “The Glove” Vail and Ty Looney who nabbed 4 steals apiece.
The steady defense continued into the second half with the Panthers limiting Milton to a single basket in the fourth quarter. Logan McDonough and OJ Jacquet each contributed 4 points and 5 rebounds, while Declan Aldredge, Cole Dennison and Anderson Langlois rounded out the scoring.
The Panthers return home at long last this Sunday riding a 5-game winning streak.
Next game: Sunday at home vs. Milton (a different Milton) at 4PM.
8th Grade Boys (Black)
Coach: Keller
Every once in a while, a team has one of those games, and this was that one (and hopefully only) for Holliston. A common thread so far this season for this team has been a slow start and that surfaced again this week, digging a 8-0 hole in the first quarter. Aided by five 3-pointers, Needham built a lead that, in the end, was too great to overcome on this day. In the final quarter, Holliston was challenged to win the 4th and responded by scoring 11 of their 19. Noah Keller, Jackson Gannaway and Stone Secaur led the offense with 4 points each, followed by Nolan Burke with 3, Nick Gorham and Leo Wagner with 2 each. Holliston will look to rebound (figuratively and literally) against Hopkinton on Saturday, January 17.
Next game: Saturday at home vs. Hopkinton
8th Grade Boys (White)
Coach: Kanavich
The 8th grade boys (White) lost 31-36 to North Quincy despite a second half comeback Sunday night. The team drops to to 2-3 in league standings and 3-7 overall. Leading the team in scoring was Luke Bartles with 8 points followed by Brody Stanley with 6 points, Patrick Coletti (4), Daniel Levens (5), Sam Ginnings (4), Kirill Stotski (2), and Lincoln Daniels (2). Leading the team in rebounds was Patrick Coletti (5), followed by Kirill Stotski (4), Sam Ginnings (3), Lincoln Daniels (2), Luke Bartels (3), Brody Stanley (2), and Daniel Levens (4). The team plays a double header this weekend playing both Arlington and Wayland on Saturday/Sunday.
Next games: Saturday vs. Arlington and Sunday vs. Wayland
