Westfield Tech’s Tyler Starzyk takes a contested jump shot from long range Monday against Pathfinder on the road. (Photo by Chris Putz)
THREE RIVERS – Mark Klyuchits (20 points) and Josh Bush combined for 35 points, and the Westfield Technical Academy boys basketball team used a key 16-6, third-quarter run to escape Pathfinder with a hard-fought 61-54 road victory Monday night.
“For the first time this season, we had a very good third quarter,” Westfield Tech coach Kyle Dulude said.
Westfield Tech overcame a 29-26 halftime deficit.
Both teams shot the ball very well over the final eight minutes, exchanging 3-pointers. Pathfinder started the fourth quarter going 7-of-9 from the free throw line as the Pioneers took advantage of being in the double bonus.
Westfield Tech nearly matched Pathfinder point for point though down the stretch to escape victorious.
“I’m so proud for the way the boys handled themselves and kept their composure on and off the court,” coach Dulude said.
Andrew Czeremcha and Cody Garwacki scored eight points apiece for Westfield Tech. Tigers’ Kevin Flores and Dave Tikhonchuk each had six.
Bombers stun Red Raiders
Westfield 55, Commerce 52
Westfield trailed most of the game before outscoring Commerce 21-10 in the fourth quarter to stun the Red Raiders.
With 12 seconds remaining, sophomore Mike Hall made a nice pump-fake, drawing a foul to go to the foul line, where he made two free throws to give Westfield a one-point lead.
Kam Wells (15 points) made a big 3-pointer from the corner late in the game; Javi Santos recorded a double-double, finishing with 10 points and 15 rebounds; and, Aidan Dunn had 11 points.
Butler, Saints prevail
St. Mary’s 47, Smith Voke 42
Jake Butler scored a game-high 28 points, and Kevin Rockwal chipped in seven in St. Mary’s exciting road victory.
Butler made a key free throw and followed that up with a big two-point shot to give St. Mary’s a three-point lead late. Jack Lamirande made two free throws to ice the game.
Strain, Rams down Red Raiders
Southwick 64, Hampshire 43
Southwick’s Billy Strain led all scorers with 17 points. Hunter Iglesias had 11 for the Rams.
GIRLS BASKETBALL
Saints top Tigers
St. Mary’s 31, Westfield Technical Academy 16
St. Mary’s Madie Donais exploded for a game-high 21 points, and the Saints won the battle of Division 4 Whip City girls hoops squads.
Jaymee Hall led Westfield Tech with five points.
Leary lifts Rams
Southwick 36, Pioneer 35
McKenna Leary nailed a game-winning 3-pointer to seal Southwick’s victory.
In JV action, Mia Pompi scored four points for Southwick, which fell 31-24.
GIRLS ICE HOCKEY
Kowalski nets hat trick
Longmeadow (WHS Co-Op) 5, Algonquin 2
Jordan Kowalski recorded a hat trick, Kayla Brown made 26 saves, and Longmeadow (WHS Co-Op) skated away with a key road victory.
