Westfield Voc-Tech senior forward Henry Deaza (24) rips a rebound out of mid-air against Turners Falls in the season opener last night. (Photo by Chris Putz)
Voc-Tech’s senior Serge Petrik (32) attempts to convert a breakaway lay-up. (Photo by Chris Putz)
The Tigers take the ball out from the sideline. (Photo by Chris Putz)
WESTFIELD – If Westfield Voc-Tech High School boys’ basketball first-year head coach Kyle Dulude could have claimed a victory after one-quarter in Monday’s season opener, it would have been a thrilling 9-8 win.
But Turners Falls ran, ran some more, and ran away with a 76-43 win over the host Tigers.
“It was a good first quarter, a so-so second quarter, but then they just ran us off the gym,” Dulude said.
Three of four Westfield Voc-Tech big men got into early foul trouble, each collecting three fouls in the first half. Turners Falls took advantage, blowing by the defense and getting to the hoop.
“We had a hard time matching up with their speed,” Dulude said. “Once our big guys got in foul trouble, their smaller guys got to the rim a little bit easier.
Ralf Ayala finished with a team-high 13 points for Voc-Tech. Tigers’ Nelson Rogue had 10, and teammate Logan Vanveldhuizen finished with seven.
Westfield Voc-Tech will attempt to regroup before facing their next opponent, Smith Voke, next Monday.
“It’s our face game of the season,” Dulude said. “We will take it for what it’s worth and move on.”
“The kids said after the game we will wipe the slate clean, learn from our mistakes and get better.”
