WHS BOMBERS
Let’s get it on!
First round tourney game a title bout rematch
By CHRIS PUTZ
Staff Writer
WESTFIELD – The Western Massachusetts Division I boys’ basketball championship is coming earlier than expected. Let’s just leave the Central talk for later.
This evening at Westfield High School, a title rematch between the host No. 8 Bombers (12-8) and the ninth-seeded Northampton Blue Devils (12-8) will take place at 7:00 p.m. It is arguably the best rivalry the division has to offer – and it’s only a first round tournament game.
“With the fan base the way it is – we have arguably the two best fan bases in Division I – and the rivalry, I don’t think there is a better game in the first round,” Westfield coach Bill Daley said.
It is the ninth meeting in the last three years.
Northampton, who defeated Westfield in the 2011 title game, swept the regular season series this year. The Bombers are 2-6 in their last eight meetings against the Blue Devils.
“It’s not going to be easy defeating the Western Mass. champs,” coach Daley said. “They have the best player in the (Suburban) League and arguably the best player (at his position) in Western Mass. in (senior forward) Jarrod Neumann. We’re very similar in a lot of ways. There will be no surprises. I wouldn’t be surprised if we have another tight game in the fourth quarter. Both teams will be able to execute down the stretch, but who’s going to have that mental execution?”
Westfield’s two losses this season to Northampton have been decided by a total of four points.
“We could call a play,” Daley said, “and they’ll be in the spots before we get there, and vice versa.”
Westfield will hope that a strong regular season schedule against tournament-bound teams will provide the necessary edge to topple Northampton tonight.
The Bombers, who won 14 out of 20 games against teams in the 2012 postseason, beat this season’s No. 5 Holyoke Purple Knights and No. 6 Cathedral, and won one of two contests against Malden.
Both teams are also streaking in the right direction.
Westfield went 6-1 down the stretch. Northampton won 10 of its last 12 games en route to capturing the league title.
“For us to host Northampton is kind of hard to understand based on common sense,” Daley said. “Northampton probably won’t be all that happy.”
Daley is urging the “Bomb Squad” to show up in full support of the team tonight, and hinted that a loud home crowd could be the tipping point in this incredible matchup on tap.
If the third time wasn’t the charm, maybe the fourth try will bring victory to the Whip City. Then the Bombers can set their sights on 19-1 Central, the tournament’s top seed, who’s looming in the second round.
Chris Putz can be reached at [email protected]
