Westfield’s Manny Golob, center left, and Holyoke’s Jordan Nelson go for the tip-off during Monday night’s game at Westfield High School. (Photo by Frederick Gore)
WESTFIELD – The Bomb Squad is back.
Westfield put together another impressive victory Monday night, soundly defeating visiting Holyoke 69-63.
Manny Golob notched a double-double, scoring 20 points, 14 of which came in the second quarter, and pulling down 14 rebounds to lead Westfield (2-0), which has shown early signs of returning to form after a couple of sub-par seasons.
“Manny had just a phenomenal game,” Westfield coach Bill Daley said. “He brought a lot of energy, and kept us in it.”
Westfield trailed after the first quarter 19-10, but rallied behind the play of Golob, solid first-half minutes from Rodney Bernard (4), Matt Garlo (2); double-digit efforts from Richard Barnett (13), John O’Brien (11), Colin Dunn (10, all in the first half); and nine points – all in the fourth quarter – from Aric Laplante.
“It was a well-rounded effort for sure,” coach Daley said. “We’ve had balance up and down the lineup for two games in a row.”
The Bombers outscored the Purple Knights 41-23 over the second and third quarters to take command of the game. They led by one at the half, 30-29, and forged a 51-42 third-quarter lead.
Westfield will attempt to avoid a letdown game against Chicopee Comp Tuesday night in the Whip City at 7 p.m.
Southwick Rams Dean
Southwick 64, Dean Tech 55
Four players scored in double digits to keep Southwick above .500. The Rams improved to 2-1.
Lawrence Johnson led Southwick with 14 points, Rams’ Jon Collins recorded a double-double (10 points, 11 rebounds), and Matt Daley and Nick Hough scored 10 apiece.
Austin Leary provided a huge spark off the bench with seven points for Southwick, matching teammate Ryan Leclair.
St. Mary’s Nick Garde, right, attempts to dribble past a pair of Pioneer Valley Christian Academy defenders during Monday night’s game at Westfield Middle School South. (Photo by Frederick Gore)
Garde Paces Saints
Pioneer Valley Christian School 50, St. Mary 36
Nick Garde scored a team-high 13 points for St. Mary, and Saints’ Andrew Illnicki added eight.
“The kids played very hard,” St. Mary coach Joe Molta said. “We’re just trying to find some offense right now. We’re very young. That’s a challenge for us.”
