SOUTHWICK – Southwick jumped out to an 18-5, first quarter lead and led by 28 at the half against Duggan Academy in a high school boys’ basketball season opener Tuesday night at home. The Rams rolled 67-21.
Southwick’s Matt Daley splits the Duggan Academy defense and goes in for a layup Tuesday night at home. (Photo by Bill Deren)
Senior Ryan LeClair paved the way for Southwick, nearly netting a double-double with 14 points and eight rebounds. Rams’ Hunter Iglesias scored 13.
“Our experience is finally beginning to show from playing together from last year to this year,” Southwick coach Dylan Dubuc said. “We took a lot of lumps the last two years … I think this is going to be the year.”
Smith holds off WTA
Smith Academy 44, Westfield Technical Academy 33
Smith Academy led early and held off a Westfield Tech surge to spoil the Tigers’ season opener at home.
Westfield Tech scored just three points in the first quarter, but outscored Smith 15-11 in the second quarter to pull within five at the half, 23-18.
“(Our) kids were afraid to shoot in (the) beginning of the game,” Westfield Tech coach Kyle Dulude said. (They were) very nervous.”
After rallying, Westfield Tech went cold again in the third quarter, scoring just five points while Smith’s Jack Zigment went on a tear for 21 points. Tigers’ center Antler Bishop fouled out with three minutes remaining in regulation. The home team went small and put up a fight, but failed to tie it.
“I’m not upset with our players,” coach Dulude said. “I think we will get better as the season goes on. We need to just learn to have trust in each other a little more and we need to find some confidence. This is a brand new team and we just need to grow together one day at a time.”
Kevin Flores led Westfield Tech with eight points, followed by Marcus Phillips (7 points), Andrew Czerechina (6), and, Mark Klyuchits and Tyler Starzyk with four apiece. Ken Flores and Cody Garwacki each had two.
Marsh mashes
Minnechaug 65, Westfield 49
Deajon Marsh exploded for 27 points – four shots came from beyond the 3-point line – and two others reached double digits (Steven Pickering, 14 points; Cameron McCloud-Thomas, 10) as Minnechaug rolled in a season opener in Wilbraham.
Gabe Piepergerdes led Westfield with 12.
BOYS’ SWIMMING
Trio win pair, boost WHS record to 2-0
Westfield 99.5, Monson 82.5
Nick Rosso (200 IM, 2:17.05; 100 fly, 56.15), Tommy Russell (50 free, 23.08; 100 free, 51.11), and Cole Viamari (200 free, 2:01.97; 500 free, 5:39.67) won two events apiece to lead Westfield (2-0).
GIRLS’ SWIMMING
Bombers rout Mustangs
Westfield 133, Monson 49
Rachel Charette (200 IM, 2:27.45; 100 breaststroke, 1:16.22), Liz Dion (200 free, 2:15.96; 500 free, 5:58.20), and Emily Langlois (100 fly, 1:10.27; 100 backstroke, 1:12.12) each won two events for the Bombers, who improved to 2-0 with a road victory.
