Westfield Technical Academy’s Alex Stepanchuk (25) fights McCann for possession of the ball Thursday night. (Photo by Bill Deren)
WESTFIELD – The Westfield Technical Academy High School boys’ basketball team has sizzled at times throughout the 2015-16 regular season, On Thursday night, the Tigers were on fire.
Westfield Tech set the hardwood ablaze, burning visiting McCann Tech 53-37 Thursday night at “The Den.”
Five of seven seniors started for Westfield Tech on “Senior Night,” dominating from the outset with the team’s other two seniors providing valuable minutes off the bench.
McCann Tech responded, and actually went into the half with a lead.
Westfield Tech battled back with a 10-2 run, and then buckled down on defense.
Westfield Technical Academy’s Alex Stepanchuk (25) fights McCann for possession of the ball Thursday night. (Photo by Bill Deren)
“With patience and ball movement we started to attack well offensively as a team,” Westfield Tech coach Kyle Dulude said. The Tigers were outrebounded in the first half, but made the necessary adjustments at the half to swing the game in their favor.
“All in all it was a night filled with excitement,” the Tigers’ coach explained. “The cheerleaders were loud and it was great to see our boys celebrate after in the locker room excited with the success they found throughout the game.”
With the victory, Westfield Tech kept its postseason hopes alive.
Westfield Tech senior hoops’ players are honored in a special “Senior Night” ceremony Thursday night at home against McCann Tech. (Photo by Bill Deren)
“We have our backs against the wall but the boys are putting everything they got out there,” Dulude said. “Maybe we are clicking at the right time … We just have to put in the effort and give us a chance.”
Westfield Tech will begin a three-game week Monday at St. Mary, followed by contests against Smith Voke (Feb. 18) and Pioneer Valley Christian Academy (Feb. 19).
Saint make strides
Pathfinder 49, St. Mary 45
St. Mary showed drastic improvement since its earlier meeting with Pathfinder – a 30-point loss – Thursday night at Westfield Middle School North.
“We had our chances,” St. Mary coach Joe Molta said, following the narrow defeat. “It was a good basketball game. Unfortunately we were unable to win.”
According to Molta, the difference proved to be St. Mary’s ability to make shots and beat the trap defense. The Saints also converted 17 free throws.
Jake Butler led St. Mary with 17 points. Saints’ Drew Collins had nine, and Nick Ilnicki 8.
St. Mary next plays Westfield Technical Academy Mon., Feb. 15 in a double header at Westfield Middle School South at 5:30 p.m. The Saints’ and Tigers’ girls’ hoops teams tip-off at 7 p.m.
O’Brien nets 30 in loss
Amherst 83, Westfield 72
Four players – Devonte McCall (28 points), Meikkel Murray (18), Tajahn Joyner (16), and Will Budington (10) – scored in double digits to net a big win for Amherst.
John O’Brien had another incredible night shooting for Westfield. O’Brien netted a game-high 30 points. Bombers’ Rodney Bernard had 14.
GIRLS’ HOOPS
Beavers roll
Putnam 58, Westfield Tech 6
Brianna Metellus and Angelica Peguero scored 15 and 11 points, respectively, for Putnam. Jaymee Hall led Westfield Tech with four.
