Westfield’s Devin Wells, right, elevates above Taconic’s Drew Scace, left, in a high school boys’ basketball game. (Photo by chief photographer Frederick Gore)
WESTFIELD – If things weren’t already a bit interesting with the Westfield High School boys’ basketball team, Mother Nature tossed a curveball (or is that snowball) in the face of the Bombers.
Monday’s game between Westfield (5-4) and undefeated powerhouse Putnam (12-0) was postponed due to the wintry conditions, and rescheduled to be played on Wed., Feb. 6. But more importantly, for the Bombers, they are now tasked with playing nine games in 15 days.
“It’s a pretty heavy schedule for boys’ basketball,” said Westfield High athletic director Karen Gomez, who was tasked with re-scheduling a game against Cathedral – at the Panthers’ request – plugging in a game against Malden/Medford, and readjusting schedules now due to snow.
“My concern is about the safety of the athletes, injuries, and the ability for (our team) to make the tournament,” Gomez said. “But we are within the regulations of the PVIAC (Pioneer Valley Interscholastic Athletic Conference) and MIAA (Massachusetts Interscholastic Athletic Association) to play on the next available day.”
Now, Westfield will tip off the week Tuesday against Longmeadow before traveling to Chicopee Comp to take on the Colts Thursday. The Bombers return home Friday against East Longmeadow. All games will tip off at 7 p.m.
The remainder of Westfield’s regular season slate includes: West Springfield (Feb. 4), Putnam (Feb. 6), Amherst (Feb. 8), Medford (Feb. 10), Cathedral (Feb. 11), and Northampton (Feb. 12).
“My biggest concern is that we prepared for Putnam,” Westfield coach Bill Daley said. “These kids were geared up to play Putnam. And now we have to turn around and play Longmeadow (to begin the week).”
“I’m not worried about it from a physical standpoint,” he added. “I’m more worried about how we bounce back from a good win, or loss. …It’ll be fun.”
One positive from Monday’s postponement – the Bombers were able to gain another day of rest prior to the stretch run which will go a long way in determining their postseason fate.
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Here’s a look at the area’s other four boys’ hoop teams:
• Southwick-Tolland (5-7 overall, 1-3 Bi-County North) – Must win five of final eight games, or make a big push in league play to finish first or second to qualify for the Western Massachusetts Division II tournament. The Rams begin a three-game road trip Tuesday at Monson, followed by St. Mary (Thursday), and Holyoke Catholic (Friday). Their remaining schedule includes home contests against Dean Tech (Feb. 4), Granby (Feb. 8), Hampshire (Feb. 15), and Palmer (Feb 17). They are at Belchertown on February 12.
• St. Mary (8-3, 6-1 Tri-County) – The resurgent Saints – led by the talented trio of Justin Crosby, Matt Plasse, and Sam Thresher – and others, such as point guard Anthony Garde, have steamrolled through their league opponents, save for a loss to unbeaten Dean Tech (7-0 TC). “We still have to beat everybody and beat Dean (Tech to win the league).” St. Mary has home games against Westfield Voc-Tech (Tuesday), Southwick (Thursday), Franklin Tech (Feb. 7), McCann Tech (Feb. 13), and Dean Tech (Feb. 15). The Saints’ remaining road contests include Pathfinder (Feb. 1), Smith Voke (Feb. 5), Pioneer Valley Christian School (Feb. 12), and Gateway (Feb. 18).
• Gateway (1-10) – The Gators, who have struggled but pose a tough out for their opponents with brothers Calvin and Curtis Dowers, have seven games remaining – versus Hampshire (Tuesday), at Palmer (Feb. 1), vs. Holyoke Catholic (Feb. 5), vs. St. Mary (Feb. 6), vs. Monson (Feb. 8), at Ware (Feb. 12), vs. Renaissance (Feb. 15).
• Westfield Voc-Tech (record incomplete) – The Tigers close out their regular season with games against St. Mary (Tuesday), vs. Dean Tech (Feb. 1), vs. McCann Tech (Feb. 5), at PVCS (Feb. 8), at Pathfinder (Feb. 12), vs. Franklin Tech (Feb. 15), vs. Smith Voke (Feb. 19), and at Hampden County Charter School (Feb. 21).
