Boys' hoop trounces Fairhaven to clinch a spot in
the postseason
By Mike Berger
Citizen Staff
Playing its
best overall game to date, the CHS boys’ basketball team
exploded out of the gate en route to a 20-point home win Monday
night over Fairhaven, earning the Bulldogs a spot in the
Division 3 playoffs, which get underway next week.
Canton ended
the regular season with a record of 8-12 and qualified for the
postseason by playing .500 against Division 3 opponents.
On Monday, the
Bulldogs relied on a very strong, swarming defense to limit a
good Fairhaven team to 11 points in the first quarter, 15 points
at halftime and 25 points at the end of the third quarter.
Meanwhile, the
Bulldog offense exploded for 41 points in the first half, 18 of
which came off of three pointers.
Seniors Max
Guillaume and Marc Abelard had strong two-way games, both
scoring 11 points and leading the team in steals. Guillaume
recorded five steals and was the offensive catalyst at point
guard, while Abelard was all over the floor with drives, steals,
and offensive and defensive rebounds. Senior Tyler Gavigan was
tough inside, scoring ten points, and Joe McCabe came off the
bench to score eight points, including two three-point shots.
“In my mind it
was as good as we played as a team in four years,” head coach
Mike Devoll said. “Our defense was terrific and it led to many
easy baskets. I like how we are playing as a team right now.”
Devoll noted
that when Guillaume sets the pace with steals, the Bulldogs play
significantly better. He also noted that Guillaume was recently
named to the Hockomock League’s all-defensive team.
The key part
of the game came in the second quarter with the Bulldogs up
16-11 and with center A.J. Nichols on the bench in early foul
trouble. Colby Gavigan and Josh Sheehan came off the bench and
played some important minutes, each contributing good defense,
rebounding, and points.
Starting with
an offensive rebound by Colby Gavigan, the Bulldogs reeled off a
17-2 run led by Abelard, McCabe, and Dan Boivert, with the
latter two both hitting a pair of three pointers.
After the game
Fairhaven coach Phil Harding was asked what the difference was
between the previous nine-point win by Fairhaven on their home
court and Monday night’s contest.
“Canton played
very hard right from the get-go,” Harding said. “They played
with a lot of intensity. We did not play with much tonight, but
give them credit. They wanted it and went out and got it. They
are a good team, have some nice players and are well coached.”
Canton also
played very well in its 60-56 win over King Philip in an away
game on Friday, February 12. The Bulldogs held a steady lead
throughout the game that ranged from six to ten points. McCabe
came off the bench to score 15 points and Nichols added 14
points.
Notes...
* The CHS gym
was packed Monday night as the Bulldogs honored their two senior
cheerleaders, Elisa Alberts and Julieanne Connors, and six
senior players: Dan Boivert, Max Guillaume, A.J Nichols, Tyler
Gavigan, Marc Abelard, and Marquis Rodriquez. The team also
added two players to the squad, including freshman Jaden Mason
and backup center Cam Huber.
* Eileen
Morneau, a former 1,000-point scorer for the Bulldogs and a CHS
graduate, has joined the boys’ basketball staff. Head coach Mike
Devoll said Morneau had previously been going to all the games
as a fan. “Her basketball knowledge is amazing,” he said. “She
has great insight. Her name is up there in the rafters.” Morneau
is the second CHS graduate and former player to join the staff,
along with Jared Cowens.
February 18, 2010
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