Tuesday, March 24, 2009
State your team’s case by emailing me (mmoran@gazettenet.com). This is through the end of the postseason.
Power Poll (End of regular season)
1. Central (5)
2. Sabis (1)
3. Sci-Tech (4)
4. Northampton (2)
5. Hoosac Valley (8)
6. East Longmeadow (3)
7. New Leadership (9)
8. West Springfield (unranked)
9. Commerce (unranked)
10. Drury (10)
DIVISIONAL TOP 10s
Division 1 (Record, End of regular season)
1. Central (14-6, 4)
2. Sci-Tech (16-4, 3)
3. Northampton (18-2, 1)
4. East Longmeadow (15-5, 2)
5. West Springfield (11-9, 8)
6. Commerce (12-8, 7)
7. Minnechaug (15-5, 5)
8. Chicopee (15-5, 6)
9. Westfield (10-10, 10)
10. Longmeadow (8-12, 9)
Division 2
1. Hoosac Valley (17-3, 1)
2. Drury (15-5, 3)
3. Mohawk Trail (14-6, 6)
4. Palmer (15-5, 5)
5. Taconic (15-5, 2)
6. Mahar (11-9, 10)
7. Belchertown (14-6, 4)
8. Wahconah (12-8, 7)
9. Hampshire Regional (11-9, 8)
10. South Hadley (9-11, 9)
Division 3
1. Sabis (19-1, 1)
2. New Leadership (18-2, 2)
3. Turners Falls (15-5, 4)
4. Frontier Regional (14-6, 4)
5. Pioneer Regional (14-6, 3)
6. Easthampton (13-7, 6)
7. Lee (14-6, 9)
8. St. Joseph (11-9, 7)
9. Granby (12-8, 8)
10. Lenox (8-12)
GazetteLand Power Poll
1. Northampton (1)
2. Frontier Regional (2)
3. Easthampton (3)
4. Belchertown (4)
5. Hampshire Regional (6)
6. South Hadley (5)
7. Granby (7)
8. Hopkins Academy (8)
9. Amherst Regional (9)
10. Holyoke Catholic (10)
11. Gateway Regional (11)
12. Smith Academy (12)
13. Smith Vocational (13)
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
Send thoughts here: mmoran@gazettenet.com
*Correction: All-Sophomore forward Riley Jones is a senior. Victor Aytche of Central takes his place.
All-Tournament Team
G Chrys Malone, Sci-Tech
G Jared Johnson, Central
G Andre King, Sabis
F Jarel Njirii, Central
F Robbie Burke, Hoosac Valley
1st Team All-Western Mass
G Andre King, Sabis
G Robert Jones, Chicopee
F Robbie Burke, Hoosac
F Ellis Cooper, Northampton
F Jarel Njiiri, Central
2nd Team All-Western Mass
G Jared Johnson, Central
G Chrys Malone, Sci-Tech
F Dane Jobst, Mahar
F Devin Reid, Mohawk
F Kamali Bey, Sabis
3rd Team All-Western Mass
G Tory Buck, Mohawk
G Gary Grandonico, Frontier
G Charles Jackson, New Leadership
F Tyler France, Palmer
F Jake Field, Turners Falls
All-Division 1
G Chris Malone, Sci-Tech
G Robert Jones, Chicopee
G Eddie Rodriguez, Holyoke
F Ellis Cooper, Northampton
F Jarel Njiiri, Central
All-Division 2
G Dalton Larabee, Hoosac
G Tory Buck, Mohawk
F Robbie Burke, Hoosac
F Dane Jobst, Mahar
F Tyler France, Palmer
All-Division 3
G Andre King, Sabis
G Gary Grandonico, Frontier
G Charles Jackson, New Leadership
F Kamali Bey, Sabis
F Jake Field, Turners Falls
All-Senior Class
G Robert Jones, Chicopee
G Tory Buck, Mohawk
F Jarel Njiiri, Central
F Devin Reid, Mohawk
F Jake Field, Turners
All-Junior Class
G Chrys Malone, Sci-Tech
G Andre King, Sabis
F Robbie Burke, Hoosac
F Dane Jobst, Mahar
F Ellis Cooper, Northampton
All-Sophomore Class
G Jared Johnson, Central
G Eddie Rodriguez, Holyoke
G Phil Warrick, New Leadership
F Musa Elsir, West Springfield
F Victor Aytche, Central
All-Hampshire County
G Brendan Rios, Easthampton
G Jesse Coulon, Northampton
G Dana Light, Granby
F Ellis Cooper, Northampton
F Ben Brassord, Amherst
All-Franklin County
G Gary Grandonico, Frontier
G Tory Buck, Mohawk
F Dane Jobst, Mahar
F Jake Field, Turners
F Devin Reid, Mohawk
All-Hampden County
G Andre King, Sabis
G Chrys Malone, Sci-Tech
G Robert Jones, Chicopee
F Jarel Njiiri, Central
F Kamali Bey, Sabis
All-Berkshire County
G Craig Lennon, Wahconah
G Chris Bush, Taconic
G Anthony Sims, Drury
F Robbie Burke, Hoosac
F Trey Morin, Lee
All-Underappreciated Hampden County
G Alex Garstka, Westfield
G Ryan Mickiewicz, East Longmeadow
F Aaron West, Chicopee
F Nick Bryda, Holyoke Catholic
F Chris Walker, West Springfield
All-Underappreciated Hampshire County
G Bill Frothingham, Northampton
G Miguel Santiago, South Hadley
G Tom Leveille, Hampshire
F Bill Hahn, Hopkins
F Clinton Sapowsky, Granby
All-Underappreciated Franklin County
G Eric Lacoy, Pioneer Regional
G Phil Diphillipo, Mahar
F Jon Pepyne, Frontier Regional
F Ben Banash, Turners Falls
F Mike Gutierrez, Mohawk
All-Underappreciated Berkshire County
G Dalton Griffin, Lee
G Nick Aitken, Hoosac
F Nate Biros, Hoosac
F Cam Kazimierczak, Taconic
F Chris Bravo, Lenox
AWARDS
All-Western Mass MVP - Jarel Njiiri, Central
All-Division 1 MVP - Jarel Njiiri, Central
All-Division 2 MVP - Robbie Burke, Hoosac
All-Division 3 MVP - Andre King, Sabis
Coach of the Year - Mike Labrie, Central
Division 1 Coach of the Year - Mike Labrie, Central
Division 2 Coach of the Year - Chad Softic, Mahar
Division 3 Coach of the Year - Gary Mullins, Turners Falls
Saturday, March 7, 2009
Division 1 boys
No. 2 Sci-Tech (18-4) vs. No. 4 Central (16-6), 7:30
Head to head: Sci-Tech won 75-61 on Feb. 3; Central won 61-56 on Feb. 18
How they got here: Sci-Tech beat No. 7 Commerce (64-59) and No. 3 East Longmeadow (68-62); Central beat No. 5 Minnechaug (72-49) and No. 1 Northampton (64-57)
Projected starters: Cybercats: Jahsohn Ward (Sr., guard), Chris Malone (Jr., guard), Tyron Wiggins (Jr., guard), Theo Robinson (Jr., forward), Shawn McCleary (Sr., forward); Golden Eagles: Jared Johnson (Soph., guard), Jordan Smith (Jr., guard), Chris Bonsu (Sr., guard), Jarel Njiiri (Sr., forward), Victor Aytche (Soph., forward)
Championship history: The Golden Eagles won five Division 1 titles from 1987-1992. They last reached the final in 2007, losing to Holyoke. The Cybercats are in its first ever championship game.
Comments: Each team’s statistics from the semifinal round are mind boggling. Sci-Tech scored 26 points in the paint, including 12 fast-break points. The Cybercats also made 10 3-pointers, including eight by Ward. Central scored 38 points in the paint. Both teams are athletic and fast. Malone is a two-time outdoor 100-meter dash champion. Neither team is deep, each playing about three reserves. Sci-Tech had the top-ranked offense (66.4 points per game) in Division 1 and fifth-ranked defense (55.1). Central is fourth (63.1) and fourth (54.6) respectively.
Division 2 boys
No. 1 Hoosac Valley (19-3) vs. No. 3 Drury (17-5), 4
Head to head: Hoosac won 47-43 on Jan. 23 and 67-60 on Feb. 13
How they got here: Hoosac beat No. 8 Mahar (52-49) and No. 4 Palmer (52-31); Drury beat No. 6 Wahconah (65-38) and No. 7 Mohawk (62-58)
Projected starters: Hurricanes: Nick Aitken (Soph., guard), Dalton Martinelli (Soph., guard), Dalton Larabee (Sr., guard), Brennan Polidoro (Sr., forward), Ribbie Burke (Jr., forward); Blue Devils: Mike Bullett (Sr., guard), Justin Racette (Jr., guard), Anthony Sims (Jr., guard), Nik Andrews (Jr., forward), Josh Racette (Sr., forward)
Championship history: Hoosac beat Wahconah in 2003 for its lone title. The Hurricanes were runners-up in 2000 and 1998. Drury has won six titles, most recently in 1990. The Blue Devils were runners-up in 1995, 1989, 1979 and 1976.
Comments: The Pioneer Valley will finally be treated to one of the craziest rivalries in western Massachusetts. For the first time ever these two fierce neighbors, Hoosac is in Cheshier while Drury in North Adams, will play in the title game. Hoosac has the size. Drury has the guard play. Hoosac finished with the third-ranked defense (48.9 points per game) and seventh-ranked offense (59.2) in Division 2. Drury had the third-ranked offense (63.8) and seventh-ranked defense (54.2).
Division 3 boys
No. 2 New Leadership (20-2) vs. No. 1 Sabis (21-1), 12:30
Head to head: Sabis won 82-61 on Dec. 30 and 71-66 on Jan. 30
How they got here: Sabis beat No. 8 St. Joseph’s (49-31) and No. 4 Frontier Regional (76-41); New Leadership beat No. 6 Easthampton (70-56) and No. 3 Turners Falls (75-70)
Projected starters: Bulldogs: Keith Henry (Sr., guard), Ryan Grant (Sr., guard), Andre King (Jr., guard), Kamali Bey (Fr., guard), Anthony Click (Sr., forward); Wildcats: Charles Jackson (Sr., guard), Phil Warrick (Soph., guard), Tyrell Springer (Fr., guard), Eric Brown (Soph., forward), Devante Vanderpool (Jr., center)
Championship history: The Bulldogs are in the final for the fifth straight year with titles in 2006 and 2007. Their trip in 2005 was their first. The Wildcats reached two finals, winning in 2004 and losing to Sabis in 2006.
Comments: It’s fitting that the two best teams in Division 3 all year long get to play for the title. Sabis’s lone loss came to Watertown in the HoopHall Classic. The Bulldogs have won 11 straight. New Leadership’s only losses were to Sabis. The Wildcats have won eight straight. Both teams will apply pressure defense. Both teams will cause turnovers. Both teams will attack the basket. Sabis has the edge in postseason history as well as head-to-head history. Sabis has beaten New Leadership 12 straight times since 2005.
Friday, March 6, 2009
The Hampshire County vs. Franklin County All-Star games will be played on Friday, March 13 at Hopkins Academy. The girls game will start at 6 p.m. followed by the boys game.
Hampshire County Boys All-Stars
Coaches - Brian Miller - Easthampton & Jim Matuszko - Amherst
Chris Haake, Amherst
Joe Courtney, Belchertown
Patrick Ramsey, Easthampton
Drew Sharp, Easthampton
Ethan Cooke, Gateway
Brian Boudreau, Granby
Dana Light, Granby
Scott DeLoach, Hampshire
Mike Seklecki, Hampshire
Declan Wolfe, Northampton
Chris Osepowicz, Northampton
Brody Ryan, Northampton
Miguel Santiago, South Hadley
Joe Tanguay, SmithVoke
B.J. Robidoux, Ware
Franklin County Boys All-Stars
Coaches - Kevin O’Connell - FCTS & Matt Zerneri - Smith Academy
Justin Cascone, Athol
Tom Glabach, Fraklin Tech
Gary Grandonico, Frontier
Jon Pepyne, Frontier
Alex Chown, Greenfield
Zach Hunter, Hopkins
Billy Hahn, Hopkins
Tory Buck, Mohawk
Devin Reid, Mohawk
Erik LaCoy, Pioneer
Tyler Lenox, Pioneer
Mark Vollinger, Smith Academy
Jake Field, Turners Falls
Tom Field, Turners Falls
Hampshire County Girls All-Stars
Coaches - Dave Dubuc - So. Hadley
Katelyn Cavanaugh, Belchertown
Kiersten Del Valle, Belchertown
Allyson Ranniko, Easthampton
Miranda Jasienowski, Easthampton
Kaila Arsenault, Gateway
Brianna Ransford, Granby
Caitlin Mitchell, Hampshire
Stephanie Provo, Hampshire
Jenny Bell, Northampton
Sara Diemond, Northampton
Alannah Driscoll-Sbar, Northampton
Cassy Sicard, Northampton
Alexa O’Connell, South Hadley
Katie Baumann, Smith Voke
Danielle Del Valley, Ware
Franklin County Girls All-Stars
Coaches - Steve Call - Greenfield & Bill Buck - Mohawk
Sofia Brighenti, Athol
Marissa Kellner, Athol
Ashley Podlesney, Franklin Tech
Amanda Koldy, Frontier
Molly Wickline, Frontier
Meghan McHugh, Greenfield
Brianna Yusko, Hopkins
Ginny Averill, Mahar
Mary Kovacevic, Mahar
Jill Waters, Mahar
Johanna Miner, Mohawk
Madeline Hoeppner, Mohawk
Kelsey Schmidt, Mohawk
April Sheldon, Mohawk
Kim Arsenault, Turners Falls
Angi Marguet, Turners Falls
Friday, March 6, 2009
Central leads Northampton 38-23 at halftime in the Western Massachusetts Divisino 1 Tournament semifinal round at AIC in Springfield.
Broda Ryan and Ellis Cooper each have eight points for Hamp.
Jarel Njiiri had 15 points for Central.
Thursday, March 5, 2009
Division 1 games are at American International College in Springfield. Division 3 games are at the Curry Hicks Cage in Amherst.
Division 1
No. 1 Northampton (19-2) vs. No. 4 Central (15-6), 7:30
Head to head: Did not play
How they got here: Northampton beat West Springfield; Central beat Minnechaug
Players to watch: Northampton: Ellis Cooper, Jesse Coulon, Chris Osepowicz, Declan Wolfe, Bill Frothingham; Central: Jarel Njiiri, Jared Johnson, Jordan Smith, Brandon Barber
Winner gets: Sci-Tech or East Longmeadow
Northampton team offense: 62.2
Northampton team defense: 50.8
Central team offense: 63.1
Central team defense: 54.6
Keys for Northampton: Handle Central pressure; defend perimeter; stop penetration
Keys for Central: Defend Coulon on perimeter; keep Cooper outside of the paint; pressure Hamp guards
Comments: Northampton, which has won 11 straight, is deep. Everyone plays and everyone contributes as seven different players have scored at least 10 points at least once this season. The team is solid defensively. Offense is balanced which makes them tough to defend. Central has won six straight and 10 of 11. The Golden Eagles can run or play halfcourt. Barber’s return gives them an addition athletic body in the paint.
History: Central had five D1 titles from 1987-1992. The last time the Golden Hawks reached the final they lost to Holyoke in 2007.
Northampton has never reached the finals in D1. The Blue Devils were D2 sectional champs in 1980 and 1981 as well as 1998 and 1999.
No. 2 Sci-Tech (17-4) vs. No. 3 East Longmeadow (16-5), 6
Head to head: Did not play
How they got here: Sci-Tech beat Commerce; East Longmeadow beat Chicopee
Players to watch: Sci-Tech: Chrys Malone, Theo Robinson, Kadar Lynch; East Longmeadow: Devin Abad, Dan Martin, Ryan Mickiewicz
Winner gets: Northampton or Central
Sci-Tech team offense: 66.4
Sci-Tech team defense: 55.1
East Longmeadow team offense: 63.7
East Longmeadow team defense: 53.8
Keys for Sci-Tech: Defend 3-point shot; rebound and transition
Keys for East Longmeadow: Slow the game to halfcourt; keep Sci-Tech to one shot; contain Robinson
Comments: East Longmeadow has won four straight and 10 of 12. The Spartans are scrappy, relying on defense and a balanced offensive attack. Sci-Tech has won nine of 10 since dropping two of three in mid-January. The Cybercats are in uncharted territory having never reached the semifinals before.
History: Sci-Tech has never reached a sectional final. East Longmeadow has never reached a sectional final.
Division 3
No. 1 Sabis (20-1) vs. No. 4 Frontier Regional (16-6), 7:30
Head to head: Did not play
How they got here: Sabis beat St. Joseph; Frontier beat Dean Tech and Lee
Players to watch: Sabis: Andre King, Kamali Bey, Anthony Click; Frontier: Gary Grandonico, Erik Abramson, Matt Chamberlin, Jon Pepyne
Winner gets: New Leadership or Turners Falls
Sabis team offense: 74.1
Sabis team defense: 48.1
Frontier team offense: 58.5
Frontier team defense: 46.3
Keys for Sabis: Contain Grandonico; run; attack basket to get Frontier into foul trouble
Keys for Frontier: Rebound; defend perimeter; limit turnovers
Comments: Sabis has won 10 straight since its lone loss to Watertown in the HoopHall Classic. The Bulldogs have beaten teams by an average of 26 points this season. Besides the loss, the only teams to keep it close with Sabis were New Leadership (71-66 loss), Hampshire (73-61 loss), West Springfield (51-44 loss) and Palmer (60-51 loss). Because Frontier can defend and because the Red Hawks are big, they could keep it close. Depth and offense could be a problem. If it’s a shootout, Frontier can’t complete. It doesn’t have the firepower. This is the sixth straight year in which these two teams have played at the Cage. Sabis holds the 3-2 edge.
History: Sabis has been in the finals the last four years, winning in 2006 and 2007. Frontier has reached the finals eight times, winning in 1986, 1987, 2002 and 2008.
No. 2 New Leadership (19-2) vs. No. 3 Turners Falls (16-5), 6
Head to head: Did not play
How they got here: NLCS beat Easthampton; Turners beat Pioneer
Players to watch: NLCS: Devonte Vanderpool, Charles Jackson, Phillip Warrick, Eric Brown; Turners Falls: Evan Bruso, Jake Field, Tom Field
Winner gets: Sabis or Frontier
NLCS team offense: 74.0
NLCS team defense: 53.4
Turners team offense: 63.3
Turners team defense: 50.5
Keys for NLCS: Run; press; force turnovers
Keys for Turners: Control tempo; handle pressure; work the ball inside to 6-foot-4 Field twins
Comments: New Leadership likes to pressure and run on misses and makes. If NLCS can make it a track meet, Turners can’t compete. The Wildcats though aren’t very big and don’t rebound very well so if Turners can slow the pace down and pound the ball inside the Indians will have a chance.
History: NLCS reached the finals in 2004 and beat Frontier. The Wildcats lost to Sabis in 2006. Turners won in 1972 and 1973, which was the last time the Indians reached the finals.
Wednesday, March 4, 2009
Here is a preview of tonight's Division 2 game. I'll have previews for Thursday's games later.
Division 2
No. 4 Palmer (16-5) vs. No. 1 Hoosac Valley (18-3), 8 p.m.
Head to head: Did not play
How they got here: Palmer beat Belchertown; Hoosac beat Mahar
Players to watch: Palmer: Tyler France, Jackson Bailey; Hoosac: Robbie Burke, Dalton Larabee
Winner gets: Drury in finals
Hoosac team offense: 59.2 points per game
Hoosac team defense: 48.9
Palmer team offense: 55.2
Palmer team defense: 47.8
Comments: Palmer had a relatively easy time with Belchertown in the quarters while Hoosac needed a buzzer beater from Burke to beat Mahar. It’s not the first time Burke won a game at the buzzer this season so Hoosac has the edge in close-game experience. Either team could make a case for having the tougher schedule. Palmer played Sabis, NLCS, Quabbin and Southbridge, the latter two D1 teams out of central Mass. Hoosac played Taconic twice, Drury twice, Mohawk, Commerce, Putnam and Amherst the latter three D1 teams from the PVIAC.
Keys for Hoosac: Keep Bailey off the glass and slow down France. The loss of Nate Biros to an ACL tear will hurt with blocking out Bailey so Larabee will need to play well.
Keys for Palmer: Slow down Burke (easier said than done).
History: Hoosac last appeared in the finals in 2005 where it lost to South Hadley. Hoosac won its only title in 2003. Should the Hurricanes advance, it will set up the first final ever between heated rivals Drury and Hoosac. Drury has won six titles, most recently in 1990, and is in the finals for the first time since 1995.
Palmer reached the Division 3 finals in 1989 where it lost to Smith Academy.
Thursday, February 26, 2009
All games Friday at 7 p.m.
Division 1
No. 8 West Springfield (12-9) at Northampton (18-2)
Head to Head: Northampton won 48-44 and 69-48
How they got here: West Side beat Westfield 63-57 in overtime; Northampton had a bye
Players to watch: Northampton: Ellis Cooper, Jesse Coulon, Declan Wolfe; West Side: Chris Walker, Joey Lisella, Musa Elsir
Winner gets: Minnechaug-Central
Note: The most common phrase in playoff time is "It's hard to beat a team three times." West Side lost two straight to end the season then needed OT to beat Westfield in the first round. Hamp is rested and ready to claim its first tournament win under Rey Harp. If Lisella's hand is still wrapped that could be a problem. Hamp has more than enough guys to throw at Walker and Elsir.
No. 5 Minnechaug (15-5) at No. 4 Central (14-6)
Head to Head: Central won 58-39
How they got here: Both teams had byes
Players to watch: Minnechaug: Mike Szydlowski, Jeff Lingenfelter; Central: Jarel Njiiri, Jared Johnson
Winner gets: Northampton-West Springfield
Note: Losing in the quarterfinal round last year had to sting for the Golden Eagles. Coach Mike Labrie will almost certainly remind them of that pitfall. The Falcons might not have enough quickness to stay with Central.
No. 7 Commerce (12-8) at No. 2 Sci-Tech (16-4)
Head to Head: Sci-Tech won 72-65; Commerce won 61-57
How they got here: Both teams had byes
Players to watch: Sci-Tech: Chrys Malone, Theo Robinson; Commerce: Kareem Nunnally, Jackson Rosario
Winner gets: Chicopee-East Longmeadow
Note: The X-factor is Robinson. He scored eight points in Sci-Tech’s loss to Commerce and 25 in its win over the Red Raiders.
No. 6 Chicopee (15-5) at No. 3 East Longmeadow (15-5)
Head to Head: Did not play
How they got here: Both teams had byes
Players to watch: Chicopee: Aaron West, Robert Jones; East Longmeadow: Dan Martin, Ryan Mickiewicz
Winner gets: Sci-Tech-Commerce
Note: Chicopee likes to get up and down and if its shots are falling in transition its games can turn into track meets. The Spartans though win with their defense and that's what you need in the tournament.
Division 2
No. 8 Mahar (12-9) at No. 1 Hoosac Valley (17-3)
Head to Head: Did not play
How they got here: Mahar beat Hampshire 80-73 in overtime; Hoosac had a bye
Players to watch: Mahar: Dane Jobst, Tyriq Rochester; Hoosac Valley: Robbie Burke
Winner gets: Belchertown-Palmer
Note: It's been a maturing season for the Senators, who had one win last season. The Burke-Jobst matchup should be fantastic. Burke had been the best of his junior class until Jobst bumped him over this season and they now share the space.
No. 5 Belchertown (14-6) at No. 4 Palmer (15-5)
Head to Head: Palmer won 61-54; Belchertown won 65-59
How they got here: Both teams had byes
Players to watch: Belchertown: Ben McCullough, Joe Courtney; Palmer: Tyler France, Jackson Bailey
Winner gets: Mahar-Hoosac
Note: Belchertown beat Palmer to claim a share of the Bi-County East championship in the final regular season game for both teams. That gives the Orioles some confidence. Palmer is playing home, where it is 8-2 with losses to Southbridge and NLCS.
No. 7 Mohawk (15-6) at No. 2 Taconic (15-5)
Head to Head: Did not play
How they got here: Mohawk beat South Hadley 64-61; Taconic had byes
Players to watch: Mohawk: Devin Reid, Tory Buck; Taconic: Mitch Scace, Chris Bush
Winner gets: Wahconah-Drury
Note: Mohawk is a big team and when it stays focused at pounding the paint the Warriors are tough to beat. Reid is a matchup problem for anyone and Buck can penetrate with the best of them. Scace though should be able to handle Reid while Bush might be a problem for Mohawk's forwards.
No. 6 Wahconah (13-8) at No. 3 Drury (15-5)
Head to Head: Drury won 61-59 in overtime and 62-46
How they got here: Wahconah beat Monument 68-66; Drury had a bye
Players to watch: Wahconah: Craig Lennon, Nick Anastacio; Drury: Anthony Sims, Nic Andrews, Josh Racette, Justin Racette
Winner gets: Mohawk-Taconic
Note: Lennon's floater with seconds left was the difference in the first round. Wahconah will need more to stop Drury. The Blue Devils are balanced with Sims, Andrews and the Racette boys, Josh and Justin.
Division 3
No. 8 St. Joseph (12-9) at No. 1 Sabis (19-1)
Head to Head: Did not play
How they got here: St. Joseph beat Granby 40-37; Sabis had a bye
Players to watch: St. Joseph: Mike McCarthy, Dan Joslyn; Sabis: Kamali Bey, Andre King
Winner gets: Lee-Frontier
Note: To put this game in perspective, Sabis averages 74.1 points per game. St. Joe's scored at least 70 points twice. They beat St. Mary 70-48 and beat Lenox 74-72. St. Mary and Lenox are not Sabis.
No. 5 Lee (15-6) at No. 4 Frontier Regional (15-6)
Head to Head: Did not play
How they got here: Lee beat McCann 71-45; Frontier beat Dean Tech 64-38
Players to watch: Lee: Trey Morin, Sam Boudreau, Dalton Griffin; Frontier: Gary Grandonico, Matt Chamberlin, Erik Abramson
Winner gets: St. Joe-Sabis
Note: The Red Hawks won't have as easy a time with Lee as they did with Dean Tech. Playing the "who played who" game, Frontier beat Wahconah which beat Lee. Also, Frontier beat Hampshire, which beat Monument, which beat Lee.
No. 6 Easthampton (14-7) at No. 2 New Leadership (18-2)
Head to Head: Did not play
How they got here: Easthampton beat Lenox 71-56; NLCS had a bye
Players to watch: Easthampton: Brendan Rios, Pat Ramsey, Chris Mullen; NLCS: Devonte Vanderpool, Charles Jackson, Phil Warrick, Eric Brown
Winner gets: Pioneer-Turners
Note: If they Eagles are going to have a chance they are going to have to do something they don't like to, slow down. Easthampton likes to get out and run. If they do that, NLCS will run away and hide. The Wildcats are not very big so if Ramsey and Mullen can get inside they could pull off the upset.
No. 7 Pioneer Regional (15-6) at No. 3 Turners Falls (15-5)
Head to Head: Pioneer won 67-60; Turners won 64-61
How they got here: Pioneer beat Franklin Tech 71-44; Turners had a bye
Players to watch: Pioneer: Eric Lacoy, Tyler Lennox, Matt Llewelyn; Turners: Jake Field, Tom Field
Winner gets: Easthampton-New Leadership
Note: This game will have everything and it will be close. The only difference is I give Pioneer, despite being on the road, the edge. The team has experience of winning in the tournament and being under pressure.
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
Before we get to the first round tournament matchups, I forgot to update the final regular season Power Poll. Here it is:
Power Poll (Last week)
1. Sabis (1)
2. Northampton (2)
3. Sci-Tech (4)
4. Central (5)
5. East Longmeadow (3)
6. Minnechaug (6)
7. Hoosac Valley (8)
8. Chicopee (7)
9. New Leadership (9)
10. Taconic (unranked)
All games today are at 7 p.m.
Division 1
No. 9 Westfield (10-10) at No. 8 West Springfield (11-9)
Head to head: Did not play
Players to watch: Westfield: Alex Garstka, Aaron Rogers; West Side: Chris Walker, Joey Lisella
Winner gets: No. 1 Northampton (18-2)
Notes: West Springfield, the defending champ, went 3-2 against the Valley Wheel with wins over Putnam, Longmeadow and Chicopee Comp. The Terriers lost two straight to close the regular season. Lisella has his right hand tapped against Northampton at the end of the season and had trouble handling the ball and shooting. Westfield went 2-1 against the Suburban League with wins over Ludlow and Agawam. The Bombers went 5-2 down the stretch, including winning their final three, to qualify.
Pick: Westfield
Division 2
No. 9 Hampshire Regional (11-9) at No. 8 Mahar (11-9)
Head to head: Did not play
Players to watch: Hampshire: Branden Labrie, Scott DeLoach; Mahar: Dane Jobst, Tyriq Rochester
Winner gets: No. 1 Hoosac Valley (17-3)
Notes: Both teams have been inconsistent. Both teams can score. Hampshire averages 64.1 points per game. Mahar averages 60.3. Both teams struggle to play defense. Hampshire allows 59.5. Mahar allows 58.6. Defending Jobst will be a key for Hampshire.
Pick: Hampshire
No. 10 South Hadley (9-11) at No. 7 Mohawk Trail (14-6)
Head to head: Did not play
Players to watch: South Hadley: Miguel Santiago, Greg Daviau, Zach Garbacik; Mohawk: Tory Buck, Devin Reid, Ross Miner
Winner gets: No. 2 Taconic (15-5)
Notes: History favors the Tigers, who have won two straight D-2 titles and four of the last five. History though can’t defend Reid, who is averaging 19.6. Mohawk has a solid PG in Buck, an athletic and quick forward in Reid and a good shooter in Miner. South Hadley has quick guards in Santiago, Daviau and Roberto Agrait. The loss of center Brian Chieco will hurt on the boards.
Pick: South Hadley
No. 11 Monument Mountain (9-11) at No. 6 Wahconah (12-8)
Head to head: Wahconah won 56-41 and 55-37
Players to watch: Monument: Gabe Rossman, Barrett Ramsay; Wahconah: Craig Lennon, Nick Anastacio
Winner gets: No. 3 Drury (15-5)
Notes: The Spartans needed a big finish to qualify. They went 8-4 and finished in second place in the Berkshire South to qualify. Monument has been outscored by an average of nearly 10 points so they need to play well to beat Wahconah. The Warriors went 5-2 down the stretch, including an 11-point win over No. 1 Hoosac.
Pick: Wahconah
Division 3
No. 9 Granby (12-8) at No. 8 St. Joseph (11-9)
Head to head: Did not play
Players to watch: Granby: Dana Light, Brian Boudreau; St. Joe’s: Tyler Reed, Dan Joslyn
Winner gets: No. 1 Sabis (19-1)
Notes: The Rams, who have won four straight, have a good shot at moving on but Light needs to have one of his typical all-around games. St. Joe’s has lost four straight and five of six.
Pick: Granby
No. 10 Lenox (8-12) at No. 7 Easthampton (13-7)
Head to head: Did not play
Players to watch: Lenox: Kevin Carpenter, Chris Bravo, Jesse Armstrong; Easthampton: Brendan Rios, Pat Ramsey, Drew Sharp
Winner gets: No. 2 New Leadership (18-2)
Notes: Lenox has lost three of four and nine of its last 11. The Millionaires are 4-5 on the road with two of those wins coming against Tri-County teams. Easthampton has lost three straight, although one game didn’t officially count. The Eagles are 8-2 at home this season.
Pick: Easthampton
No. 11 Franklin Tech (14-6) at No. 6 Pioneer Regional (14-6)
Head to head: Did not play
Players to watch: Franklin: Tom Glabach; Pioneer: Tyler Lennox, Matt Llewelyn
Winner gets: No. 3 Turners Falls (15-5)
Notes: Pioneer shouldn’t have a problem with the Tri-County visitors. Pioneer is 8-2 at home. They have more than enough players to slow down Glabach.
Pick:
No. 12 McCann Tech (12-8) at No. 5 Lee (14-6)
Head to head: Lee won 57-39 and 59-41
Players to watch: McCann: Ben Raimer; Lee: Jordon Wadsworth, Trey Morin
Winner gets: Dean Tech/Frontier winner
Notes: Lee’s two wins over McCann came during the team’s seven-game winning streak to start the season. The Wildcats should be able to take care of business with this favorable matchup.
Pick: Lee
No. 13 Dean Tech (11-9) at No. 4 Frontier Regional (14-6)
Head to head: Did not play
Players to watch: Dean Tech: Josue Figueroa; Frontier: Gary Grandonico, Matt Chamberlin, Erik Abramson
Winner gets: McCann Tech/Lee winner
Notes: Frontier has won 36 of its last 37 home games. The Red Hawks are the defending state champs. Earlier this decade they lost to Westfield Voke at home in the playoffs. Coach Marty Sanderson has reminded his teams of it ever since.
Pick: Frontier
Monday, February 23, 2009
Two teams in the boys Division 3 tournament had their seeds adjusted Monday.
Easthampton (13-7) is no longer the No. 6 seed. The Eagles are now seventh and will host No. 10 Lenox (11-9) on Tuesday at 7 p.m.
Pioneer Regional (14-6) is no longer the No. 7 seed. The Pioneers are now sixth and will host No. 11 Franklin County Tech (14-6) on Tuesday at 7 p.m.
Should both teams win this changes who their quarterfinal opponent will be. Easthampton would face No. 2 New Leadership (18-2) in Springfield while Pioneer faces No. 3 Turners Falls (15-5) for the third time this season.
Sunday, February 22, 2009
The Western Massachusetts Boys Division 2 Tournament seeds were corrected shortly after the seeding meeting Saturday.
Tournament Director Tom Ford found a few mistakes about an hour after the meeting conluded at the Basketball Hall of Fame.
The new seeds are as followed:
1. Hoosac (17-3)
2. Taconic (15-5)
3. Drury (15-5)
4. Palmer (15-5)
5. Belchertown (14-6)
6. Wahconah (12-8)
7. Mohawk (14-6)
8. Mahar (11-9)
9. Hampshire (11-9)
10. South Hadley (9-11)
11. Monument Mtn (9-11)
South Hadley was originally given the No. 8 seed followed by Mahar and Hampshire Regional. Mohawk was previously the sixth followed by Wahconah.
South Hadley will play at Mohawk on Tuesday at 7 p.m. Hampshire will play at Mahar on Tuesday at 7 p.m.
Saturday, February 21, 2009
Boys Basketball
Division 1
1. Northampton (18-2)
2. Sci-Tech (16-4)
3. East Longmeadow (15-5)
4. Central (14-6)
5. Minnechaug (15-5)
6. Chicopee (15-5)
7. Commerce (12-8)
8. West Springfield (11-9)
9. Westfield (10-10)
First Round
Tuesday
Westfield at West Springfield, 7
Quarterfinals
Friday
Westfield-West Springfield winner at Northampton, 7
Commerce at Sci-Tech, 7
Chicopee at East Longmeadow, 7
Minnechaug at Central, 7
Division 2
1. Hoosac (17-3)
2. Taconic (15-5)
3. Drury (15-5)
4. Palmer (15-5)
5. Belchertown (14-6)
6. Mohawk (14-6)
7. Wahconah (12-8)
8. South Hadley (9-11)
9. Mahar (11-9)
10. Hampshire (11-9)
11. Monument (9-11)
First round
Tuesday
Mahar at South Hadley, 7
Hampshire at Wahconah, 7
Monument at Mohawk, 7
Quarterfinals
Friday
Mahar-South Hadley at Hoosac, 7
Wahconah-Hampshire at Taconic, 7
Mohawk-Monument at Drury, 7
Belchertown at Palmer, 7
Division 3
1. Sabis (19-1)
2. New Leadership (18-2)
3. Turners (15-5)
4. Frontier Regional (14-6)
5. Lee (14-6)
6. Easthampton (13-7)
7. Pioneer Regional (14-6)
8. St. Joseph (11-9)
9. Granby (12-8)
10. Lenox (8-12)
11. Franklin Tech (14-6)
12. McCann Tech (12-8)
13. Dean Tech (11-9)
First round
Tuesday
Granby at St. Joe's, 7
Lenox at Pioneer, 7
Franklin at Easthampton, 7
McCann at Lee, 7
Dean at Frontier, 7
Quarterfinals
Friday
Granby-St. Joe at Sabis, 7
Lenox-Pioneer at New Leadership, 7
Franklin-Easthampton at Turners, 7
McCann-Lee vs. Dean-Frontier (at higher seed), 7
Friday, February 20, 2009
WALKERTOLOGY
If the tournament started today, this is how the seeds would break down. This is not official. Official seeds are announced Saturday at 12:30 p.m. at the Basketball Hall of Fame.
Here is my final version of the Walker standings. I made a mistake with the past versions. If there were ties, like two teams at 20-0, I gave 1.5 points to each, rather than one point to each. It made a difference in some places. East Longmeadow and Central flipped places. In Division 2, Mohawk jumped Wahconah while Mahar, Hampshire and South Hadley moved around. In Division 3, Pioneer and Frontier were tied with everything across the board. The feeling among both coaches is that Pioneer, with a better league record, will get the fourth seed.
As for the Tri-County teams, I'm not sure what the committee will do. McCann Tech won the league with Dean and Franklin tied for second. Will they give McCann a home game even though Franklin had more overall wins? If so, move McCann to No. 8 then bump everyone down.
Division 1
1. Northampton (18-2)
2. Sci-Tech (16-4)
3. East Longmeadow (15-5)
4. Central (14-6)
5. Chicopee (15-5)
6. Minnechaug (15-5)
7. Commerce (12-8)
8. West Springfield (11-9)
9. Westfield (10-10)
Division 2
1. Hoosac (17-3)
2. Taconic (15-5)
3. Drury (15-5)
4. Palmer (15-5)
5. Belchertown (14-6)
6. Mohawk (14-6)
7. Wahconah (12-8)
8. Mahar (11-9)
9. Hampshire (11-9)
10. South Hadley (9-11)
11. Monument (9-11)
Division 3
1. Sabis (19-1)
2. New Leadership (18-2)
3. Turners (15-5)
4. Pioneer Regional (14-6)
5. Frontier Regional (14-6)
6. Lee (14-6)
7. Easthampton (13-7)
8. St. Joseph (11-9)
9. Granby (12-8)
10. Lenox (8-12)
11. Franklin Tech (14-6)
12. McCann Tech (12-8)
13. Dean Tech (11-9)
Friday, February 20, 2009
State your team’s case by emailing me (mmoran@gazettenet.com). This is through the end of the regular season.
Click here for a breakdown of the final leading team leaders on offense and defense.
Power Poll (Last week)
1. Sabis (1)
2. Northampton (2)
3. East Longmeadow (3)
4. Sci-Tech (4)
5. Central (5)
6. Minnechaug (6)
7. Chicopee (7)
8. Hoosac Valley (8)
9. New Leadership (9)
10. Drury (10)
DIVISIONAL TOP 10s
Division 1 (Record, Last week)
1. Northampton (18-2, 1)
2. Sci-Tech (16-4, 3)
3. Central (14-6, 4)
4. East Longmeadow (15-5, 2)
5. Minnechaug (15-5, 5)
6. Chicopee (15-5, 6)
7. Commerce (12-8, 7)
8. West Springfield (11-9, 8)
9. Westfield (10-10, 10)
10. Longmeadow (8-12, 9)
Division 2
1. Hoosac Valley (17-3, 1)
2. Taconic (15-5, 3)
3. Drury (15-5, 2)
4. Belchertown (14-6, 5)
5. Palmer (15-5, 4)
6. Mohawk Trail (14-6, 7)
7. Wahconah (12-8, 6)
8. Hampshire Regional (11-9, 8)
9. South Hadley (9-11, 9)
10. Mahar (11-9, 10)
Division 3
1. Sabis (19-1, 1)
2. New Leadership (18-2, 2)
3. Turners Falls (15-5, 4)
4. Frontier Regional (14-6, 4)
5. Pioneer Regional (14-6, 3)
6. Easthampton (13-7, 6)
7. St. Joseph (11-9, 7)
8. Granby (12-8, 8)
9. Lee (14-6, 9)
10. Franklin Tech (14-6, unranked)
GazetteLand Power Poll
1. Northampton (1)
2. Frontier Regional (2)
3. Easthampton (3)
4. Belchertown (4)
5. South Hadley (5)
6. Hampshire Regional (6)
7. Granby (8)
8. Hopkins Academy (7)
9. Amherst Regional (9)
10. Holyoke Catholic (10)
11. Gateway Regional (11)
12. Smith Academy (12)
13. Smith Vocational (13)
Final GazetteLand Leading Scorers
1. Nick Bryda, Holyoke Catholic, 19.1
Ben McCullough, Belchertown, 17.7
Brendan Rios, Easthampton, 17.7
Gary Grandonico, Frontier Regional, 17.5
5. Mike Prattico, Holyoke Catholic, 17.1
Ellis Cooper, Northampton, 16.2
Branden Labrie, Hampshire, 15.7
Jesse Coulon, Northampton, 15.2
Scott DeLoach, Hampshire, 14.7
10. Chris Sulda, Smith Academy, 14.6
Anthony Afflitto, Smith Academy, 14.5
Ben Brassord, Amherst, 13.8
Pat Ramsey, Easthampton, 13.8
Kieffer Staples, Smith Vocational, 13.7
15. Matt Chamberlin, Frontier, 12.8
Drew Sharpe, Easthampton, 12.7
Dana Light, Granby, 12.9
Ethan Cook, Gateway, 12.8
Erik Abramson, Frontier, 12.5
20. Joe Courtney, Belchertown, 12.3
Corey Mortimer, Smith Academy, 12.1
Brian Boudreau, Granby, 11.7
Clinton Sapowsky, Granby, 11.4
Zach Hunter, Hopkins, 11.4
25. Joey O’Connell, Smith Academy, 11.3
Dan Sullivan, Hopkins Academy, 10.9
Bill Hahn, Hopkins, 10.7
Miguel Santiago, 10.5
Charles White, Amherst, 10.3
30. Ryan Hortsman, South Hadley, 10.1
Mike Sears, Belchertown, 10.0
Thursday, February 19, 2009
WALKERTOLOGY
If the tournament started today, this is how the seeds would break down. This is not official. Official seeds are announced Feb. 21 at 12:30 p.m. at the Basketball Hall of Fame.
Couple things:
Division 1 changed a lot while D-2 and D-2 remained the same.
Westfield qualified capping Division 1 at nine teams.
A lot can still change with one day left.
South Hadley plays at East Longmeadow and Greenfield is at Mahar on Thursday. Those two outcomes could determine who South Hadley, Hampshire and Mahar play. Those three teams are seperated by 2.5 points in my standings.
Mohawk plays Turners and Easthampton plays Pioneer Regional. Those two games could change things as well. Pioneer and Frontier are tied in my standings with Easthampton 2.5 points behind.
Division 1
1. Northampton
2. Sci-Tech
3. Central (Central’s win over Sci-Tech and Westfield qualifying vaulted the Golden Eagles from fifth to third.)
4. East Longmeadow
5. Chicopee (Chicopee’s win over Chaug moved them up one spot and dropped Chaug three spots. Westfield qualifying also hurt Chaug, which lost to the Bombers.)
6. Minnechaug
7. Commerce
8. West Springfield
9. Westfield
Division 2
1. Hoosac
2. Taconic
3. Drury
4. Palmer
5. Belchertown
6. Wahconah
7. Mohawk
8. South Hadley
9. Hampshire
10. Mahar
11. Monument
Division 3
1. Sabis
2. New Leadership
3. Turners
4. Lee
5. Pioneer Regional
6. Frontier Regional
7. Easthampton
8. St. Joseph
9. Granby
10. Lenox
11. Franklin Tech
12. McCann Tech
13. Dean Tech
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
WALKERTOLOGY
If the tournament started today, this is how the seeds would break down. This is not official. Official seeds are announced Feb. 21 at 12:30 p.m. at the Basketball Hall of Fame.
Couple things: Monument (9-11) and Mahar (10-9) qualified Tuesday. If Westfield beats Comp on Wednesday the Bombers qualify. That’s the only team left on the bubble. I also scrapped the first edition of the Walker in Division 3 and broke the Tri-County teams out. That’s what they do.
A lot can still change with two days left. South Hadley plays East Longmeadow on Wednesday and Thursday. Mohawk plays Turners and Easthampton plays Pioneer Regional. All these games can effect the seed order.
Division 1
1. Northampton
2. Sci-Tech
3. Minnechaug
4. East Longmeadow
5. Central
6. Chicopee
7. Commerce
8. West Springfield
Division 2
1. Hoosac
2. Taconic
3. Drury
4. Palmer
5. Belchertown
6. Wahconah
7. Mohawk
8. South Hadley
9. Hampshire
10. Mahar
11. Monument
Division 3
1. Sabis
2. New Leadership
3. Turners
4. Lee
5. Pioneer Regional
6. Frontier Regional
7. Easthampton
8. St. Joseph
9. Granby
10. Lenox
11. Franklin Tech
12. McCann Tech
13. Dean Tech
Monday, February 16, 2009
WALKERTOLOGY
If the tournament started today, this is how the seeds would break down. This is not official. Official seeds are announced Feb. 21 at 12:30 p.m. at the Basketball Hall of Fame.
Here are a few things to consider (if my math is correct, and not to brag but I was really close last year) when looking at the seeds:
In Division 1 if both Northampton and Sci-Tech wins out, Hamp would get the No. 1 seed. Hamp has West Side and Ludlow. Sci-Tech has Central and Cathedral. Even if Westfield or Longmeadow qualify, neither will help Sci-Tech. The Cybercats need Hamp to lose one its final two games.
In Division 2, the race for the second seed is very close. Drury leads Taconic by 0.5 points. What’s interesting here is that Taconic hosts Drury on Tuesday and while the winner may well claim that second seed, it’s not a guarantee. It will also depend on Monument, Longmeadow and Westfield and weather those teams qualify. Drury went 1-1 against Monument while Taconic went 1-0. Taconic also beat Westfield and lost to Longmeadow. Drury and Taconic are currently tied in the third category.
In Division 3, Turners Falls and Pioneer Regional are tied for third. Turners currently wins two of the three categories and wins the third seed. This of course also depends on their final games. Turners has Hopkins and Mohawk. Pioneer Regional has Frontier and Easthampton.
Also, and this is important, I did a second version of Division 3. In the first all the teams are ranked together. In the second one, I pulled the Tri-County League teams out and ran the Walker with just them. Oddly, the winner of the TCL won’t even finish first. Franklin Tech, which is in third place in the league, comes out on top.
The reason why I did this is because usually the committee gives the winner of the league a home game in the postseason. They do this by ranking the teams separately then seeing how it shakes out. Last year Pathfinder was the eighth seed. I really don’t see the committee doing that this year considering the third place team in the league will have better Walker numbers than the first two. With this in mind, the second version of Division 3 reflects this ranking. I think the three TCL teams will just round out the bottom three seeds.
Bubble teams remaining: Division 1: Westfield (8-10), Longmeadow (8-10) Division 2: Monument (8-11), Mahar (9-9) Division 3: Monson (9-10), Hopkins Academy (9-10)
Click here for the boys hoop standings.
Division 1
1. Northampton
2. Sci-Tech
3. Minnechaug
4. East Longmeadow
5. Chicopee
6. Central
7. Commerce
8. West Springfield
Division 2
1. Hoosac
2. Drury
3. Taconic
4. Palmer
5. Belchertown
6. Wahconah
7. Mohawk
8. South Hadley
9. Hampshire
Division 3
1. Sabis
2. New Leadership
3. Turners
4. Pioneer
5. Easthampton
6. Lee
7. Frontier
8. Franklin Tech
9. St. Joseph
10. McCann Tech
11. Dean Tech
12. Granby
13. Lenox
Division 3 revised
1. Sabis
2. New Leadership
3. Turners
4. Pioneer
5. Easthampton
6. Lee
7. Frontier
8. St. Joseph
9. Granby
10. Lenox
11. Franklin Tech
12. Dean Tech
13. McCann Tech
Saturday, February 14, 2009
Six teams still have a chance at the postseason: Westfield, Longmeadow, Monson, Mahar, Hopkins Academy and Monument Mountain. I broke down what they have to do to qualify this week in TWIBB.
This is through Friday’s results.
Monday
Valley Wheel
Westfield (8-10, 4-4) at Longmeadow (8-10, 4-4), 5:30 — The Lancers beat Chicopee Comp on Friday while Westfield beat Chicopee. One of these teams will have their bubble popped here.
Suburban
West Springfield (11-7, 6-2) at Northampton (16-2, 7-1), 7 — Just another solid game in the Suburban. The Blue Devils can clinch at least a share of the league title with a win here.
Tuesday
Bi-County
Palmer (15-4, 13-2 East) at Belchertown (13-6, 12-3 East), 7 — The Orioles need to knock off the Panthers for a share of the league title.
Granby (11-8, 7-8 East) at Monson (9-10, 5-10 East), 7 — It’s do-or-die for the Mustangs in their season finale. Granby won 60-45 in December.
Hampshire
Smith Academy (4-14, 4-13) at Mahar (9-9, 7-9), 7:30 — A win for the Senators and they are in.
Hopkins (9-10, 7-10 West) at Turners Falls (14-4, 13-3 West), 7:30 — This is the last chance for the Golden Hawks to qualify.
Berkshire
Drury (15-4, 9-3 North) at Taconic (13-5, 8-3 North), 7 — This should be a fantastic game between the current No. 2 and No. 3 seeded teams in Division 2.
Lenox (8-11, 2-10 South) at Monument (7-11, 5-7 South), 7 — The ball is in Monument’s court. St. Joe’s has Taconic and Hoosac left and is only percentage points ahead of the Spartans for second place in the South. A win all but guarantees second-place to Monument.
Wednesday
Valley League
Central (12-6, 7-1) at Sci-Tech (15-3, 7-1), 7 — League title on the line here.
Valley Wheel
Chicopee (13-5, 5-3) at Minnechaug (14-4, 7-1), 7 — Pacers can’t catch the Falcons but this is a good tournament preview.
Chicopee Comp (7-11, 2-6) at Westfield (8-10, 4-4), 7 — If Westfield wins on Monday, the Bombers will qualify with a win over the Colts.
Longmeadow (8-10, 4-4) at Putnam (5-13, 2-6), 7 — If the Lancers win on Monday, a win over the Beavers will qualify them for the postseason.
Thursday (End of regular season)
Hampshire
Easthampton (13-5, 12-5 East) at Pioneer Regional (13-5, 13-3 West), 7:30 — Both teams are fighting with Turners Falls and Frontier for seeding. A win for either could help in more ways than one. All four are heading to the postseason.
