HOLYOKE – Should Tuesday’s game against Taconic be the final time Bianca Ortiz plays in John “Jinx” O'Connor Gymnasium, the Holyoke senior left an indelible impression.

She poured in 37 points in a 71-37 win over the Thunder. It wasn’t even a career high. Ortiz had 40 to open the season against Chicopee Comp. She hit the 30-point mark for the second time in the past two games and fifth time this season.

“It was a big impact because it was our last home game, so we tried to make the best of it,” Ortiz said.

Holyoke (9-7, 4-5 Valley) held an early 5-3 lead after a Taconic 3-pointer 1 minute, 42 seconds in. The Purple Knights then ripped off 15 consecutive points.

Syanne Hall and Amilyan Treadwell-Mercedes (13 points) blocked Taconic shots at the rim, which sparked Holyoke’s transition attack. Borth Ortiz and fellow senior Ashley Vazquez finished highlight layups through traffic to earn and-one opportunities.

“The seniors were having a senior night,” Holyoke coach Andrea Enright said. “They enjoyed themselves, and everybody else on the team wanted them to be successful.”

Vazquez added 18 on four 3-pointers to move within 18 points of 1,000 for her career. The teams will meet again Wednesday in Pittsfield, then Holyoke is off for a week until a Feb. 15 game at Hampshire.

“Our impact was great (Tuesday). We showed a lot of energy, we showed a lot of love for the school,” Vazquez said. “It’s our last home game, so pretty sad, but also we had a fun night.” 

The Knights needed Tuesday’s win, though. It marked a second consecutive victory after beating Longmeadow on the road Monday. Before that, they lost three games in a row and six of the previous eight.

“Our frustration kind of manifested into, ‘well, I’ve got to solve this problem’ instead of ‘we’ve got to solve it,’” Enright said. “We just started really trying to collectively to be better together on offense and defense.”

Holyoke didn’t play hero ball, however. Crisp ball movement and patiently attacking Taconic’s zone brought most of its baskets.

“It’s very fun and enjoyable and as well for my teammates, because we look out for them in order for them to get their shots, as well,” Ortiz said.

Fellow senior Jesmaire Colon splashed a 3 in the waning minute that brought the entire gym to its feet. Holyoke also honored Hall and Darlene Sanchez in their final home game.

“The ball was still moving,” Enright said. “Everyone had their chances.”

Hordes of family and friends mobbed the seniors after the final buzzer sounded, snapping pictures and stealing hugs.

Holyoke moved within a victory of qualifying for the postseason. The Knights were ranked No. 23 in the Division 2 state power rankings and No. 4 in the Western Massachusetts Class A rankings.

Closing the season strong could keep them in position for one more game at home.

“We’re definitely trying our hardest,” Ortiz said.

After the performance they delivered, who wouldn’t want an encore?

Kyle Grabowski can be reached at kgrabowski@gazettenet.com. Follow him on Twitter @kylegrbwsk.]]>