Youth basketball: Northampton Suburban programs cap outstanding winter campaigns

Staff Reports

Published: 03-22-2023 5:54 PM

It was a successful end to the season for the Northampton Suburban League basketball programs.

On the boys’ side, the Northampton B grades 7 and 8 squad captured a title thanks to a 54-42 victory over Agawam on Saturday. The teams were tied at 21 at halftime, but Hamp pulled away in the second half to cap an undefeated 18-0 season.

Joshua Cole went for a team-high 15 points and five rebounds for Northampton, while Lucas Rapoza added 10 points and four boards. Tege Madera (nine points), Jahir Sanchez (eight) and Mason Tait (six) also keyed the charge offensively.

On the girls’ side, the grades 7 and 8 reached the championship game before falling to Belchertown, 31-22. The run featured postseason victories over Longmeadow (35-27) and Wilbraham (37-35) to punch a title-game ticket. Northampton finished 12-6 on the season.

Emme Culkins averaged eight points and four rebounds for Northampton during the postseason run, while Liv Joensen averaged seven points and eight boards and Anna Oravec went for six point and seven rebound averages.

The grades 5 and 6 team picked up a playoff win over East Longmeadow (32-28) in the opening round before falling to Chicopee in Round 2, 47-27. The club wound up with a 14-4 overall record.

Keira Cole paced the offensive drive with averages of 13 points, 10 rebounds and six steals. Quinn Spears averaged six points, three rebounds and two blocks during the playoff run, and Naomi Durbin averaged four points, three rebounds and two steals.

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