Boys’ hoop drops 2 of 3 in frustrating week

Anyone who saw the last three games of the CHS boys’ basketball team had to come away frustrated.

Earlier last week, the Bulldogs were easily defeated by Mansfield 77-44, came back and played very well against Southeastern Vo-Tech in a 56-51 win, but then fell late to Sharon on the road 49-38.

Certainly CHS head coach Mike Devoll isn’t happy with any loss but acknowledged that Mansfield’s athleticism, speed and outside shooting was just too much for the Bulldogs to handle, especially when Mansfield, one of the league’s top teams, came into the game with extra motivation having lost its last two. The game was effectively over midway through the second quarter as the Hornets sprinted to a 44-19 lead.

But Devoll said the game against Sharon was the most frustrating he has coached in years as Sharon won for just the second time in 13 games. Canton missed 14 free throws, several layups, and had trouble scoring points throughout. It didn’t help matters that Canton found itself in an early hole, trailing 17-7 after the first quarter. Fortunately the Bulldogs managed to rebound in the second quarter behind A.J. Nichols, Zia Wiggins, Joe McCabe and Josh Sheehan. A three pointer by Dan Boivert brought the deficit to within three at the half, 23-20.

Things looked promising early in the second half when baskets and free throws by McCabe and Abelard tied the game at 29-29. But two three-point shots by Sharon gave them the momentum — and the lead (36-30) — going into the fourth quarter.

Two free throws by Max Guillaume cut the deficit to 36-32 with 7:27 left in the game, but that was the closest Canton would come for the rest of the game.

The best overall effort of the week came against Southeastern as Canton beat SVT for the second time this season. Canton led by seven at the end of the first quarter and ten at the half, but SVT cut the lead to five toward the end of the game. Devoll said McCabe made some smart plays late in the game, calling a timeout with great defensive pressure, allowing Canton to regroup.

Nichols and Abelard each had 16 points to lead the offense but Devoll said everyone who played had a role in the win. It was one of the best overall wins for the Bulldogs, but they were unable to duplicate the effort against Sharon

“The Sharon game was the most frustrating for me, the most in several years,” Devoll said. “It seemed that every loose ball Sharon needed they got. I really don’t know from game to game what kind of team will show up.”

The team’s record is 4-9 and with seven games remaining, the Bulldogs have to either win six of seven or beat one of two Division 3 teams, Fairhaven or Foxboro, to make the playoffs.

Canton was scheduled to play three games this week, including Franklin on the road on Monday, Oliver Ames at home yesterday, and on the road at Foxboro on Friday.

Short URL: https://www.thecantoncitizen.com/?p=942

Posted by Mike Berger on Jan 28 2010. Filed under High School, Sports. Both comments and pings are currently closed.