Bulldogs go out with a bang
By Mike BergerThe Canton High boys’ basketball team ended the season with a bang, playing its best basketball of the year before falling in the last minute of play 57-53 to highly rated Cardinal Spellman at the Cardinals’ home gym on Wednesday, March 2.
Earlier in the week, the Bulldogs — seeded 19th in the Division 3 South bracket — convincingly beat Dover Sherborn 58-46. The Bulldogs ended the season at 6-16, but came away with a lot of respect and praise, both from their fans and from opposing coaches.
Cardinal Spellman entered the game seeded third at 16-4. The Cardinals’ roster included 10 players over six feet, two players at 6’5” and two at 6’4”, while Canton’s two tallest players were 6’1” and six feet. The Cardinal roster also included three players from Canton: Ricky and Rory Donovan and Korey Krespi.
In a game that featured lead changes from start to finish, the Bulldogs were poised for what appeared to be another stunning upset — Canton had the lead at 53-52 and was in control of the ball with 1:18 left in the game. But the Cardinals’ Ricky Donovan stepped in the middle of an errant Canton pass and connected with 6’5” leading scorer Joey Glynn (29 points), who was fouled. Glynn tied the game at 53 with one free throw, the Cardinals got the offensive rebound, and Glynn was fouled again. He made two free throws and the Cardinals took the lead for good 55-53 with 53 seconds left in the game.
Canton missed two free throws with 43 seconds left in the game, but with 18 seconds on the clock a shot fell off the rim, and Canton’s Josh Sheehan grabbed the offensive rebound and went up for the shot. Although Canton head coach Mike Devoll thought Sheehan was fouled, it was ruled a block. The Cardinals hit two more insurance free throws at the end of the game.
The game featured outstanding performances from the Cardinals’ Glynn, who dominated inside with 29 points and 19 rebounds, and Canton’s Joe McCabe, who played through an ankle injury to score 26 points that included four three-pointers. He had 15 points at the half.
All of the Canton players played exceptionally well, trading baskets with the Cardinals and battling back from a five-point deficit at the beginning of the second half. The Canton fans stood and applauded their efforts when the Bulldogs came out of the locker room at halftime trailing 30-29 and throughout all the time outs in the second half.
Canton seniors Sheehan and Dominique Purvis played well inside against much taller opponents, with Sheehan scoring seven points and Purvis adding six. Anthony Bires came off the bench to hit two three-point shots. Colby Gavigan hit two important shots in the fourth quarter and rebounded well, and Chris Murray was exceptional at point guard in the absence of Scott Levy, who was hampered with an ankle injury. Levy did play in reserve and hit a jump shot.
Devoll said he was so proud of his players as they stood tall against a tough opponent, worked well together, and executed a game plan.
“It’s the best basketball game I have ever been a part of,” he said. “They went toe to toe against a tough opponent in a tough gym. I am glad all the underclassmen got a chance to see this game and see what it takes to win in this type of atmosphere.”
Devoll noted that Murray was “exceptional” in running the offense and McCabe was “just awesome.”
Cardinal Spellman coach Mike Perry said the Bulldogs did an outstanding job the entire game, forcing his team to the limit.
“Canton played with a lot of heart, played good defense, and they have a great shooter in McCabe,” he said. “Fortunately, we were able to battle back and win the game. This was a great game for the fans, and this is what playoff high school basketball is all about.”
Short URL: https://www.thecantoncitizen.com/?p=3624
Posted by Mike Berger
on Mar 10 2011. Filed under High School, Sports.
Both comments and pings are currently closed.
