Boys’ basketball beats Foxboro for season’s 1st win

Just like a light switch, the CHS boys’ basketball team turned up the defense, roared back from a 12-point deficit to take an 11-point lead late in the fourth quarter, and hung on for a 56-54 win over Foxboro last week at home.

Sam Larson (Mike Barucci photo)

It was Canton’s first win of the season and evened its season record at 1-1. Foxboro is still looking for its first win of the season, having also lost to Stoughton 77-47.

The game was a tale of two halves as Canton fell behind early and often, trailing 15-10 in the first quarter and 23-16 at the half. Canton had a lot of problems working its offense against Foxboro’s zone press and did not shoot well.

The struggles continued early in the second half until head coach Ryan Gordy switched the defense to an attacking zone, which paid immediate dividends for the Bulldogs.

Playing on the strength of their speed and athleticism, the Bulldog defense caused 10 Foxboro turnovers by the end of the third quarter, which led to many Canton baskets. Within almost six minutes, Canton turned a 30-18 deficit into a three-point advantage late in the third quarter.

Canton’s brilliant play continued into the fourth quarter as the lead rose to 52-41 with 3:43 left to play. Foxboro managed to climb back into the game on the strength of its shooting and rebounding, but a full-court drive by Canton’s Colby Gavigan and a free throw by Chris Murray gave Canton a seven-point lead with under a minute remaining.

The Warriors made one final push; however, sophomore Sam Larson converted a pair of key free throws to give the Bulldogs a two-point cushion by game’s end.

After the game Gordy said the win was a terrific boost to the players, who never gave up despite trailing by 12 points early in the third quarter.

“These guys are resilient and they have a winning attitude,” said Gordy. “It all came together tonight as the players executed what we have coached them to do … Our zone press got it going and I think [senior captain] Scott Levy was a key player for us.”

After the game, Foxboro head coach CJ Neely gave credit to Canton for playing hard and never giving up.

“In the first half, we played well, but in the second half, we had problems with their press,” said Neely. “We panicked a bit and didn’t take it to the hoop as we did in the first half. Give Canton credit though. They played very hard.”

Larson and senior Joe McCabe led the Bulldogs with 18 points apiece, and Gavigan added nine points. Murray and Anthony Bires also played well, contributing good defense, rebounding, and several baskets.

Gordy is hoping the team’s tallest player, junior Andrew Mansfield, will be able to return to action tomorrow night at Blue Hills Regional. Mansfield suffered an injury at the start of the season. The team has also been without junior forward Jaden Mason, who has an undetermined illness.

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Posted by Mike Berger on Dec 28 2011. Filed under High School, Sports. Both comments and pings are currently closed.