Boys’ hoop makes big improvements despite 2 losses

Despite back-to-back losses to Milford and Oliver Ames last week, the CHS boys’ basketball team greatly improved from the week before when they were beaten by 44 points in a season-opening loss to Taunton.

The Bulldogs fell to Milford 82-67 and then lost a close game to Oliver Ames 50-41 on Friday night. The 0-3 Bulldogs have yet to play at home and have one more game on the road — tomorrow night against nonleague Pembroke — before kicking off 2013 with four straight in their own gym, including Pembroke again next Wednesday, January 2.

Head coach Ryan Gordy termed the slogan for this season as “climbing the ladder,” and his hope is that every game his team improves from the previous game.

Already the Bulldogs have shown major improvements, and it was especially apparent against Oliver Ames as they out-rebounded and out-defended the Tigers for most of the game. They simply didn’t shoot the ball well, finishing just 17 for 57 while also making some costly miscues late in the game that clinched the win for OA.

Currently, the Bulldogs have one go-to player and it’s junior forward Sam Larson, who exploded for 35 points against Milford and then dropped 22 points against the Tigers despite having stretches of cold shooting himself. Larson has shown he can hit the open jumper, spin and drive to the basket, and is a good rebounder and defender.

“The problem right now is finding the second shooter, the second dependable guy who can get hot,” said Gordy.

That player on Friday night was junior guard Ato Botsio, who had several steals and layups for six points. Senior center Andrew Mansfield and junior forward Tristen Mullen also chipped in with four points apiece.

Against OA, the Bulldogs fell behind early and did not score their first point until there was 4:47 left in the first quarter. Canton recovered and ended up trailing by just two points (13-11) by the end of the first and 24-20 at the half.

The Bulldogs continued to play well after halftime and trailed by four at the end of the third quarter. They held on for most of the fourth and trailed by six with 1:30 remaining, but a series of fouls put OA at the line, and the Tigers took advantage by hitting several free throws to close out the game.

“It came down to that we couldn’t make our shots,” said Gordy. “The players executed well because the shots were there to make. We played good defense, rebounded well, hustled and played well in a physical game. In a week’s time, we drastically improved. The kids really worked hard and gave 100 percent commitment and effort.”

Against Milford, the Bulldogs fell into a deep hole, trailing 26-10 at the end of the first quarter. But behind Larson, Canton fought back and trailed by only nine going into the fourth quarter. Mullen finished with eight points in the loss while Botsio scored five and senior forward Dexter Green scored three.

Gordy described Larson performance as “relentless” as he shot well, attacked the basket, and went 14 for 14 at the free throw line.

Gordy said he was happy to see many of last year’s seniors return from colleges to cheer on the team at the OA game and also scrimmage against the team in practice.

“We are a family here at CHS, and I want players to be proud to have worn a basketball uniform here,” he said. “No doubt our current players look up to them. Once a Bulldog, always a Bulldog.”

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Posted by Mike Berger on Dec 27 2012. Filed under High School, Sports. Both comments and pings are currently closed.