Machuga sinks basket in memorable return to the court

CHS senior Xavier Machuga flashes a broad smile after scoring the Bulldogs’ first basket against Mansfield in his first varsity action in two years. (Mike Barucci photo)

It was quite an emotional week for the CHS boys basketball team, one that Bulldog fans will remember for a long time. CHS senior Xavier Machuga, who is recovering from a brain aneurysm suffered in the spring of 2017, started and scored two points in the game against Mansfield on Tuesday, January 15.

Planned in advance by CHS coach Ryan Gordy in coordination with Mansfield coach Mike Vaughn, the emotional moment culminated with Machuga hitting a layup in the opening minutes of the game at Canton’s Masciarelli Gym.

The stands were packed and even the Mansfield players wore “Soldier X” warmup jerseys. Machuga was introduced as one of the starters and received a huge ovation from the crowd.

Despite the injury, Gordy reserved a spot on the team for Machuga and named him one of the three co-captains this season. Over the past two years, Machuga has attended every CHS game and practice.

After the Hornets won the tip and scored a layup, Canton’s Devin Foster dribbled down the court and found Machuga, who converted on his fourth attempt.

Asked after the game how such a moment came to fruition, Gordy said he had spoken to Machuga late last year and he had mentioned how disappointed he was that he would not have a chance to play again. “I said to X, let’s make it happen,” Gordy said. “I asked X what game would he like to play and he said Mansfield because Mansfield coach Mike Vaughn was his travel coach and it meant a lot to both X and Mike.”

Three years ago Gordy purposely inserted Machuga, Ryan Lentol, Foster, Tony Harris, and Jake Verille into a game to get a feel for what CHS basketball would be like in the years to come. “I really thought we would win two league championship titles with them,” he said. “X really complemented [Foster] so much.”

Commenting on the January 15 event, Gordy said Machuga’s return was “one of the best special moments of my life. X has meant so much for me and our players. X is such a hard worker and he still commits himself every day.”

“I remember X in a coma and when he awoke, he couldn’t eat, breath or walk,” Gordy said. “His progress has been amazing and his return tonight is inspirational to everyone.”

Machuga said the experience of being back on a basketball court in a varsity game was something he will remember for the rest of his life. “It’s hard to believe,” he said. “My family, friends, teammates, students. They still believe in me and I won’t forget. From the bottom of my heart, thank you and I have heard from so many people in social media. I feel nothing but love from the bottom of my heart.”

“This is just the start of my journey and there is no limit to what I can do,” he said. “I hope one day to be a self-made entrepreneur.”

School Superintendent Dr. Jennifer Fischer-Mueller commented on the event in her report to the School Committee Thursday night. She remarked that two years ago, Machuga could not walk, but he has since made dramatic strides and now walks with the aid of a cane. She quoted from a Boston Globe story in which Machuga said the injury gave him a new perspective on life. “I could dwell on the what-ifs and could have beens, but the fact is I’m here,” he told the Globe. “I beat the injury. And you know what? My team is here too and they are fighting with me. So every day is a good day.”

CHS Principal Derek Folan described “Soldier X Night” as one of the most important events he has witnessed at CHS. “His courage, resiliency, and will to fight has meant something special to all of us,” Folan said. “He was surrounded by people who helped him and that’s great. He is a great leader, a phenomenal person, and having this event speaks volumes for our community.”

As for the game itself, the Bulldogs played a great first half against last year’s Division 1 champion and held a 26-25 lead at the half. But a combination of the Hornets’ hot outside shooting combined with Canton’s foul trouble and cold shooting allowed Mansfield to get back into the game and eventually seize control, winning 70-43. “All of the Mansfield players commit and work out all 12 months,” Gordy said. “That’s what happens with a commitment like that.”

In other team news, the Bulldogs welcomed junior forward Robbie Gallery back from injury and he contributed in limited minutes in the team’s 58-54 win over North Attleboro on Friday. Unfortunately, the Bulldogs were without the services of starting senior forward-center Paul Corcoran, who injured his ankle in a Thursday practice. Gordy said Corcoran’s ankle is not broken but he is expected to miss some time.

While the loss of Corcoran is a tough blow for the team, his Bulldog teammates rose to the occasion in Friday’s game against the Rocketeers, led by Foster (21 pts., 7 reb.), Matt Giglio (13 pts.), and Kyle Fitzgerald (11 pts., 9 reb.). Lentol also played well, scoring eight points and grabbing a few rebounds.

Gordy said extra emphasis on the boards in the second half was one of the keys of the game. “To get those extra possessions against a good team like North (5-5) was the difference,” he said. “We talked about it at halftime because we were behind on the glass. We talked about crashing the weak side for offensive rebounds. We made the adjustment and did a good job in the second half.”

The win over the Rocketeers ended a three-game losing streak and improved Canton’s overall record to 7-3. The team still began the week in first place in the Davenport Division and needs only four more wins to qualify for the Division 2 south playoffs.

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