Boys’ hoop trounces Fairhaven to clinch a spot in the postseason

Playing its best overall game to date, the CHS boys’ basketball team exploded out of the gate en route to a 20-point home win Monday night over Fairhaven, earning the Bulldogs a spot in the Division 3 playoffs, which get underway next week.

Canton ended the regular season with a record of 8-12 and qualified for the postseason by playing .500 against Division 3 opponents.

On Monday, the Bulldogs relied on a very strong, swarming defense to limit a good Fairhaven team to 11 points in the first quarter, 15 points at halftime and 25 points at the end of the third quarter.

Meanwhile, the Bulldog offense exploded for 41 points in the first half, 18 of which came off of three pointers.

Seniors Max Guillaume and Marc Abelard had strong two-way games, both scoring 11 points and leading the team in steals. Guillaume recorded five steals and was the offensive catalyst at point guard, while Abelard was all over the floor with drives, steals, and offensive and defensive rebounds. Senior Tyler Gavigan was tough inside, scoring ten points, and Joe McCabe came off the bench to score eight points, including two three-point shots.

“In my mind it was as good as we played as a team in four years,” head coach Mike Devoll said. “Our defense was terrific and it led to many easy baskets. I like how we are playing as a team right now.”

Devoll noted that when Guillaume sets the pace with steals, the Bulldogs play significantly better. He also noted that Guillaume was recently named to the Hockomock League’s all-defensive team.

The key part of the game came in the second quarter with the Bulldogs up 16-11 and with center A.J. Nichols on the bench in early foul trouble. Colby Gavigan and Josh Sheehan came off the bench and played some important minutes, each contributing good defense, rebounding, and points.

Starting with an offensive rebound by Colby Gavigan, the Bulldogs reeled off a 17-2 run led by Abelard, McCabe, and Dan Boivert, with the latter two both hitting a pair of three pointers.

After the game Fairhaven coach Phil Harding was asked what the difference was between the previous nine-point win by Fairhaven on their home court and Monday night’s contest.

“Canton played very hard right from the get-go,” Harding said. “They played with a lot of intensity. We did not play with much tonight, but give them credit. They wanted it and went out and got it. They are a good team, have some nice players and are well coached.”

Canton also played very well in its 60-56 win over King Philip in an away game on Friday, February 12. The Bulldogs held a steady lead throughout the game that ranged from six to ten points. McCabe came off the bench to score 15 points and Nichols added 14 points.

Notes…

* The CHS gym was packed Monday night as the Bulldogs honored their two senior cheerleaders, Elisa Alberts and Julieanne Connors, and six senior players: Dan Boivert, Max Guillaume, A.J Nichols, Tyler Gavigan, Marc Abelard, and Marquis Rodriquez. The team also added two players to the squad, including freshman Jaden Mason and backup center Cam Huber.

* Eileen Morneau, a former 1,000-point scorer for the Bulldogs and a CHS graduate, has joined the boys’ basketball staff. Head coach Mike Devoll said Morneau had previously been going to all the games as a fan. “Her basketball knowledge is amazing,” he said. “She has great insight. Her name is up there in the rafters.” Morneau is the second CHS graduate and former player to join the staff, along with Jared Cowens.

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Posted by Mike Berger on Feb 18 2010. Filed under High School, Sports. Both comments and pings are currently closed.