Boys’ hoops team drops two more as it awaits D3 playoffs

Height, rebounding, and good outside shooting proved to be too much for the CHS boys’ basketball team as the Bulldogs fell to 5-14 with losses to Franklin in the Hockomock Classic 72-37 and to Stoughton 73-53 earlier last week.

Photo by Mike Barucci

Canton had one more regular season game to play against Fairhaven before awaiting its playoff seed and schedule. Playoffs are set to begin the week of February 28.

Because most of Canton’s five wins have come against Division 3 opponents, the Bulldogs have qualified for the D3 tournament. In fact, every team in the Hockomock League has qualified for the state playoffs either by winning at least 10 games or by winning a majority of games within their division. Canton and Foxboro are in Division 3 because of lower school enrollments.

Last Thursday, the Bulldogs hosted Franklin in the first Hockomock League Classic. Canton, in fourth place in the small school division, squared off against the 12-7 Panthers, who were fourth in the large school division.

The highlight of the week was the introduction of the senior players, cheerleaders, and parents before the tipoff of the Canton-Franklin game. Saluted for their efforts were seniors Josh Sheehan, Michael Charles, Alex Chery, Dominique Purvis, and Wade Ransome. Senior cheerleaders Katerina Grady, Daniella Menconi, Danielle McKenzie, Tatiana Wortham, and Kyla Galer were also recognized.

The seniors saw more minutes than normal, and they played well in extended action. But Franklin eventually wore down the Bulldogs with rebounding, shooting, and passing inside. Canton was without Ransome (college interview) and Scott Levy (hip injury).

Canton kept it close for the first 13 minutes and only trailed 21-17 with three minutes to go in the half, but the Panthers went on a 9-4 run to close out the half and then took over the game over the final two quarters.

Joe McCabe led the Bulldogs with 11 points, and Purvis and Murray both chipped in with six. Franklin’s 6’4” center Kyle Gibson led the Panthers with 26 points.

“Canton plays hard every single minute,” said Franklin coach Dean O’Connor after the game. “They make you earn it.”

CHS head coach Mike Devoll said of Franklin, “They were taller and much better rebounders and took advantage of it.”

Tuesday’s game against Stoughton was much like the Franklin game, with the Bulldogs playing well and staying competitive before falling behind late. Canton trailed at the end of the first quarter 16-14 and at the end of the half 34-27. The Bulldogs came within five with 6:51 left in the third, but Stoughton stormed ahead with a 20-7 run to end the third quarter with an 18-point lead.

Photo by Mike Barucci

The Knights shot very well in the game and were led by sophomore guard Marcus Middleton (24 points), senior Kris Joyce and sophomore Aaron Calixte (14 each), and senior Kevin Bui (12 points).

For Canton, Purvis came back strong from an illness to lead the offense with 14 points, and McCabe and Gavigan both worked hard to score 12 points apiece. Ransome also played well in the loss.

Devoll expects to have a full roster by the start of the playoffs, as he is hopeful that all of his players will have recovered by then from their various injuries and illnesses.

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Posted by Mike Berger on Feb 24 2011. Filed under High School, Sports. Both comments and pings are currently closed.