Boys’ hoops team upsets Dover-Sherborn in D3 tourney

Playing a ferocious, full-court press defense, hitting several three-point shots, and limiting Dover-Sherborn to just nine fourth quarter points, the CHS boys’ basketball team advanced to the second round of the Division 3 south playoffs with a resounding 58-46 upset win at Dover-Sherbon Monday night.

The Bulldogs, seeded 19th in the 20-team bracket at 5-15, were due to play third seed Cardinal Spellman last night (March 2) at Cardinal Spellman in Brockton. The winner of the March 2 game will play the winner of the Dighton Rehoboth-Bourne game on Friday, March 4, at a site to be determined.

The Bulldogs played smart and aggressive basketball — despite ankle injuries sustained by Joe McCabe and Scott Levy in Sunday’s practice. McCabe scored 10 points and Levy came off the bench.

The Bulldogs, who had not won a game for several weeks, had a hot shooting night with a balanced scoring attack. Colby Gavigan was all over the court, driving inside for 13 points. Anthony Bires came off the bench to hit several three-point shots, especially in the second half. Chris Murray was a perfect floor general in place of Levy and shot very well for 12 points. McCabe showed little effect from the ankle injury, hitting for 10 points.

Everyone head coach Mike Devoll played had a hand in the win, with Michael Charles hustling for key rebounds and Dominique Purvis coming alive in the fourth quarter with some inside points and rebounds. Josh Sheehan also played well inside. The only downside for the Bulldogs was missing eight free throws (five in the first half), which could have been a problem in a tight game.

The game was decided in the fourth quarter with the score tied at 39 with a little more than six minutes left in the game. In a stretch of five minutes, Canton went on a 16-1 explosion keyed by Gavigan, Bires, and McCabe. Gavigan, Bires, Murray, McCabe, and Purvis successfully executed a full-court defense, which caused many mistakes by the Raiders.

After the game, Devoll said the fact that McCabe and Levy suited up was a great lift for the team.

“We said before the game that everyone had to step up and that’s what happened,” he said.

In earlier action, Canton lost to Fairhaven 57-45 at Fairhaven. The game was competitive through the third quarter with Canton down by three points, 39-36. Fairhaven, however, made the most of 30 free-throw attempts, while Canton only went to the line six times.

McCabe led the team in scoring with 25 points while Murray added 15. Alex Chery played well off the bench. Levy was out of the game with a hip flexor injury.

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Posted by Mike Berger on Mar 3 2011. Filed under High School, Sports. Both comments and pings are currently closed.