Bulldogs show improvement despite loss to Mansfield

Junior Ben O’Neill has been one of the bright spots for the 0-3 Bulldogs. (Mike Barucci photo)

Despite a 27-point loss to Mansfield on the road last week (72-45), CHS boys basketball coach Ryan Gordy said it was Canton’s best game as a team so far this season.

“We won the effort battle and out-executed Mansfield at times,” Gordy said. “Of the three games we played it was the best so far.”

Gordy said the team’s execution level improved as well as its shot selection. “There was more fire and pulse from the team. We are starting to put it together,” he said.

Senior forward Jamal Robert, starting in place of Griffin Jerrier, who was out with an illness, finished with a team-high 15 points and hit three three-point shots. Gordy said Robert, who played on the junior varsity team last year, did a lot of work in the offseason and worked on his outside shot. “It is really paying off for him,” he said. “He is now a three-point threat.”

Senior captain Derrick Harris, who has been the Bulldogs’ most consistent player to date, finished second on the team with 14 points, including three three-pointers.

Also showing steady improvement is junior Ben O’Neill, who has stepped up in place of injured senior guard Paul Swart. “He is developing into a solid point guard,” Gordy said of O’Neill. “He is improving every day and gaining more confidence every day.”

The Bulldogs were due to play in the Blackstone-Millville holiday tournament this week (Dec. 29-30) with upcoming games against Milford January 2 at home and Oliver Ames January 6 on the road.

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Posted by Mike Berger on Jan 1 2015. Filed under High School, Sports. Both comments and pings are currently closed.