Newton North clamps down on Braintree
NEWTON — Newton North coach Mo Hamel had a feeling her squad wouldn’t be a well-oiled machine right away.
Aside from adjusting to a series of COVID-19 rule modifications, the Tigers are relying on a younger core this season while also integrating three out-ofstate transfers into the regular rotation.
HIGH SCHOOL ROUNDUP
Newton North looked like a team still trying to mesh those pieces together in its season-opener Wednesday against Braintree, as it overcame 27 turnovers to earn a 45-30 Bay State Conference win at a fan-less Reggie Gymnasium. Junior guard Thalia Shepard sparked the Tigers (1-0) with 17 points.
“I think we will be able to jell a little bit better offensively in the future,” said Hamel as Newton North showcased a strong defense by forcing 23 turnovers. “Defensively, not a bad first effort. Couple things to clean up, but pretty good considering we have some new faces.”
With its own gritty showing, Braintree (0-1) stayed within striking distance and trailed, 24-17, midway through the third quarter after a bucket from Kate Silvia and a free throw from Aisling Crowley.
But Newton North answered with a gamechanging 9-0 run. Michaela O’Neil (10 points) started the spurt with a jumper and Clarice Borges, Paloma Garcia and Lara Aguzzi, who banked in a buzzerbeater, all scored in the final 42 seconds of the third quarter to give Newton North a 33-17 advantage.
“Those first game jitters, first half you shake it off. It’s a little rough,” Shepard said. “Our defense was definitely was the key.”
It was a much different season-opener for both sides playing in front of no fans and adhering to new protocols due to the coronavirus, including wearing masks, having the bench area spaced out and no jump ball to start the game. But Hamel was just glad for her team to be on the court.
“For me, when the ball goes up, I really don’t notice what else is going on in the gym,” Hamel said.
Elsewhere in girls basketball action: Veronica Tache poured in 16 points with three steals, while Olivia Found and Nasha Arnold each added 12 points to help Bishop Fenwick (2-0) topple Catholic Central League foe Archbishop Williams, 49-20.
Boys Basketball
Joe Nugent erupted for 25 points and 9 rebounds to lift Somerset Berkley (1-0) to a 64-33 win over Seekonk in the South Coast Conference.
Boys Hockey
Pavit Mehra propelled Hopkinton to a 5-1 Tri-Valley League win over Norwood with a hat trick.
Nick Fasano recorded a hat trick as Braintree rolled to an 8-0 win over Newton North in the Bay State Conference.
Girls Hockey
Emma O’Donovan’s two goals and Bridget Gray’s 21 saves in net proved enough to bolster Belmont past Lexington, 4-2, in Middlesex League play. … Maddie Krepelka tallied a hat trick for Arlington in a 4-2 victory over Woburn.
Miranda DeMita netted a hat trick for Pembroke as part of a 4-2 win over Plymouth South in the Patriot League.
Sofia King’s game-tying goal with 8:51 left gave Cohasset/Hanover a 2-2 tie with Norwell in the South Shore League.
Lizzy Greely scored twice and Alaina Aiello added the third goal as Matignon defeated Bishop Stang, 3-1, in the Catholic Central League.
Maggie Burchill, Ella Woods and Avalon Morris scored as Braintree beat Newton North, 3-1, in the Bay State Conference.
Audrey Koen scored twice while Lizzie Tassinari and Allie McCabe each scored one for Canton, in a 4-0 win over Hockomock League opponent Franklin.
Boys Track
Ethan Champlin won the 55-meter dash (6.5) and high jump (6-feet) as Hopkinton cruised to a 68-18 win over Westwood in the TriValley League.
Class Notes
The Greater Boston League announced that it was pushing back the start of its three remaining athletic seasons due to the high number of COVID-19 cases among several of its member schools.
The gymnastics and girls ice hockey season will begin on January 11. The preseason for the Fall 2 sports (boys and girls basketball, swimming and boys ice hockey) will run from February 1-26 under the watchful eye of athletic trainers.
The winter season for boys and girls basketball, swimming and boys ice hockey will compete from March 1-April 10. The Fall 2 pre-season conditioning programs under the guidance of athletic trainers. girls volleyball, boys and girls soccer, golf, crosscountry, football and field hockey.
The Fall 2 season for girls volleyball, boys and girls soccer, golf, cross-country, football and field hockey will run from April 12-May 15. In addition, there will be spring pre-season conditioning programs under the guidance of athletic trainers during that time. That would be for baseball, softball, boys and girls tennis, boys and girls lacrosse, outdoor track, crew, boys volleyball.
The spring season for baseball, softball, boys and girls tennis, boys and girls lacrosse, outdoor track, crew, boys volleyball will run from May 17-July 3...
Two-time Herald Dream Teamer Shay Bollin of Bridgewater-Raynham will be sidelined for a period of time after undergoing an elective procedure which was not basketball-related. This was recommended years ago to be done once her growth plates closed.
According to the Bridgewater-Raynham coaching staff, the procedure was highly successful and that Bollin is ahead of schedule in her physical therapy.