NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — Hayden Bird led all scorers with 22 points as the Drury boys basketball team won its first round matchup in the Gene Wein Holiday Tournament, 74-51, over Mount Everett on Monday night.
Bird scored 12 of his 22 points in the third quarter, including four free throws from the line.
Reece Racette pitched in with 17 of his own, while Mike Carpinello and Connor Meehan had seven each.
Drury (3-0) came out the gate firing with a quick 6-0 lead. But it was Mount Everett’s 3-point shooting that allowed the Eagles (0-4) to claw them back in the game. Cavan Brady hit three 3’s in the first quarter, giving him a total of 21 points and keeping Mount Everett in the game at the end of the quarter 14-17.
Drury’s pressure proved to be too much as it forced turnover after turnover, leading to easy baskets. The high tempo play is just what to Blue Devils are looking to do each and every game.
“We are small, and that is the style we need to play. We can wear teams down when we get healthy. We have to be in the 70s every night no matter who we play. Drury coach Jack Racette said.
The Blue Devils ended the half on a 21-4 run, giving them a 43-22 lead at the break.
The second half was filled with a little more of the same high pressure defense, with Drury turning Mount Everett over multiple times. It was a hard fought game from Mount Everett as it didn’t give up at any point during the game.
Drury will look to keep their winning ways going as it plays Mount Geylock Tuesday night in the finals of the Gene Wein Holiday Tournament final. Mount Everett will take on Duggan at 5:30.
