CHESHIRE, Mass. – The Hoosac Valley boys basketball team stayed strong at home, winning its fifth consecutive game, defeating Mount Everett, 78-46, Monday night, in the quarter-finals of the Western Massachusetts Class D tournament.
Frank Field opened up the first half with 14 points with a huge support system from the likes of Adan Wick’s passing game and Qwanell Bradley’s presence in the paint.
“I just want to keep on getting open looks for my teammates and just playing as a team," Wicks said. "Just off fast breaks, we played to some good defense, got some steals, look up, pass it down low. They're open. Just give it to them."
Field led the Hurricanes (13-6) with 20 points, Joey McGovern hit four from downtown and totaled 16. Ninth-grader Wicks made two 3-pointers and finished with 14. His classmate Bradley scored 12.
“We keep playing together, we've been sharing the ball a lot more," Bradley said. "And I think that's been key pressure, energy. Just working together, playing more fluid.”
For Mount Everett (12-6), lead scorer Noah Williams finished with 12 on the night. Matthew Lowe knocked down three 3s and hit a free-throw for 10 total. Michael Ullrich and Brady Carpenter each finished with six points.
This is Everett's first loss after winning their last four.
The Hurricanes came out fast and didn't pump the brakes. They scored 21 in the first quarter. McGovern put in two of his four 3s in the first, with Field scoring 8 and Bradley 4. The second quarter proved even more prolific with 24 points. Wicks caught fire, demonstrating his speed and passing and scoring seven including a 3. Field finished with six on the quarter.
Hoosac Valley held Everett to 18 at the half and never let them back in the game, switching from zone into a man-to-man defense when needed. Most of Hoosac's bench finished the remaining few minutes of the contest.
Field knows as a leader it isn't only about scoring.
"Just keep playing together," he said. "I mean, I don't care who scores 20, if, if people score 12. The whole stat line is packed for everyone. As long as we play together we'll keep winning."
Hurricanes coach Bill Robinson said his team is ready to adjust to whatever the schedule brings as the post-season proceeds.
“It all depends on our opponent as to what we have to do to make changes, but right now we ride as long as we can with what we got going and we'll stay how we are for the time being, but we could… we could flip the switch at any moment. Yes, we could," Robinson said.
Hurricanes advances to the semi-finals. They will host Hopkins Academy on Wednesday.
