Thomas, Cunningham Shoot Down McCann
WILLIAMSTOWN, Mass. — Avery Cunningham doesn't start for the Mount Greylock boys' basketball team, but that doesn't mean he can't make a difference for the Mounties this year.The senior forward proved that against McCann Tech on Tuesday night, draining five 3-pointers on his way to an 18-point night. Cunningham and Greylock did most of its damage in the third quarter, when a barrage of threes helped the Mounties turn an eight-point halftime lead into a 23-point cushion heading into the fourth. Bob Thistle's club eventually won 66-40, improving its record to a perfect 6-0 to start the season.
Greylock sophomore Tyrell Thomas had another big night with a game-high 27 points, but it was Cunningham, who came in to help break up the Hornets' zone defense in the third, who made the biggest splash. Cunningham hit three triples in the third quarter alone, as the Mounties pulled away from McCann (0-5) with a 23-8 scoring edge in the frame.
"It was a hard fought battle," Greylock head coach Bob Thistle said. "Our kids made good adjustments to McCann's zone and came out fired up for the second half. If we are patient with the zone, working in and out, we have the ability to knock down shots. We are pleased with how our team has started the season, but realize we have a long way to go and a huge challenge versus PHS this weekend."
Greylock started strong by earning a 19-7 lead after the first quarter, the Hornets battled back to take the second (14-10)to stay within striking distance at halftime.
"We started the game out flat," McCann head coach Justin Kratz said. "We woke up and clawed our way back into it by halftime but then in the third quarter, we were a little bit flat again on defense. We didn't locate their shooters and contest as well as we should have, and they hit five threes in the third quarter to open up their lead."
Senior center Zach Giron had 13 points, four rebounds and four assists for a Hornets squad that should be well prepared for their Tri-County League schedule after playing five games against three of the top teams in Berkshire County. Senior Mike Chappell added seven points, eight boards and four assists for McCann, which next hosts Smith Voc. at 7 p.m. on Friday.
The Mounties next play against Pittsfield in the Coaches vs. Cancer Tournament on Saturday. The game will be held at MCLA and will start at 12 p.m.