St. John’s over North
Shrewsbury, MA- In a declared “white out” at St. John’s on Friday night, it was only right that Pioneers’ Senior David White had perhaps his biggest performance of the year, as the 6-foot senior guard finished off the Polar Bears of Worcester North High with 21 points and 14 rebounds.
“David’s our best rebounder, we really try to encourage our guards to crash the boards and he did a great job of that tonight,” said Coach Bob Foley on his Captain’s performance against a North team that defeated St. John’s in Worcester just a few weeks ago.
The Pioneers were able to jump out to an early lead, as 6’7” Cedric Kuakumensah and 6’4” Gaetano Iacovone both picked up two early fouls.
Despite foul troubles to their two biggest players as well as an electrifying dunk by Junior Captain Richard Rodgers, North was able to stay within four points by the end of the first quarter thanks to some key baskets by Quazay McClain in the first quarter.
St. John’s Captain Richard Rogers goes up for a fast break dunk in the first quarter
However, St. John’s came out in the 2nd quarter poised to add to their lead, and they did just that, going on a run capped off by a 3-pointer by sharpshooter Bennett Knowlton, his third 3-ball of the first half.
St. John’s senior Bennett Knowlton connects on one of his three first half three-pointers.
White was consistently outstanding throughout the first half as well as the entire game, as he had several offensive rebounds and put backs that were a true testament to his style of play. The first half ended with North down 37-24.
The third quarter was more of the same, as the two teams continued to trade baskets as North pulled within eight points by the end of the third. North’s Senior Markese Berry gave his very best effort in this one. He finished with 19 points, and he continued to score when it seemed as if St. John’s was finally going to pull away.
North’s Markese Berry pulls up for one of his two made three-pointers
After Quazay McClain hit a 3-pointer at the beginning of the of the fourth quarter, St. John’s went on a tear defensively, as they gave up just three points the rest of the game. Their countless fourth quarter stops were certainly due to excellent bench play, as they just never seemed to tire throughout the game.
“(Ryan)Kelley, (Matt) Harrington, and (Matt) Palecki gave us a great boost off the bench,” said Foley, coming off of his 746th career victory. “There wasn’t any difference in the level of play while our bench guys were in, and that really allowed us to rest our starters when it was needed. Their play tonight was the key for us.”
The Pioneers also got stellar defensive efforts from Seniors Brian Perron, who held Gaetano Iacovone, one of Central Mass’ most prolific scorers, to 7 points, as well as Captain Chad LaBove, who made his inside presence felt all night long.
“Brian Perron man…he’s a dog, he works his butt off and his effort on defense tonight was excellent,” Foley pointed out as he praised Perron and Labove for their efforts.
“And Chad, he’s a big presence; I think sometimes people are afraid to drive when he’s in the paint. If somebody isn’t doing something right defensively, he’s one that points it out.”
Rodgers ultimately finished with 20 points, and Knowlton had 11.
A great all-around team effort was what really won the game for the #1 Pioneers, they were firing on all cylinders and were able to wear down North as they pulled away in the fourth quarter, finishing with a final score of 64-49.