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Hopkinton takes down Medway in last game of Season

By Tom Nappi, News Director
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The Hopkinton Hillers Boys Varsity Basketball team bettered their playoff seeding by beating Medway 69-58. Both the 11 and 9 Hopkinton Hillers and the 9 and 9 Medway Mustangs have already clinched playoff spots but both teams know increasing the seeding could make their post season schedule a bit easier. Both teams held nothing back as they played their last game of the regular season Tuesday afternoon at Hopkinton High School.

The Medway Mustangs started off slow in the first quarter and the quick paced Hopkinton Hillers defense created turnovers while their offense put in 27 points compared to Medway’s 9 points. Junior Matt Locke (9 Points) scored 7 points on 3 field goals in the first. Junior Jake Doherty (19 Points) struck for 5 while Junior Nic Canal (15 Points) hit three free throws and a pair of 2’s. The Mustangs woke up in the second quarter as they forced fouls and countered Hopkinton’s offensive burst. Medway Senior Greg Danehy (14 Points) utilized free throw opportunities striking 5 for 5 and contributed with a field goal. The Hillers offense picked it up towards the end of the second quarter however as Junior Jake Doherty lit up the scoreboard from beyond the perimeter dropping, three 3 point field goals. Both teams put up 18 points in the second quarter as Hopkinton went into the halftime locker room leading 45-27.

The Hillers struggled from the field in the third quarter and the frustration and turnovers led to early foul trouble. Senior Captain Jack Travers (15 Points) was shut down in the first half but came through in the third going 6 for 7 from the line and dropping a field goal. The Mustangs cut the Hillers lead outscoring Hopkinton 18-10 in the quarter. The Hillers defense picked up momentum in the fourth quarter as they forced turnovers and drew fouls. Hopkinton changed their strategy from long distance shots to more of an interior offense and were able to bring in the backups with less than two minutes to play as they outscored Medway 14-13 in the quarter for the 69-58 win.

It was a good end of the season test for both teams and a good win for the Hillers playoff seeding. The Hopkinton Hillers ended the season on fire as they took undefeated Westwood to double overtime in a 77-74 loss, beat division rival and playoff bound Ashland on the road 66-65 and beat TVL rival and playoff bound Medfield in overtime 77-69. Medway will have some well needed time to make some adjustments after going 2 and 5 in their final 7 games. The Hillers young guns got the job done as Junior Jake Doherty was the player of the game with 19 points, Sophomore Austin Odell contributed with 17 while Junior Nic Canal struck for 15 points.

Playoff Seedings should be released late Saturday Afternoon.