Hockomock Sports

Name: Kurt Leavitt
School: Canton High School
Year: Senior
Height: 6"1
Position: Defense

Why do you play hockey?
I play hockey because I love the game and my parents introduced it to me at an early age.

Why is the 2012-2013 season going to be a good year for Canton High School?
The 2012-2013 season is going to be a good year for Canton High School, because we are returning a lot of veteran players.

What is your favorite Canton hockey memory so far?
My favorite Canton hockey memory so far was winning the state championship my freshman year. It was something every hockey player dreams about as a little kid and i will remember that for the rest of my life.

What were your emotions when you played your first varsity game?
When I played my first varsity game I was extremely excited but also very nervous.

What makes playing for Canton High School so special?
The coaching staff makes playing for Canton High School so special. Coach Shuman, coach Rocha, and coach Connolly are all amazing coaches and we are all so fortunate to play for them.

When you are not practicing what are you usually doing?
When not practicing I am usually at team dinner or hanging out with the guys on the team.

What are your top 3 pregame pump up songs?
In my mind (axwell remix)
Sunshine by Avicii & David Guetta
Levels reverse by George Monev

See more photos from this game in the photo gallery.

By Josh Perry, Managing Editor

TAUNTON, Mass – The Taunton Tigers defense was dominant in the first half. Durfee was only able to manage 10 points in the opening 16 minutes of play, but the Hilltoppers found a rhythm in the second half and stormed back to steal a 50-48 road win.

“Our defense was absolutely incredible in the first half. I thought we let our guard down a little in the second half,” noted Taunton head coach Walter Harrigan. “We have to be able to close on them and we didn’t close out the way we can.”

Despite the improved offensive play of Durfee after halftime, Taunton still had the game under control with a 40-30 fourth quarter lead. But the Hilltoppers trapping full-court press continued to force turnovers and sparked a 14-0 run that gave Durfee its first lead of the game.

Harrigan was surprised that his team struggled against the press.

“I think we got the jitters because usually we are very good at beating the press,” he said. “We’ve got seniors on this team but a lot of them haven’t played in games like this. I don’t we think adjusted well to it, but we’ll get better. This is going to be a good team.”

After losing the lead, Taunton (3-3) had an opportunity to tie after a Kim Hixon scored while being fouled. The foul was deemed a flagrant and a technical foul was also called on the Durfee bench. Hixon, who finished the game with a team-high 16 points, completed the three-point play and Sahar Khalil made one of two technical free throws leaving Taunton trailing 46-45.

See more photos from this game in the photo gallery.

After a Durfee layup, Taunton had one last chance to tie but Soraya Leon’s three-pointer came up short.

“We forced some stuff,” admitted Harrigan about his team’s offense in the second half. “We were trying to take some time off the clock but we took some shots that we really didn’t need to. Our passing let us down I thought. We gave them a shot to win.”

Khalil finished the game with 10 points, while senior forward Emily Richman finished with eight and center Angie Martinez had five.

Taunton will face a difficult stretch of league games over the next few weeks beginning with a home game on Friday against Mansfield.

See more photos from this game in the photo gallery.

By Josh Perry, Managing Editor

SMITHFIELD, R.I. – The Franklin Panthers spent much of the game on the penalty kill but nearly came back to earn a point before falling 6-5 to Cranston West in the Smithfield Holiday Tournament on Sunday night.

Goals from Jake Sargeant and Dennis Pisani brought the Panthers back from an early 2-0 hole and sent the game into the second period all tied up. In what was to be a precursor for how the final two periods would be played, the teams finished the first period skating 4-on-4.

Senior center Cam Curley scored a shorthanded goal, the first of two goals on the night for the star sniper, on a breakaway to give Franklin its first lead of the game at 3-2 in the second period.  The remainder of the period would be played with at least one player in the penalty box.

Cranston West scored three unanswered goals in the second period and had a 5-3 lead heading into the final 15 minutes. The Rhode Island team tacked with the Franklin defense reeling early in the third period. The game seemed over, but the Panthers would not go quietly.

Junior goaltender Devon Maloof was not having the best of games but he made a series of great saves to keep the team within three goals as Cranston West swarmed the Panthers net.

See more photos from this game in the photo gallery.

With five minutes remaining, the Panthers got the break to turn the momentum their way.

Senior captain Mike Patjane blocked a shot near his own blue line and raced onto the loose puck to create a breakaway. Patjane wristed home a goal to make it 6-4 and give Franklin life. Less than 90 seconds later Curley struck again while the teams were skating 4-on-4 to bring Franklin within a goal of an unlikely tie.

However, despite finishing the game on the power play, Franklin’s comeback bid was thwarted by stout defending from the home team.

The Panthers will next take the ice on Wednesday night against Mansfield at the Foxboro Sports Center.

See more photos from this game in the photo gallery.

By Ryan Lanigan, Editor-in-Chief

NORTH EASTON, Mass – It almost seemed like déjà vu for the Oliver Ames.

The Tigers again used a strong third quarter to give them separation on their way to an 82-77 win over Walpole.

On Thursday, OA used a press and a 10-0 run to pull away from Southeastern. On Sunday afternoon, the Tigers switched to a box-and-one and turned a 41-39 halftime deficit into a 67-54 lead going into the fourth quarter.

The fourth quarter was a bit of a different story, as Walpole clawed their way back into it. With just 17.6 seconds left, Walpole’s Adam Quinlan found himself wide open up the basket to cut OA’s once 15-point lead only a 3-point lead at 80-77.

The Tigers were able in inbounds the ball and sophomore Ryan Carney made both free throws. Walpole’s next trip came up empty to give the Tiger’s consecutive Muscato Holiday Tournament titles.

Carney garnered tournament MVP honors, picking up a career-high 38 points (13-24 FGs, 4-9 3PT, 8-13 FTs) and seven rebounds.

“He’s a complete package on the offensive side,” Oliver Ames head coach Don Byron. “He’s a very, very good kid.”

The Tigers were also sparked by fellow sophomore Brendan Welch, who grabbed nine points and 7 rebounds – three offensive. 

“That was like a coming out game for him,” Byron said. “He did some things on the offensive side that we always thought he was capable of.”

When OA switched defenses into the box-and-one, heavy responsibility fell onto Saint Clair Ryan, who manned up defensively on Walpole’s Ryan Fogarty. Fogarty had 12 points in the first half, but was limited to just two points and two shots in the third.

"Saint’s made for that," Byron said. "He’s really wired for somebody to take a challenge on like that. He’s a tough match and he did a terrific job. We talked about trying to win the first four minutes of the period which we always do and that was a big part of it."

Walpole was led by Quinlan, who had 21 points while Fogarty finished with 20. OA senior captain Andrew Reardon (13 points), Ryan (11 points) and junior Nick Cidado (8 points, 9 rebounds) also contributed offensively for the Tigers. 

By Ryan Lanigan, Editor-in-Chief

RANDOLPH, Mass. – The Hingham Harbormen got a quick start out of the gates while Stoughton couldn't muster up a rhythm on either side of the ball, as Hingham downed the Black Knights 61-41 in the finals of the Randolph Blue Devils Holiday Classic. 

Hingham jumped out to an early 16-2 lead on Stoughton, who was playing without captain Marcus Middleton. The Harbormen finished the first up 20-7 and continued their success going into the break up 37-17.

“It was a disaster from before it started to when it ended for the most part,” Stoughton head coach John Gallivan said. “A couple of kids I thought did okay.”

Hingham’s hot start was filled with buckets from inside the paint while Stoughton started by shooting 3-14 from the field.

“We weren’t ready to play and they clearly were,” Gallivan said. “The better team won the game.”

Tournament MVP Eddie Bowler paced Hingham with 21 points and 12 rebounds. The 6’3’’ big man used his size to his advantage all game, muscling his way into position down low. When Stoughton brought help, Bowler was able to kick it out to open shooters.

“Choose your poison,” Gallivan said. “If you play him from behind, he’s got good post moves. If you front him, he’s got great position to box you out when they shoot. If you foul him, he’s a good foul shooter. He’s a good high school player, I’d take him in a heartbeat.”

Stoughton was paced by senior captain Joe Bunce-Grenon, who tallied 13 points and 8 rebounds. Bunce-Grenon was named to the Blue Devils Holiday Classic Tournament Team after averaging 18 points and 12 boards through two games.

The Black Knights main focus could turn to the injury of Middleton, who quarterbacks the defense and is an accurate shooter. Middleton hurt his ankle bringing down a defensive rebound in the third quarter of Stoughton’s game against Natick.

“We knew he wasn’t playing, whether it was yesterday or today,” Gallivan added. “We’re hoping to for Franklin on Friday.”

By Josh Perry, Managing Editor

FRANKLIN, Mass – The Franklin Panthers used a dominant third quarter to turn a close game into a blowout 60-35 win over visiting Notre Dame (Hingham) on Friday night in the first game of the Franklin Holiday Classic.

The Panthers (3-1) won the third quarter 19-4. Franklin’s aggressive and physical defending forced 8 turnovers and limited Notre Dame to only one made field goal. The defense led to easy fast break baskets. Franklin also found its shooting touch and knocked down 3 three-pointers in the quarter.

Franklin head coach John Leighton was impressed by his team’s defensive effort, but credited his team’s ability to make shots in the second half for turning the game into a blowout.

“First half we left a lot of points out there,” he explained. “There were a lot of layups not taken, whatever it may be. We thought that if we could clean it up and not turn it over that we could go on a run.”

Sophomore Lexi Martin continued her strong first season of varsity play with a game-high 13 points (8 in the second quarter) off the bench. Junior forward Lauren Irvine also came off the bench to provide a spark with 10 points.

“They are two underclassmen that have helped a lot and they both love the role of being a spark off the bench,” said Leighton. “Our bench contributes every night and it’s nice having that depth.”

The game also marked the return of point guard Kristi Kirshe, who had missed the opening three games of the season with a back injury. Kirshe looked a little rusty in her first action but added much needed composure at the point, something that was noted by her fellow captain Alicia Kutil.

“All of the girls that have played point guard for her have been awesome but to have her back…it’s a flow. She definitely controls the tempo.” said Kutil, who had 8 points and 7 rebounds.

Leighton agreed that Kirshe’s return will help the offense. He said, “She’s a great basketball player, but she’s also a great leader. The team plays a little calmer. It helps everybody a little bit.”

Franklin will play on back-to-back nights as they host Westborough on Saturday before returning to Hockomock League play against Stoughton.

Name: Scott Van Buskirk 
School: Milford High School
Year: 2013
Height: 5'10"
Position: Shooting guard/Small forward

Why do you play basketball?
I play basketball because I have my whole life and I love the game. There is always room to get better and I enjoy helping my team be the best that it can be.

Why is the 2012-2013 season going to be a good year for Milford High School?
This season is going to be a good year for Milford High School because we have eight returning seniors and we are all determined to do whatever it takes for our team to win.

What is your favorite Milford basketball memory so far?
My favorite Milford Basketball memory so far is playing Saint Johns in the playoffs last season, we didn't win but everyone played their ass off and the fans that came to support us were amazing.

What were your emotions when you played your first varsity game?
My emotions in my first varsity game were nervous, but anxious. I was only a sophomore so I was young but it was also a good feeling to be on the court with the varsity team.

What makes playing for Milford High School so special?
Playing for Milford High School is special because all the players are fully committed to the team and the fans are amazing. They create an awesome home court atmosphere.

When you are not practicing what are you usually doing?
When I am not practicing I am usually with my friends and family, relaxing.

What are your top 3 pregame pump up songs?
My top three pump up songs are Love SOSA by Chief Keefe, No Church in the Wild by Kanye West & Jay-Z, and Faint by Linkin Park

By Ryan Lanigan, Editor-in-Chief

NORTH EASTON, Mass. – When Oliver Ames found themselves in an unexpected dog right with cross-town rival Southeastern, they dialed up the defensive pressure.

When the Hawks cut it to a two-point lead at 42-40, the Tigers went on the prowl, going on a 10-0 that included three straight Southeastern turnovers in their own backcourt resulting in points for OA. Senior captain Andrew Reardon notched five of his 17 points in the run.

The Tigers won 70-53.

“We got some offense out of the defense,” Oliver Ames head coach Don Byron said. “(Andrew) shot the ball a little bit better tonight.”

Sophomore Ryan Carney once again led the Tigers in scoring, dropping 22 points (8-17 FGs, 3-8 3PT, 2-3 FTs).

“Our teammates drive, and they just kicked it out to me and I have to hit the shot,” Carney said. “I like to take it in (myself) and once I start feeling it, take it outside.”

Carney was a big part of OA’s strong first quarter (18-12 in their favor), dropping 10 points on 4-7 shooting. 

“He’s got a good knack,” Byron said. “He’s a good scorer and he’s only going to get better.”

The Tigers forced 16 turnovers throughout the game and got a big contribution from senior captain Saint Clair Ryan, who had five steals and 20 points.

“(Saint’s) a terrific defender and opportunistic scorer,” Byron said. “He’ll get his just by hard work – steals, layups, making his foul shots.”

For the young Carney, both Reardon and Ryan have been solid role models.

“At practice, they’re a big help,” Carney said. “They tell me what to do when I do something wrong.”

Oliver Ames will now take on Walpole in the finals of the Muscato Holiday Tournament.

“It should be a good game, they are a good team,” Carney said. “We just have to play hard.”

“We’re a little young so everyone’s going to be a battle,” Byron said. “I don’t think we’re overwhelmed by anybody but we understand that we have to play or we’ll be in trouble.”

RANDOLPH, Mass. – With the game tied at 31 to start the third quarter, Natick raced out to a 40-31 lead behind a 9-0 run.

Stoughton didn’t fold however, rattling off a 12-0 run of their own, and finishing the quarter with a 19-6 run that gave them a 4 point lead heading into the final frame.

“The kids were pretty good in the timeouts and they stuck together,” Stoughton head coach John Gallivan said.

And it turned out, that wasn’t the biggest moment of the game.

Both teams battled back in forth in the final frame, changing leads four teams with the deficit never bigger than five for either side.

Natick had a chance to tie it or take the lead down 66-64 with 8.4 seconds to go, but Stoughton’s Mauro Oliveira intercepted Natick’s tipped inbound pass and converted his free throws to secure the 68-64 win for the Black Knights.

“We made just enough plays down the stretch to walk out of here with a win against a quality team,” Gallivan added. “You can’t get too high when things are going well and you can’t get too low and hang your head when things are going badly.”

Stoughton senior captain Joe Bunce-Grenon led the way with 23 points and 16 rebounds while fellow captain Oliveira added 12 points and 10 boards.

Marcus Middleton finished with 14 points, five of which came in the fourth while playing on an injured ankle. Gallivan said Middleton was playing “almost on one leg.”

“Joe was huge and Mauro had a big night,” Gallivan added.

Gallivan also gave props to junior Mike Gallagher for his defensive effort on Alex Hilger and Matt Mack, who came off the bench to limit Natick’s Joe Carty to 11 points. Carty had 29 points a week ago in a win over Needham.

“It was a true team win, which is what we’re going to need every time we get a win.” Gallivan said.

By Ryan Lanigan, Editor-in-Chief

BOSTON, Mass – Greg Romanko scored 11 of Mansfield’s 13 points in overtime as the Hornets improved to 5-0 with a 65-58 win over Amittyville (N.Y.) in the Shooting Touch Shootout at Emmanuel College.

Romanko finished with a game-high 21 points (8-17 FG, 3-4 3PT) while junior Rocky DeAndrade added 7 points, 10 rebounds, and 7 assists.

“Early on, we weren’t playing with energy on both sides of the floor and we weren’t getting any looks,” Mansfield head coach Mike Vaughan said. “Once we finally got into it energy wise, the looks started to come and then it’s just a matter of the kids making them.”

The Hornets went down early, being outscored 19-8 in the first quarter, but were able to close the gap to make it a 3-point game at halftime, down 27-24.

“It wasn’t a great atmosphere here,” Romanko said of the team’s slow start. “We always play with a great atmosphere with great fans. We needed a little extra motivation to get ourselves going and it didn’t happen until the second quarter.”

Mansfield had a 52-49 lead with 30.5 seconds to go, but Amityville was able to convert a three on their end to tie the game. Mansfield was able to get sophomore Brendan Hill (8 points, 11 rebounds) to the charity strike for a one-and-one, but the big man couldn’t convert. On the other end, Amityville forced up a three that missed and Kevin Conner was able to come up with a big block to send the game into OT.

“I think the big thing we have the luxury of is that we have five guys who can put the ball on the floor,” Vaughan added.

Romanko owned all of overtime, outscoring Amityville by himself, citing a rhythm and his teammate’s ability to get open. 

“He’s done all the little things we’ve asked him to do,” Vaughan said. “He’s a big difference maker when he’s playing in a rhythm.”

Sophomore Ryan Boulter continued his hot shooting from outside, going 3-3 from beyond the arc and finishing with 13 points.

“We have three really good sophomores,” Vaughan said. “Between (Hill), (Michael) Boen, and Boulter, they are all exciting.”

Mansfield will play New Mission on Friday at 5:00 in their second game of the Shooting Touch Shootout at Emmanuel College.