The season is young. But the Pittsfield boys’ basketball team has already tried to establish itself as one of the stronger teams in Division IV.
The Panthers, now 2-0, rolled past Concord Christian on Thursday at home with an 84-15 win. Pittsfield has now outscored its first two opponents by a combined 125 points.
Pittsfield’s defensive pressure stymied the Kingsmen (0-2) in the first half, allowing just eight points and took a 52-8 lead into the locker room.
“The defensive pressure was too much,” Pittsfield Coach Jay Darrah said. “Defensively, we played well and did a great job of sharing the ball, ending with 29 assists. We got some quality minutes for our non-starters and after a great first quarter, we were able to work on a number of different things in the second half.”
Concord Christian, which hosts Newmarket tonight, was led by Jacob Taylor’s six points, while Pittsfield’s Cam Darrah finished with 22 points, 11 assists and five steals in just 16 minutes. Darrah has scored 62 points through the first two games.
Casey Clark (18 points, six steals), Dylan Bocash (16 points) and Josh Whittier (10 rebounds) also contributed for the Panthers, who visit Mount Royal tonight at 5.
Concord Christian 47,
Pittsfield 37
Key players: Concord Christian – Kara Jarvis (15 points, 3 assists), Jade Bell (12 points, 4 steals), Becca Johnson (9 points), Rachel Simmons (6 points), Jasmine Bell (9 rebounds, 5 points); Pittsfield – Katie Rollins (10 points), Lindsey Massey (9 points), Ari Cyr (8 points)
Highlights/key moments: The Lady Kingsmen trailed by 11 points at halftime and cut the deficit to two points after a rally in the third quarter. Jarvis and Bell hit three 3-points in the fourth to secure the win.
Coach’s quote: “The girls started flat and at the half we made a few adjustments offensively that opened up better opportunities for us to score. We also pressured the ball well and ended up with 16 steals as a team. I was proud of how they stuck with it and came back for the win.” – Concord Christian’s Shelby Purtell
Records: Concord Christian 1-2; Pittsfield 1-2
Bishop Brady 5,
Nashua South-Pelham 2
Key players: Bishop Brady – Nate Bowler (goal, assist), Stephen Donelan (goal, assist), Patrick Earley (goal), Kevin Anderson (goal), Kegan Vincent (goal), Matt Strickland (24 saves)
Highlights/key moments: The Green Giants scored the first two goals of the game, went 2-for-3 on the power play and Strickland made 24 saves in his first career varsity start in a victory on Wednesday night.
Coach’s quote: “Overall, it was a good first effort. We certainly have a lot to improve on but starting the season off with a win is always a good thing. Our power play was solid and goaltending was a strength tonight. Strickland looked very comfortable and strong (in net). Definitely excited to see where he takes his game.” – Brady’s Brian Saucier
Records: Bishop Brady 1-0; South-Pelham 0-1