Published: 3/2/2021 12:25:08 PM
Kearsarge opened the Division III boys’ basketball tournament with an emphatic win on Monday night in North Sutton, and the Cougars got to do it in front of fans.
“It was just so great to feel the energy from the parents,” Kearsarge coach Nate Camp said. “They had waited and waited and waited in hopes they’d get this chance.”
The Kearsarge School District did not allow fans at home games during the regular season with one exception – Senior Night on Feb. 17. But that was only two parents for each of the seven seniors on the team. All 15 players got to have two family members in attendance for Monday’s 65-23 win against Newport, which was allowed to have two family members per senior player at the game.
Chris Stanchfield led the Cougars (10-4) with 16 points, four assists and four steals. George Jallah finished with 12 points and nine rebounds, and Sam Carl had nine points, seven assists and seven rebounds.
Kearsarge built an 18-4 lead in the first quarter and it was 34-12 by halftime. Kyle Gaherty, Nolan Grant and Jack Chambers each had six points for the Cougars, who also got contributions from Connor Pillsbury (four points, five rebounds), Tim Flanders (two points, three steals) and Christian DeCosta (two points).
“It was a great team win with everyone chipping in some way,” Camp said. “I thought our defense set the tone and led to a lot of transition opportunities. We need to play with that kind of energy in order to be successful in the playoffs.”
The Cougars will now play at Fall Mountain (1-10) on Wednesday with the winner advancing to Saturday’s quarterfinal round in this open and regionalized tournament. They will face the winner of the Mascoma (9-4) at Stevens (1-6) game.
Boys' BasketballTrinity 61, Concord 37
Key players: Trinity — Royce Williams (29 points) Concord — Anthony Brock (14 points), Ivan Yen (8 points), Quinton Pincoske (5 points), Gumee Mbata (4 points), Shaddai Fleurant (hustle)
Highlights: After losing twice to Trinity to end the regular season, Concord drew the Pioneers in the playoffs and couldn't reverse the trend. The Tide stayed within striking distance early, trailing 16-9 after the first quarter. But Williams took over in the second quarter, leading Trinity to a 34-12 halftime margin and the eventual win in this Division I first round game.
Records: Trinity 9-2; Concord 2-9
ConVal 90, John Stark 56
Key players: ConVal — Austin Knight (16 points); John Stark — Gabe Lacasse (25 points, 3 steals), Chad Martin (9 points 3 assists), Ben McKean (8 points, 3 steals, 4 blocks)
Highlights: A young Generals team struggled on the defensive end against a very good Con-Val team in the first round of the D-II tournament. The Cougars will now play at Lebanon on Thursday.
Coach's quote: “I have been impressed with everything these young men have overcome this year. Each practice I have seen them grow as players and young men. Obviously tonight did not go the way we wanted, but I definitely think we improved a lot day-to-day throughout the season and I am excited at the growth of our younger players.” — John Stark’s Mike Smith
Records: ConVal 5-4; John Stark 3-7