submitted by Dean S. Foster, Headmaster, Hoosac School
When the Hoosac Boys Varsity Basketball season began in November, there were a number of goals in place. The most important of which was to repeat as New England Champions. On Sunday March 3r, in Worcester, MA, that goal was achieved with Hoosac defeating #2 seed Chase Collegiate of Waterbury, CT, 62-49.
In the game the Owls hosted #2 seed Chase Collegiate of Waterbury, CT. The Highlanders had convincing wins over their two previous opponents, and the same team faced Hoosac in the 2012 tournament quarterfinals. The game was a physical up-tempo contest that had both teams shooting free throws early and often. With a slim lead at 28-23 to start the second half, Hoosac came out with a strong man-to-man defense that kept Chase off stride for much of the remainder of the game while Hoosac’s patient team offense provided many open lay ups from the big men, Damani Guscott and Blair Manners. “The guards did a great job driving the baseline and passing off to the big men when the defense collapsed,” said Coach Foster. Sophomore Jabari Noel had a great game, providing crucial breaks to the basket that resulted in either an easy lay up or a solid assist. Trevor Farrell of Shaftsbury, VT, who missed the semifinal with strep throat, provided three key assists in his time coming off the bench. Guscott and Manners also displayed their adeptness at blocking shots as well, sending many shots back to the floor before they got above the rim. Chase seemed determined not to let Unique McLean get going with any spectacular dunks by literally grabbing him rather than letting him get a break away. Eventually, later in the game, McLean had a thunderous “Tomahawk” that brought the
Hoosac fans to their feet and seemed to seal the deal for the Owls. It was Gregg Braithwaite again providing the grit under the basket with rebounds and put backs as well as outright hustle all over the court. It seemed that whenever Chase mishandled the ball for even a second, Braithwaite was there to take it away. By the time the clock had expired and the fans had finished singing the school ode, the score was 62-49 in favor of Hoosac. Unique McLean earned game MVP honors. Co-captain Blair Manners accepted the NEPSAC Class D Championship Trophy on behalf of the School.