Mass College Hoops Recap: Regis 59, Wheelock 49

By Matt Noonan 

CHESTNUT HILL, MA – Trailing Wheelock College by five points entering the second frame, Regis College used an offensive surge to lift them past the Wildcats, 59-49.

“We have a young group, and they’ve been losing close games all year, and the biggest thing was they didn’t hang their head and we actually learned from it,” said Regis head coach Nathan Hager, who was all smiles after his team’s first opening round NECC tournament victory on Tuesday.

The Pride were led by sophomores Ahmad Charles, (21 points) and Robert Edwards, (10 points, seven rebounds), who combined for 20 second half points, while freshman Ethan Peana ended the game with a team-high 10 rebounds.

“[It’s a] big win for our team,” said Edwards. “We’ve had some up and downs this year, [so] it’s good to come out, play hard in the playoffs, [and] get a win.”

Regis jumped out to a quick, 5-0 lead before Wheelock responded with a layup from senior Eric Rice, and a trifecta by senior Max Kaim, (17 points) before the Wildcats offense stalled, and allowed the Pride to grow their lead to 17-7 at 10:11.

Senior Elliot Hernandez rejuvenated Wheelock’s veteran squad with a layup a few minutes later, which set up a 21-6 run to end the half with a 28-23 advantage.

Entering the second half, Charles jumpstarted Regis’ offense with a pair from the free throw line before the Pride tallied 13 points in five minutes, which helped them relinquish the lead from Wheelock.

Edward extended his team’s lead with a layup before senior Jonathon Josselin knocked down two shots from the free throw line.

“In the second half, we didn’t make turnovers because we had 11 in the first half, [but] in the second half we had four, so we took care of the ball, we limited their second chance points [by] boxing out on rebounds,” said Charles.

Charles also made sure his team took preserved their lead, as he recorded a layup and then a three-pointer in front of his team’s bench with 5:49 remaining to give Regis a 49-39 advantage.

“Ahmad is a very confident guy, and is an unspoken leader on our team. He’s a guy who doesn’t say much, and his actions do the talking,” said Hager. “Him hitting a three, that’s great.”

Wheelock then began a small comeback when Kaim made a couple of free throws to bring the Wildcats within six points at 1:42, but their late rally was denied when Charles, Josselin and sophomore Ryan Chambers sank six combined free throws to help the Pride earn the win, and punch their ticket to the semi-finals in Worcester against Elms College on Friday evening.

“We just got to go out and practice the next couple days, get better, and prepare for Elms,” said Charles.

Mass College Hoops Recap: Wheelock 71, Elms 60 (OT)

 

By Matt Noonan 

CHESTNUT HILL, MA – Chalk up another win for the men dressed in blue, yellow and white, (Wheelock College), as the Wildcats defeated the Elms College Blazers on Thursday, 71-60 in overtime.

Sophomore Bunky Williams connected on four critical free throws during the extra frame, which secured the Wildcats fifth consecutive victory, as well as their ninth overall win, too.

“I [knew] we were going to get it done in overtime with our great defense,” said Williams.

“From day one, he wanted to defend at such a high level, and it really makes a big difference,” said Wheelock College head coach Matt LeVangie. “He had so much confidence in his defense that he was able to make those steals, and turn [them] into free throws. And he concentrates at a really high level, and I’m just happy that confidence and hard work is paying off.”

Wheelock’s defense was definitely the reason why they earned their second overtime victory of the season, as they held Elms scoreless during the five-minute period. The Blazers attempted 11 shots, but only tallied one point off a free throw shot by freshman Kenneth Lockett.

Senior Kyle Pierce led all scorers with 19 points, while Wheelock senior Eric Rice tallied 17 points and 10 rebounds.

The Wildcats also received some help from senior Max Kaim, who registered 11 points, two assists, two steals, and three rebounds, too.

Wheelock has now won five of their last six contests, and will look to keep their winning ways going on Saturday when they travel to Mitchell College for another critical NECC conference contest, while Elms will host Lesley.

“These guys need to enjoy [this win]. They earned that right to enjoy it with their family, and they need to turn the page when we [come together] tomorrow,” said LeVangie. “We’re going down [to Mitchell] on Saturday, and they’re loaded to bear, and I told these guys, ‘you might have a target on your back.’ Teams are starting to take notice of you, [and] it’s a big deal.”

The head coach continued by complimenting the Wildcats effort by saying, “I think for us, it’s just turning that page and being ready, being set and mentally focused for tomorrow at practice.”

Massachusetts College Basketball – Division III/November Team

Wheaton College's Brendan Degnan has been a major component for the Lyons this season! (Photo Credit: Wheaton College Athletics)

By NoontimeSports.com 

The first official month of Division III college basketball in Massachusetts is officially in the books, and now it’s time to look back at some of the great individual performances from the past few weeks.

Here’s a list of some of the men and women that earned our monthly honors, enjoy.

Men’s Basketball

Brendan Degnan (Wheaton College, Senior) – The senior guard has been a lightning rod for the Lyons this season, and certainly is one of the major reasons why Wheaton has experienced a great deal of success. Degnan finished the month of November with 85 points, 26 rebounds, eight assists and eight steals, as well as led the Lyons in points against Wheelock College and Emerson College, but only mustered five points against the team’s most recent opponent, Mount Ida.

Russell Braithwaite (Babson College, Junior) – The Beavers haven’t lost a game all season, and a major reason for that is due to Mr. Braithwaite’s play, who currently leads the team with 36 rebounds and 78 points. He’s also registered 10 steals too, and has one block through six games.

Marcus McDermott (Babson College, Junior) –McDermott is tied with teammate Braithwaite for total points, (78 points), but leads the team with 18 assists. McDermott led the Beavers with 19 points against Curry College on Monday, and will continue to be a major asset, especially against Emerson College, Tufts University and Amherst College in December.

Max Kaim (Wheelock College, Senior) – Kaim has helped the Wildcats offense and defense, but also leads the squad with 72 points through five games. He’s recorded 17 rebounds, 14 assists and 11 steals.

James Klemm (Williams College, Junior) – Klemm is off to a fast start, and leads the Ephs offense with 72 points, (14.4 points per game). He’s also tallied 21 rebounds, seven assists and four rebounds. His best game of the season thus far came against Wesleyan, as Klemm led the squad with 21 points, as well as contributed one rebound and two assists.

Willy Workman (Amherst College, Junior) – Mr. Workman has been a workhorse for the Lord Jeffs this season, and is averaging 16.3 points per game. He’s recorded 12 assists, 11 steals and three blocks, and has pulled down 11 defensive rebounds.

Noel Hollingsworth (MIT, Senior) – After six games this season, the senior center currently leads the squad with 98 points, and 20 offensive rebounds. He’s complimented the efforts of teammates Will Tashman and Mitchell Kates, who’ve also helped the Engineers remain undefeated.   

Can anyone stop Fitchburg State's Amy Fahey? (Photo Credit: Fitchburg State Athletics)

 

Women’s Basketball

Nicki Wurdeman (Babson College, Senior) – The pre-season All-American has been a major reason the Beavers are off to another successful start this season. Despite dropping their only contest of the month to Williams College, Wurdeman leads Babson with 82 points, and is tied with Kathleen King for 40 rebounds. Through four games, she’s handed out seven assists, and has recorded six steals and five blocks.

Kathleen King (Babson College, Senior) – It’s no surprise that King made this list, as she’s been a major reason for helping her team with points, (63), assists, (11) and rebounds, (40).

Sarah Collins (Babson College, Junior) –The junior forward has certainly complimented King and Wurderman’s play quite well. Through four games, Collins has scored 54 points, and leads the team with 12 blocks.

Jill Greenberg (Williams College, Senior) – The former Westwood High School Wolverine has done quite well this season, and not only leads the Ephs in minutes played, but has also recorded 65 points, 14 assists, and 18 rebounds.

Megan Robertson (Amherst College, Freshman) – The former Philips-Andover Academy star has excelled quite well at Amherst, and despite not starting four games, she currently leads the team with 54 points and 26 rebounds. She’s averaging roughly 19.8 minutes per game and could be added to the starting line-up soon, especially if her numbers remain consistent.

Rosa Drummond (Smith College, Sophomore) – The two-sport athlete is off to an amazing start. She’s registered 91 points in five games, along with 27 rebounds and 13 steals. The Pioneers have won five games this season, and certainly she’s a reason why her team has experienced a great deal of success.    

Amy Fahey (Fitchburg State, Sophomore) - Fahey has been “on fire” through five games, and leads the Falcons with 142 points. Yet, despite averaging 28.4 points per game, she’s also recorded 49 rebounds, seven steals and seven assists.