Keefe Tech Derailed by Whitinsville Christian

Keefe Tech went up against one of the best high school teams in the state last night and was given a stern lesson on how basketball is played at the elite level.

The Broncos’ run to a basketball state championship was derailed in the semi-final round by Whitinsville Christian School, which won the game 87-38 at Worcester Polytechnic Institute in Worcester.

Whitinsville is the defending Central District Division III champion. The school also won the title in 2004, 2005 and 2006.

Whitinsville proved to be too big, too fast and too disciplined for Keefe Tech to handle.

“We knew their size would be an issue,” said Keefe Tech coach Paul Cavicchi. “They are very patient, very intelligent and handle the ball well. They don’t make any mistakes.”

Whitinsville’s attributes were evident in the first few minutes of the game as the team scored on fast breaks, long-range jumpers and uncontested layups. The score at the end of the first quarter, 25-10, was a harbinger of what was to come as the game unfolded.

“They’re a great club, the real deal,” said Cavicchi. “But it was more than just their size. They take care of the ball and they only make intelligent plays.”

Size was definitely a factor in Whitinsville’s favor. The Crusaders start a 6-9 senior at center, and have a 6-7 and two 6-5 players on the 14-player roster. There is only one Whitinsville Christian player listed who is less than 6-0 and he is a 5-10 guard. In contrast, Keefe Tech starts a 6-5 center and only has five other players who are 6-0 or better.

With their height and breadth underneath, Whitinsville Christian owned the territory under the offensive and defensive baskets.

“I thought we played with a lack of defensive confidence,” said Cavicchi. “Early on we were hesitant to take the step or make the move to the ball defensively. And that surprised me.”

Whitinsville Christian picked up on Keefe Tech’s unfocused defense and scored at will. The Crusaders led 45-19 at the half and scored 29 points in the third quarter to put up a 74-28 lead at the end of three.

“It was frustrating,” said Keefe Tech’s junior guard Anthony Morales. “You look up at the scoreboard and you’re down 40 points. What are you going to do?”

For the record, Brandon Morales had nine points and brother Jose Morales contributed eight points for Tech. No one had more than four rebounds for the Broncos.

“We’ll talk about it and I want to hear is the desire to be back here next year,” said Cavicchi.