Pioneers Pummel Patriots

After trailing at the end of the first two quarters, the came alive in the second half to defeat the North Middlesex Patriots 66-47, and advance to the district championship.

The Patriots took an early 16-5 lead in the game yesterday afternoon. North Middlesex superfans started off their night of uncreative and inappropriate chants with "We want Rodgers." Ask and you shall receive.

Star forward Richard Rodgers was going hard into the paint early, constantly getting to the free-throw line. Aside from his 17 hard-earned points, Rodgers made several vicious blocks, silencing the Patriot's student section, who felt the need to provoke the beast.

Eventually, North Middlesex was double and triple teaming Rodgers every time he touched the ball. The star senior had the presence of mind, and the vision, to find fellow senior forward Matt Palecki for some easy lay-ins. Palecki finished with a game-high 18 points.

Just before halftime, senior Ryan Kelley jumped for an inbound pass and came down awkwardly on his knee. Kelley did not return to the game, and his status may be doubtful for next Sunday's championship game.

North Middlesex went into the locker room at half up 29-26, and it was the last time they would lead in this one. Palecki came out like a man on a mission in the third quarter, continuously tipping rebound opportunities around until he could get control. His toughness and determination were clearly displayed in this one. The score at the end of the third quarter was 45-35.

The quarter was a 16-9 run for the Pioneers. Which wasn't bad in comparison 21-12 run the Pioneers enjoyed in the fourth quarter.

The boys in red moved the ball well, and finished the game strong. They will face Fitchburg next Sunday, in what promises to be a battle for the district championship.