Wamesit 5th Graders Battle Their Way Into Title Game

Last Tuesday night the Warriors 5th grade squad began the playoffs as the 5th seed playing 4th seeded Masconomet.

With six guys scoring points and aggressive defense this team was clearly ready for a playoff run.  Kyle Harkins paced the team with 10 points.  Braden Hiltz had 8, Ben McKay scored five, Blake Hiltz had four and Tyler Wilson and Patrick Carleton each had a bucket.   This was a game won with defense as they held the Masco squad to 24 points for a 31-24 victory. 

On Friday night while the TMHS Hockey team was beating Saugus the Warriors traveled to Saugus to challenge the #1 seed.

Earlier this year they Warriors had lost a close one (by 4) and also took a beating (by 14) to this same Saugus squad.  The first half was a battle highlighed by Kyle Harkins hitting  a three as time expired to pull the Warriors to within three at 24-21.  Unfortunately that momentum did not translate to points to start the second half as the Warriors got outscored 17-6 to start the second half.

Down 41-27 this team had lots of work to do.  As the WW5 began chipping away our 8th Grade Warriors showed up early for their game and provided some energy and much needed support.  James Butler stopped a two on one and grabbed the rebound.  Cam O'Hearn made a steal and then hit the outside jumper (I still thought it was three).

Nathan Cantanuso jumped out of the gym for a huge rebound at a critical time.  Scott Mazzapica had one point but it was free throw that pulled the team to within two points.  Nathan Ell grabbed two huge rebounds and then followed up with a beautiful shot that was nothing but net.

Down the stretch the heart and determination of this young squad showed as Blake Hiltz (4), Tyler Wilson (8), Ben McKay (6), Kyle Harkins (14) and Braden Hiltz (18) seemed to will this team to victory.   With three second left, leading by two, Scott Mazzapica broke up two inbound plays to stop a game tying attempt by Saugus and the Warriors moved on to play on Sunday.

Sunday brought disappointment and joy.  In the opening game, the Warriors came out slow and got flattened by a young fast Lynn squad, losing 66-37.

While they worked hard and got back within 10 in the second half, the shots just wouldn't fall.  As they prepared for their second game, the WW5 would be facing the #2 Seed Reading who they had lost two twice this season.

The team came out quick and built an early lead but found themselves down 22-18 at the half.   This team just refused to lose and between their heart, strong defense and diving for loose balls they pushed through all the challenges that came their way.

Patrick Carleton used his speed to defend and put up some solid shots.  Offensively Ben McKay led the way with 12 points and he was the leader of this squad displaying the composure and desire necessary to help his teammates keep working hard.  Tyler Wilson chipped in two but his heart, hair and body was all over the floor as he came up with so many important rebounds to keep this team alive.

Braden Hiltz had eight points and came up with some huge steals late in the game. Brother Blake and Kyle Harkins each scored six and Scott Mazzapica scored three.   Nathan Ell rounded out the scoring with a bucket but displayed the aggressiveness and desire that helped will this team to victory.

The Warriors 5th graders advanced to the  Championship game, where they were scheduled to get a second shot at Lynn.