Published in the February 4, 2016 edition
GAME OVER. Mike McCauley’s 3–point shot with 45 seconds left to play put the Hornets over the top to beat Hamilton–Wenham, 60–59, and remain undefeated. The Hornets trailed by as much as 15 in the first half but came storming back in the second half to win this thriller. (Deanna Castro Photo)
By DAN NUNN
Down Generals in 60-59 Thriller
NORTH READING — The Hornets moved to 12–0 thanks to their thrilling 60–59 home victory over the CAL Baker leading Hamilton–Wenham Generals on January 26. Adam Goldstein recorded his second straight double–double with 22 points, 17 of which came in the second half, and 11 rebounds.
It was a struggle offensively for the Hornets in the first quarter. They couldn’t solve the Generals defense and only hit two field goals. By the end of the quarter Hamilton-Wenham held a 16-7 lead. The Generals went up by as much as 15 in the second quarter but a three at the halftime buzzer by Goldstein cut the lead to 35–25.
The three pointer seemed to ignite the offense, especially Goldstein who put the team on his back in the third quarter. He opened the quarter with two huge threes to the cut lead to 35-31 at the 6:57 mark. Goldstein went on to score 16 points and the Hornets outscored the Generals 22-7 and North Reading took a 47–42 lead to the fourth.
The Hornets went up by as much nine in the fourth quarter. But Hamilton-Wenham refused to go away quietly and stormed back to take a 59-57 lead with 1:05 to go. After a miss by North Reading with under a minute left the Generals had a chance to ice the game.
But junior Mike McCauley put a quick end to the possession with a huge steal. McCauley then raced down and nailed a three with a hand in his face to put the Hornets up 60–59 with 45 seconds left. Hamilton–Wenham did have a chance after Goldstein missed two free throws with 23 seconds remaining but superb defense sealed the victory.
Crush ND Cristo Ray
The Hornets moved to 13–0 with their lopsided 69-30 victory over Notre Dame Cristo Ray on January 27. Goldstein led the way with 16 points. Junior Anthony Maldonado had a strong game off the bench with 10 points.
Cristo Ray took a quick 2-0 lead, but from that point on it was all North Reading. At the half the lead was 36-18. All 14 players on the Hornets roster played in the second half and they cruised to the 39 point victory.
Suffer first loss of the Season to Masco, 74–61
The Masconomet Chieftains ended the Hornets’ shot at a perfect season with their 74–61 victory on Friday night. Senior captain Justin Dorosh led North Reading with 16 points. Mike McCauley had a strong game with 15 points and senior captain Nick O’Connell added 11 off the bench.
