T’Mahri Mercer seals deal over Reading, 44-42
Published in the January 27, 2017 edition
T’MAHRI MERCER’S buzzer beating shot lifted the Melrose Red Raider hoop team over Reading, 44-42 on Tuesday night. (Steve Karampalas photo)
By JENNIFER GENTILE
MELROSE—The Melrose High Red Raider hoop team improved to 8-3 with an exciting, clock-draining shot that propelled Melrose over Reading on Tuesday night on the road, 44-42. Melrose senior captain T’Mahri Mercer took the game out of the Rockets hands after a steal and layup with one second left in regulation.The neck-in-neck game ended in Melrose’s favor, 44-42 for their eighth win of the season, while they remain 6-3 in the Freedom League.
“It was a good win,” said coach Mike Kasprzak, whose Raiders have been on the road the last two games. “We took some great shots when it counted, and T’Mahri came up big for us to break that tie at the end.”
Mercer led with13 points in the night, while Avery Davis scored 11 and Sean Donovan 7. The two teams battled in a fierce fight, locked at 24 at the half and Melrose ahread 36-35 after the third.
According to the coach, Melrose is playing a physical and defensive game that has led to several low scoring contests, such as their 37-35 game against Watertown (10-1), in which they fell short. “This is a reflection of the league,” he says. “A lot of these teams play a similar style. There really isn’t one huge standout, and lot of things can happen.”
Melrose also picked up a win on Friday, Jan. 20 on the road against Stoneham, 55-46. In it, Mercer once again led with 15 points, while Avery Davis came up big again with 10 points. Kasprzak also pointed to the contribution of Hassan Paige. “He had some really quality minutes and came strong off the bench.”
Melrose is showing some strength on the foul line behind the efforts of Mercer and Sean Donovan. “A few guys are doing really well up there, with a percentage that puts them at the top of the league.” Kasprzak also notes that the team is rebounding well behind efforts of senior Sean Prendergast.
The Raiders only need two more wins to qualify for their 5th straight playoff appearance. That job can be made easier with a win over Woburn (3-4) this Friday night, when they host the Tanners at 7:00 p.m at the Melrose Middle School gym. “As much as we’re doing things well right now, I’d like to see us improve shot selection,” says the coach. “Know when to drive the ball, when to shoot.”
Melrose remains in second place in the league behind 10-1 Watertown. And while it’s a long season and anything can happen, the coach takes nothing for granted. “Every game will have its challenges. We have to be ready to play each time and respect the competition.”
Remaining Schedule
Fri 01/27 vs Woburn, 7
Tue 01/31 @ Winchester, 6
Fri 02/03 vs Wilmington, 7
Tue 02/07 vs Burlington, 6
Fri 02/10 @ Wakefield, 7
Tue 02/14 @ Watertown, 6
Thu 02/16 vs Stoneham, 6
Mon 02/20 @ Lynnfield, 5
Wed 02/22 vs Chelsea, 6:30
Fri 03/03 vs Wilmington, 7
