Warriors name new captains, honor seniors at banquet
The Middlesex League’s boys’ basketball coaches recently voted on All-Stars for the 2021-22 season.
Wakefield High had two All-Stars selected: Senior captain Jeff DiFazio and junior Mike Wilkinson.
DiFazio averaged 10.7 points per game and made 40 3-pointers for the Warriors.
“Jeff was our fiery, emotional leader,” said Wakefield’s first-year head coach Colin Halpin. “When he was atop his game – we were a tough team to beat. Having to play out of position as an undersized big a lot of the season, Jeff embraced his role in covering other team’s best bigs.
“Whether it was knocking down 3’s, taking charges or firing the team up in the locker room, he did it all and we will miss him next year.”
Wilkinson led the Warriors in scoring with 16.1 points per game, shooting the ball well all year including 77 percent from the free throw line.
“Mike had a tremendous year,” said Halpin. “We ask him to do so much for us offensively and he never once shied away from the challenge. He can score at all three levels and has one of the smoothest games in the Middlesex League.
“In addition to carrying the load offensively, Mike is a high-level rebounder for a wing and made major strides defensively.”
The two All-Stars helped lead Wakefield to an 11-9 regular season record – and that was just the beginning.
Ranked 28th in Div. 2, the Warriors went on an incredible tournament run, beating No. 37 Masco 56-46 at home in the preliminary round, upsetting No. 5 Pope Francis 67-56 in a first round game held in Springfield and toppling No. 12 Pembroke 59-50 on the road in the Sweet 16.
Their run came to an end in the state quarterfinals against No. 13 Scituate 61-53.
At the banquet, Wakefield presented team awards. DiFazio and fellow senior captain Andrew Quinn both earned the Patrick Gannon Award. Quinn also earned the Brad Simpson Iron Man Award.
Wilkinson was named MVP. Junior Ethan Margolis was Defensive MVP. Senior Matt Sellers got the 6th Man Award. Sophomore De’Ari Burton got Rookie of the Year.
Seniors Mardin Minasian, Owen Michaud, Sean Russell and Donovan Foley earned Coaches Awards.
Captains for next season were also named: Wilkinson, Margolis and John Porter will lead the team next year.
Burlington led the balloting in the Freedom Division with four All-Stars. Watertown had three. Wakefield and Melrose each had two. Stoneham had one.
