Warriors harness home court energy to beat Masco in prelims 56-46

THE RED SEA looks on as Wakefield PA announcer Dan Byrne introduces Wakefield’s starters, from left to right, Mike Wilkinson, Jeff DiFazio, Ethan Margolis, Andrew Quinn and Ian Dixon. (Dan Pawlowski Photo)

 

 

Travel to Springfield Friday to meet No. 5 Pope Francis Prep

 

By DAN PAWLOWSKI

WAKEFIELD — Every home team playing in the state tournament has that moment. That time when a lead becomes threatened; an earsplitting home crowd goes silent; optimism turns ominous.

That moment never arrived for the 28th seeded Wakefield High boys’ basketball team in a preliminary round game on their home court against No. 37 Masconomet last night. With a 56-46 victory, the Warriors advanced to a first round matchup against No. 5 Pope Francis Prep, Friday night, 5 p.m. in Springfield.

“We talked a lot about doing what we do and playing the game on our terms,” said first year head coach Colin Halpin after his Warriors became the first Wakefield team in nearly a decade (2013) to win a state tournament game at home. “For a lot of the game, we were able to do that. There’s always some things you gotta clean up and get better at and we will, but I’m thrilled with the guys’ effort and their energy and defense. All the little things that they can control, they did. I’m really proud of the guys tonight – it was a great win.”

Neutral observers waited all night for that inevitable home court playoff pressure to swing all the momentum to the visitors mostly because the first half, featuring six ties and two lead changes, was very even.

In the second half, Wakefield’s fans and upperclassmen on the court, never feared it and never allowed it. Masco got to within four points once in the second half. The response, a 3rd quarter layup in transition by senior Sean Russell after a steal and savvy dish from senior Matt Sellers (5 points, 4 rebounds, 5 assists) was one of Wakefield’s multiple responses to potential Masco runs that were almost nonchalant.

Junior Ethan Margolis (17 points, 6 rebounds, 2 steals, 3 assists) hit two of his three 3-pointers in moments like that in the second half to extend Wakefield’s lead.

All along, the Warriors hustled relentlessly, none more so than their two senior captains: Jeff DiFazio (14 points, 4 rebounds, 4 steals, 3 assists) and Andrew Quinn (7 points, 3 rebounds 3 steals). DiFazio followed up an offensive rebound and a bucket which gave his team a 52-43 lead, by drawing a charge on Masco’s next possession. Quinn sealed the game on the defensive end, diving on the floor and coming up with the rock on two occasions. Together, they led the way in Wakefield’s ability to maintain a relatively comfortable lead throughout the final 16 minutes.

 

 

“We stuck together,” said DiFazio. “We’re a family, we’re brothers. We know how to get through stuff.”

“Give a lot of credit to coach too,” said Quinn, both captains almost finishing each other’s sentences as they tried to hydrate and recover after leaving it all on the court. “He (Halpin) always keeps us calm and collected and he’s prepared us for those moments.”

Halpin was quick to credit his seniors for stepping up.

“How much time do you have?” joked the coach when asked about the effect of the Class of ‘22. “They’ve been great since day one. New system for them but they bought in, kept working and I’m just thrilled they were able to protect their home court, it means a lot for them and I’m happy for them.”

On paper, Masco (11-8) and Wakefield (11-9) seemed all but even. Of course, the game wasn’t played on paper; it was played on the Red Sea student section’s beach. And yes, it was high tide from start to finish.

“I wasn’t sure what to expect,” said Halpin after his first state tournament game at the Charbonneau Field House. “I kept asking coach Tom (Leahy, assistant) ‘what’s it gonna be like?’ The Red Sea brought it so thank you to them. They brought a lot of energy out there tonight.”

“The Red Sea always brings it when it counts,” said Quinn. “The energy was great, it was perfect.”

“The fans popped out tonight,” agreed a grinning DiFazio.

Buoyed by that energy, the Warriors took an early lead thanks to 5 quick points each from DiFazio and Margolis as Wakefield led 13-12 after one. A back-and-forth second quarter saw the visitors take their first lead on a triple to make it 20-17 but DiFazio kicked it out to Quinn who nailed a right wing 3 on the next possession to even it up. Masco came right back with a basket down low but DiFazio connected on his second long ball of the game to reclaim the advantage. Masco never led again.

Wakefield’s regular season leading scorer, junior Mike Wilkinson (11 points, 5 rebounds) had a tough finish through contact at the cup and Sellers helped the Warriors close the half on a 6-0 run by finishing on the break after a nice find from Margolis and returning to the favor on a steal and outlet up to Margolis for an easy layup and a 31-25 lead at halftime.

The Warriors won a close 3rd by a count of 12-11. A DiFazio layup after a smooth fake jumper and pass over the top by Wilkinson made it 43-36 after three and the Warriors won the fourth by a score of 13-10.

Margolis, DiFazio, Wilkinson and Quinn produced like they have all season. But if you’re looking for an x-factor, look no further than fan favorite, Sellers. The defense, rebounding, hustle – those are all things teammates and coaches value more than anything. But Sellers was far more than that last night, leading the team in assists as his playmaking allowed for Wakefield’s typical ball-handlers to run the floor.

“He’s unreal, he does it all,” said DiFazio of Sellers.

“He works hard every day and leads the team with passion,” agreed Quinn. “Just a great teammate.”

The Warriors won’t have their fans, or likely even a contingent of the Red Sea that typically travels to away games, for the next round. That’s because they will have to travel about two hours out to Springfield where they will take on No. 5 Pope Francis Prep (14-6). Wakefield will do their best to bring the same energy anyways.

“We just have to outwork them,” said Quinn.

“All I’ve I wanted to say all day is ‘I’ll see you guys at practice, 6:30 tomorrow’”, said Halpin of that work. “We’ll take a look at Pope Francis, we’re not too familiar with them but we’re going to prepare the same way we always prepare, work hard the next two days, go out to Springfield and see what happens.”