The boys varsity basketball team suffered a tough loss followed by a soaring victory this past week, losing to Ayer Shirley by 19 points and beating Trivium by 36 points, putting their standings at four wins and three losses so far this season.
Brady Quirion (#14) looks for a basket in Monday’s decisive 59-23 victory over Trivium. (Photo by Lisa Aciukewicz)
On Friday, Jan. 10, the Trojans faced off against rivals Ayer Shirley on the Panthers’ home court. Bromfield started out strong in the first quarter, coming out ahead 10-8, as the defense forced the shot clock to run down on Ayer Shirley twice.
The second quarter was replete with fouls against Bromfield. At one point, a referee called a warning on junior Jake O’Neil for a flop, something many spectators had to Google for its rarity. A flop is when a player fakes a fall or stumble in the hope of getting a referee to call a foul on the opposing team. Dismayed by the call, the Trojans powered through but ended the quarter down by 12 points at 30-18.
Ayer Shirley’s momentum proved too difficult to overcome, and Bromfield lost the game 51-70. “Ayer Shirley is the top team in the division,” said Trojans head coach, Tim Skaggs. “We held them to 8 points in the first quarter. We did a good job on defense, stifling them. Owen [Balsis, junior co-captain] shot well throughout the game. Jake [O’Neil, junior] had some timely rebounds.”
On Monday, Jan. 13, Bromfield defeated Trivium for the second time this season, this time on their home court, winning 59-23. The Trojans beat the Eagles earlier in the season, 60-22. Coach Skaggs was happy to be able to give his entire roster the opportunity to play and score. Senior co-captain Ethan Russo was the game’s high scorer with 20 points.
“Our magic number is eight,” said Skaggs. “We have to win eight games in order to qualify for the playoffs.” The season is shorter for the boys this year, with only 16 games in total to be played. Typically the season includes 18 games, which is what the girls varsity basketball team will play. Skaggs was hoping there would be a tournament included during the regular season and is unaware of why none was offered, or why the season is shorter than past years.
Bromfield was scheduled to face Murdock in a home game on Wednesday, Jan. 15, and to play Narragansett away on Tuesday, Jan. 21, at 6:30 p.m.
