The boys varsity basketball team reeling from its loss to Ayer Shirley on Tuesday, Jan. 28, came back to ensure its place in the state playoffs with a big win against Narragansett on Monday, Feb. 3. The Trojans lost to the Ayer Shirley Panthers 39-70 but crushed the Narragansett Warriors 72-32.
The home game against Ayer Shirley, the Trojans’ unofficial rivals, had a huge spectator turnout, with the bleachers on both sides packed with fans. The first quarter ended with Bromfield down 12-18 and three of its starters in jeopardy of fouling out of the game. The second quarter was more of the same, with senior co-captain Brady Quirion fouling out of the game by halftime, and the Trojans down 23-41.
“Ayer Shirley is a mature team,” said coach Tim Skaggs. “We were trying to dethrone them. Owen [Balsis, junior co-captain] had his highest point productions this year in both games against the Panthers. He stepped up against a good team.”
Balsis’ high-scoring 17 points weren’t enough to bring Bromfield to victory, but coach Skaggs said even losing to Ayer Shirley will only help the Trojans in the future. The Panthers are currently the number one team in the division.
On Monday, Feb. 3, Bromfield took to the Warriors’ home court amid a sea of fans who turned out for Senior Night, the last home game for the Narragansett senior players. By the end of the first quarter, the Trojans were up 18-7, and at halftime, they had an 18-point lead.
Despite the taunts and jeers from the stands, the Trojans maintained their lead throughout the third quarter and surged ahead in the fourth. Ethan Russo, senior co-captain, was the high scorer of the game with 30 points.
“It was a good win for the group,” said Skaggs. “The students did a good job. Brady [Quirion, senior co-captain] was an anchor. Charlie [Gowel, sophomore, co-captain] was super helping on the boards. Jake [O’Neil, junior] contributed a lot. They fed off each other.”
Bromfield played West Boylston at home on Tuesday, Feb. 4, and is scheduled to play Gardner on Friday, Feb. 7, at 7 p.m., when they will celebrate Senior Night in the last home game of the season.
