Boys Hoops Run Win Streak to 7

With two big wins last week, boys varsity basketball is on a roll of seven straight victories, and are poised to make a run in the Fairchester League. Nothing beats a Friday night showdown against crosstown rival Hopkins. And though the game might have lacked the drama associated with so many previous match ups with the Hilltoppers, the Hornets' explosive power provided plenty of enjoyment for the home crowd at the BAC. After a shaky start, the Hornets went on a 14-0 run and then shifted into an even higher gear as they raced to a 45-29 halftime lead. The visitors had no answer for the dominating inside play of senior Dan Draffan, who scored 17 of his career high 25 points in the first frame. The intermission provided no relief for the Hop, as Vin Baker (21 points) and TJ Rountree (21 points, 10 rebounds) helped pitch a shutout for the first two minutes while extending the lead to 53-29. Every team member then enjoyed some playing time, while savoring the year's sweep of Hopkins in front of a boisterous home crowd. The final score was 88-56. With this win, the Hornets are now 12-4, and third place in the FAA at 6-2.

        The confidence displayed on Friday likely was a result, in large part, of grinding out a hard fought 68-62 win on Wednesday when the Hornets faced off against Brunswick in Greenwich. The team has come up short for the last five years when playing on the Bruins' home court, but the Hornets were tenacious all night, led by junior Andrew Rice who recorded an impressive set of numbers: 21 points,15 rebounds, 6 steals and 3 assists, as well as a perfect 6 for 6 from the foul line. Utilizing their trapping defense, the Hornets enjoyed an early 12 point lead. However, Brunswick remained composed and responded with solid outside shooting, leaving the court at halftime trailing 35-27. The Hornets could not shake the hosts when play resumed, as the Bruins hit seven threes and pulled to within four points with just over two minutes to play. The teams traded scores (more threes by Wick) to make it 65-62 with 40 seconds remaining. But the Hornets finally put a bearhug of their own on the host's hot shooting, and Dan Draffan put it away with a score as time expired.

        The boys play two games this weekend; first on Friday when they host Masters School from NY. On Saturday they travel to New Canaan to play first place St. Luke's who is undefeated in the Fairchester League. A win there would throw the league championship wide open for the remainder of the regular season.