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The state high school tournament season can be cruel. A fantastic winning regular season record (16-4) in arguably the most competitive league (Middlesex League) in the state does not guarantee success in the postseason.
The Winchester Red & Black boys basketball team experienced that heartbreak in a Division 1 Round of 32 game against Boston Latin (20-2, 24th seed) on Feb. 27, when they fell to the Wolfpack at home by a mere two points, 53-51.
Boston Latin was then eliminated by Bridgewater-Raynham (17-5, eighth seed) in the Sweet 16, 59-46, but top seed Franklin (25-1) ended the Trojans’ dreams in the Elite 8, 63-50. The Panthers followed up that win with a 52-44 triumph over Central Catholic (20-3, fourth seed) in the state semifinals on March 10.
The state finals for all five divisions will be held this Saturday (March 15) at Lowell’s Tsongas Center.
It hasn’t been an easy couple of weeks for the Red & Black after being upset by Boston Latin.
“That was a really tough loss to a good Boston Latin team,” said Coach John Fleming. “It was a back-and-forth game from the start that included 22 lead changes and 9 ties.
“I thought we played well enough defensively to give ourselves a chance to win. We were able to hold them to 53 points,” added Fleming. “But offensively, we just didn't do enough. We missed some open layups, while also struggling from the three-point line. With that being said, we still had the ball with a chance to tie or take the lead with about seven seconds left on the clock. I thought we should have had another chance, but (the referees) called for a jump ball, which forced us to foul, before taking a half-court shot with no time left.
“Nonetheless, it was a great high school basketball game with great atmosphere once again at Winchester High,” he continued. “For a high school athlete, it doesn't get much better than that: To have that opportunity to play in front of a jam-packed loud gym at home (with) family and friends in attendance.
“As always, our kids played hard until the final buzzer, and they all had a tremendous season,” Fleming said. “Going 16-5, winning a title in the really tough Middlesex League, winning our Bob Bigelow Tournament, which featured Masconomet's (21-2, seventh seed in Division 2) only loss of the season (before it dropped a 66-58 game to Somerset-Berkley – 23-1, sixth seed – in the state semifinals) and battling hard against Newton North (23-1, third seed), perhaps the eventual Division 1 state champs, in the annual Comcast Tournament at Emmanuel College, our guys have so much to look back on and be proud of this season.”
The Tigers were scheduled to play Springfield Central (19-4), the seventh seed, in the state semifinals on March 11, with the winner going to Lowell’s Tsongas Center on Saturday to take on aforementioned Franklin to decide this year’s D-1 state title winner.
Four chosen to Middlesex League all-star team
Before Winchester turns the page on another boys basketball season, the Red & Black were honored to have four of their players – sophomore Jack Charchaflian, senior captain Alex Casey and juniors Dawson English and Carson Sarpong – make the Middlesex League all-star team.
Charchaflian also made the All-League team (Top 5 in the league). He averaged 17 points, 7 rebounds and 4 assists per game this season.
“Jack did a great job leading our offense this year,” said Fleming. “As a sophomore in a tough league, it’s not an easy job, but Jack did it exceedingly well. To be named by the league coaches as the only sophomore among the Top 5 (league) players says it all. He had a terrific season, and still has plenty of room to grow.”
Casey averaged 15 points and 5 rebounds per game, while pouring in 48 three-point shots.
“Alex is a really talented two-sport athlete and captain. He is heading to Union College in the fall to play baseball, but we are hopeful he will also have an opportunity to play basketball,” said Fleming. “After emerging as a starter last year, Casey stepped up his game to another level this season to take on a leadership role. I believe he played at an All-Conference level, as well.”
English accounted for on average 12 points and 5 rebounds per game, while shooting 65% from the field, a school record.
“Dawson had a great season on both sides of the ball,” said Fleming. “He often took on the opponent's best offensive player, and was able to disrupt what they were trying to do. Offensively, for him to shoot almost 65% from the floor and score 12 points per game is remarkable. Next season, he will stretch his game out to the three-point line to make life even tougher on his defender.”
Sarpong (7 points, 9 rebounds, 1.5 blocks) received Honorable Mention all-star consideration.
“He was one of the most disruptive defensive players in the Middlesex League,” said Fleming. “There aren't a ton of 6-foot-7 guys in the league, and certainly not many who have the ability to block or force opponents to change their shot. He had six blocks against host Lexington earlier on in the season, which really helped us pick up a huge road win, while also impacting a bunch more games. Offensively, he continues to improve his finishes near the rim and ability to stretch the floor.”
Fleming concluded his thoughts on his four stars by adding that he believes they are all capable of playing college basketball.
“Playing two sports in college for Alex would be a challenge, but I have no doubt he can do it,” the Winchester coach said, “while a year from now, the other three will have taken another big step forward, which should help lead us to another great season.”
