BOXFORD – The calendar has yet to hit February, but the Masconomet boys basketball team is already tuning up for the postseason.
Masconomet (9-1) routed Swampscott, 77-51, extending its home court winning streak over the last two seasons to 16. The lopsided score was a result of suffocating defense from the Chieftains, who never allowed Swampscott (10-2) to gain even an iota of rhythm on offense.
“We take pride in the way we defend, especially in our house,” said Masconomet coach Jaycob Morales. “The kids understand that offense is never promised, but you can always control is how you carry yourself on the defensive end.”
Any thought of a competitive game was quickly dashed in the opening quarter. Masco forced turnover after turnover, seizing a 17-6 lead after the first eight minutes. By the half, Swampscott found themselves caught in quicksand–trailing 40-21–with no way out.
The second half was strikingly similar to the first. That meant more of Masco dominating on both sides of the ball, extending their lead to 62-38 after three.
“This is a group that grew up together, and we’re all pushing for each other to succeed,” said Masconomet senior Jimmy Farrell, who led all scorers with 26 points. “Our goal is always to come out hard and take control, and that’s what we did against Swampscott. Once we do that, the game is ours.”
Swampscott struggled to contain Masco’s size in the frontcourt, particularly 6-foot-6 Jamason Vella. After last week’s home game against Beverly when the Masconomet administration banned all students from attending due to issues on social media, Vella and his teammates took pride in playing in front of their classmates.
“It was big having our student section back,” said Vella (15 points, 12 rebounds). “That gave us a lot of energy. And this team, we love playing together. This is a family, and we’re getting stronger every day.”
Swampscott was led by Connor Chiarello and Teddy O’Neill, who both scored 16 points. But it wasn’t nearly for a team with Division 3 postseason aspirations.
“If we’re going to compete against the top teams of D3, then we have a lot to work on,” said Swampscott coach Jason Knowles. “It’s going to take some work, but we learn from our losses and that’s the goal coming out of this one.”
Visions of the Division 2 state tournament are already dancing in the heads of Masco players. While there are miles of regular season basketball still remaining, Morales is encouraged to see his team’s commitment on defensive – especially from unsung hero Cal Weidman.
“Cal Weidman is the hidden gem of our program,” said Morales. “I love his intensity. He is a senior who is willing to give himself up for the betterment of the team. He’s our glue, he brings us together – and he’s doing a hell of a job on defense.”
While Morales is preparing his team for the state tournament, especially after advancing to the final four last season, he is also setting nightly milestones for his club. That is why, he stressed, he was so meaningful to have their student body back in the stands.
“That means so much to our players,” said Morales. “In the end, it’s not about the score. That’s not what they’ll remember years from now about high school basketball. But there is something they’ll never forget, and that’s playing in front of their family and friends.”
