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Eastern Mass. scoring leader Marco Coppola pumped in 28 points to power perennial power Watertown past Whittier, 61-30, in opening-round tourney action. Ryan Grant had 10 points to lead the Wildcats.

WHITTIER — Having already clinched a playoff berth, Whittier was looking for a boost before entering the postseason.

Through the first 28 minutes yesterday, though, the Wildcats appeared headed for their fifth loss in their final six regular-season games. But with Ryan Grant leading the way, they found the on switch in time to force overtime before running past visiting Greater Lawrence for a 64-54 victory in the Commonwealth Conference finale for both teams."

Derek DeFranzo, who broke his nose during the game, came back and was tremendous on the defensive end to lead Pelham past interstate rival Whittier, 51-42. "The kid's a warrior," said coach Matt Regan. Brett Bailey pumped in 15 points, picking up the slack for Stephen Spirou (ankle), who is probably out until early next week.

Whittier had an impressive 66-63 victory over Chelsea, a team it lost to by 14 points earlier in the season, to qualify for the tournament for the second straight year. Ryan Grant had a huge game with 27 points, 9 rebounds and 7 assists for the Wildcats (10-7), Andrew Wells added 21 points and Mike Galva pulled down 12 rebounds.

HAVERHILL — While it hasn't been a season with much to shout about, the Haverhill boys earned bragging rights in their own town. And in the process, might just finish the year on an upswing.

HAVERHILL — While it hasn't been a season with much to shout about, the Haverhill boys earned bragging rights in their own town. And in the process, might just finish the year on an upswing.

Andrew Wells sunk six 3-pointers and Ryan Grant had 21 points and seven assists, but Whittier fell just short to once-defeated North Shore 69-67. 

Sophomore Andrew Wells had a career-high 34 points that included five 3-pointers, classmate Ryan Grant added 10 points and fellow sophs Justin Reyes and Nate Frongillo also played well as Whittier clipped Greater Lowell 67-56.

Ryan Grant tallied 22 points and dished out nine assists and Mike Davis grabbed 15 rebounds as Whittier downed Merrimack Valley Conference foe Dracut 60-51.

After defeating Haverhill High earlier in the season, the Pentucket boys basketball team whipped Whittier 63-52 thanks to an overwhelming third period sparked by Corey McNamara. Trailing 22-20 at halftime, the Sachems (7-4) outscored Whittier 23-5 as McNamara sank four 3-pointers and had 14 points in the frame. Ryan Grant had 30 points for Whittier, 17 coming in the fourth quarter.