RallyNorth.net

Fri, Jan 11, 2008 06:30 PM @ Manchester Essex

Team	1	2	3	4	Final
Pentucket	7	17	9	5	38
Manchester Essex	12	11	16	13	52

Hornets thrive on free throw line in win over Pentucket

Friday, January, 11 By Richard Slate
Staff writer

Playing without senior point guard and co-captain James Settipane, the Manchester Essex boys basketball team used a stellar team effort to take care of visiting Pentucket. The key for the Hornets (4-5) was the free throw line as they made 20 free throws in the game as a team.

Settipane was dehydrated and sick in school, forcing him to miss last night's contest.

"It was a battle all the way," said Manchester Essex head coach Bill Cahill. "We finally had some breathing room late and (freshman forward) Joe Mussachia made 8 of 8 free throws down the stretch."

Senior guard Marty Nally paced Manchester Essex with 22 points while Mussachia added a double-double with 16 points and 14 rebounds. Sophomore center Brian Ciccone added 10 rebounds in the win.

"Marty played a great all-around game, he hit a big 3-pointer for us," Cahill said. "Mussachia's free throws were the difference when Pentucket made a late run."

The Hornets jumped out to a 12-7 lead after one quarter. The Sachems (2-7) answered with a strong second quarter which gave them a 24-23 advantage at the half. The third quarter was when Manchester Essex pulled away, outscoring Pentucket 16-9.

Manchester Essex also used some solid defense to gain the win. The Hornets held Pentucket to just 15 second-half points.

"It was a great win considering our point guard wasn't there," Cahill acknowledged. "They sucked it up and played." Cahill also cited the work of senior guard Joey Roy, who started for Settipane and junior guard Pat Orlando. "Joey stepped in and played well. He did a great job filling in for James. Orlando played a good floor game and came up with some big steals."