RallyNorth.net

Tue, Feb 12, 2008 07:00 PM @ Wilmington

Team	1	2	3	4	Final
North Andover	8	11	22	17	58
Wilmington	22	20	26	7	75

Wilmington hammers Knights to move into first

Wednesday, February, 13 By Chuck Frye
Staff writer

Prior to last night's battle for Cape Ann League supremacy, North Andover head coach Mike McVeigh noted containing Wilmington's offense would be vital.

Unfortunately for the Scarlet Knights, the Wildcats erupted for 68 points through three quarters and whipped the visitors, 75-57.

The Wildcats, who shaded the Knights, 57-56, in the season opener | that game didn't count in the league standings | were on fire from the get-go last night. Guard Zack Fahey erupted for 31 points and forward Matt Bibeau added 20 in the romp.

Now at 11-1 in the league, the Knights will need a win over Masconomet Friday to earn a share of the CAL title with Wilmington (12-1).

Displaying immense team speed, the Cats wasted little time in making this game their own. An 18-2 run through the heart of the opening quarter effectively locked up the contest at 22-6.

While Wilmington ran wild, its fluid defense denied North Andover any chance of entry passes to the paint and missed outside shots didn't net the locals any second chances. The carnage continued to close out the first half after Nick Fay (10 points) and Jeff Surette hit consecutive baskets to draw North Andover within 16 with 1:40 left. Evan Borsetti drained an open 3-pointer 20 seconds later, then Fahey did his damage.

He drove the open lane for an easy layup, then crushed the Knights by pulling down a defensive rebound and driving the length of the court in five seconds for a buzzer-beating layup and a 42-19 lead.

When the smoke cleared, Fahey and Bibeau were each a perfect 7 of 7 as the team shot 73.9 percent from the floor (17 of 23) while holding North Andover to just 32 percent (8 of 25). Seven players registered assists for the victors, and the rout was on.

"I told the kids that never in my wildest dreams did I think we'd beat them like that," Wildcat head coach Jim McCune said. "And what a night for Fahey. He played like the league's MVP."

The comment on Fahey was almost an understatement considering he made 12 straight made field goals including a pair of 3-pointers. Fahey added six rebounds and three assists.

The 6-4 Bibeau was right there with his teammate, hitting 10 of 12 shots while pulling down a game-high 15 rebounds. "We knew who was going to score, but they were very smart in sharing the ball," McVeigh said. "When we focused on their scorers, we got burned by others. I'm disappointed with our performance, but if anything, start with me. I've got to help the kids more than I did."

Hayden Yeazel led four North Andover players in double figures with 14 points. Steve Boudreau added 12 points and Sean McManus had 10 points.

"We can learn from (this loss). We plan to learn from it and it starts (today)," McVeigh concluded. "And then it's Masco on Friday for a share of the flag."