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Corey, Ball huge as Londonderry rolls over defending state champs

MANCHESTER — With the oppertunity to make a major statement against the defending Division 1 state champions, Londonderry boys basketball sent a clear message to the rest of New Hampshire.

Behind huge performances by star Cody Ball and backcourt mate Marc Corey, the Lancers snapped Manchester Central's 38-game winning streak with a convincing 74-61 victory last night.

"We wanted to come in with confidence," said Londonderry coach Nate Stanton. "Central is a very tough place to play, especially against a team that hasn't lost in 38 games. But we were focused, confident and loose and we played our game."

With the victory the Lancers remained undefeated on the season in New Hampshire Division 1 (11-0, 13-1 overall), while Manchester Central fell to 10-1 in Division 1, the Little Green's first league loss since the 2012-13 season. They were undefeated last season on the way to beating Merrimack 70-61 in the title game.

"We knew that we are a tough matchup for Central," said Stanton. "We move the vall very well and we fast break. But the key was also to focus on defense. We had to get big stops and limit their possessions."

The Saint Anselm-bound Ball was his dominant self in the huge game with 18 points, 11 of which came in the third quarter when Londonderry put Central way.

But he wasn't alone.

fellow senior Corey knocked down three 3-pointers on his way to a team-high 22 points, including four crucial free throws down the stretch.

Back from a knee injury, senior forward Joe Kwiatkowski finished with 11 points, hitting two of his three 3-pointers in the fourth to help put the game out of reach.

"Ball really took over in the third when it was very close," said Stanton. "Corey was just phenomenal. And Kwiatkowski has been slowed with his injury, but he really came out and played a huge game tonight. A lot of players stepped up for us."

Despite beating the defending champs, the Lancers were not about to play up the celebration.

"We are very happy to have the win," said Stanton. "But we are focused on more than just beating Central. It is great to beat a very good team like that, but we have to keep getting better. We have a few big games ahead."