The Boys Basketball Team came into Friday Night’s game versus Wilmington winless in two games and desperate for a win and looking for some Friday Night magic on their home floor. Wilmington had the same goal after starting its’ season 0-2 as well. But, as the rules state, only one team can win a basketball game — there are no ties — and that team would be the Wildcats, who put a lickin’ on the Raiders by the score of 55-30.
The game started tight and clean and efficient as both teams executed with purpose, and even though the game was only a few minutes old, the 5-5 game had the makings of a good one. Scrap that keen observation. Wilmington played out the rest of the quarter on an 11-0 run, led by senior guard Ryan Gray’s 9 points. By the half it was 27-9 Wilmington, and all nine Raider points were scored by junior Michael Nshanian. Gray, in the meantime, already had 21 points.
The Raiders early season woes are many. They are lacking reliable scorers, they are turning the ball over too much, and too often they just aren’t executing on either end of the floor in a manner we are used to from Coach Steve Harrington teams. In their defense, the roster is very inexperienced, and captains Nshanian, Michael Caterino and Ben Teixeira are being asked to make the leap from role players to stars in a snap of the fingers. In other words, it’s going to take a little time for this team to gel.
On the Raider’s first possession of the third quarter, someone other than Nshanian finally scored, a lay-up by Caterino, who ended up with 9 second half points. But, it simply was a poor shooting night all around for the Raiders. It should be said that once again, the Raiders played hard until the end despite the blowout, and it’s worth noting a number of hustle plays by Mason Lamacchia off the bench.
Look, not every team is its best version of itself right out of the gate, and certainly this Raiders team has some work to do to get to that point. But remember, the season is only three games old. They faced a solid Wilmington team that came to play tonight, especially guard Ryan Gray, who added 18 second half points on the way to a 39-point night.
Monday is a new day and new opponent, and a chance to get win number one of the new season when Watertown heads to Stoneham, their last league game until Jan. 6, 2026 versus Reading.
Happy Holidays!!
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1 2 3 4 – F
Wilmington 16 11 12 16 – 55
Watertown 5 4 12 9 – 30
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Watertown
Nshanian… 17 points
Caterino… 9
Wilmington
Gray… 39 points
Poyant… 11