Every team, no matter the sport, wants to get the new season off to a good start. That’s as close to a universal truth as there is in team sports. The Boys Basketball program, perennially tournament-bound and most often among the upper-echelon in D3, has been less than that to start the season, with four losses to Middlesex foes. Tusesday was the last chance in 2025 to record a win, and the Raiders did just that by beating non-league opponent Fenway, 59- 40, at the Victor J. Palladino Gymnasium.
Watertown ran off 7 points to start the game, and was up 14-4 late in the quarter, largely thanks to the Michaels — sophomore Caterino and Junior Nshanian — who both came out aggressively at both ends of the floor and contributed 4 and 7 points respectively. Two late hoops off Raiders turnovers pulled Fenway within 6 at 14-8 after one quarter.
In the second quarter the Fenway Panthers couldn’t buy a bucket even though they’ve averaged 64 points a game during a 1-3 start to their season. At the other end, Caterino and senior Andrew Malovanyi each hit a three, Nshanian added 6 more and the Raiders outscored the Panthers 16-6 in the quarter to lead 30-14 at the half.
On this afternoon, Hall of Fame coach Steve Harrington chose to run his starters from start to finish unless foul trouble became an issue, and it didn’t. On this afternoon, each starter brough something positive to the floor. In addition to the contributions of Caterino and Nshanian, Junior Shane Garey was very impactful rebounding at both ends, senior co-captain Ben Teixeira distributed the ball well in the first half and found his range in the second, including three 3-pointers on the way to a 14-point performance, and Malovanyi was around the ball all afternoon and contributed two 3-pointers.
We all know though that no lead in the sport of basketball is safe if you disrespect the lead. In other words, don’t get careless with the ball, don’t let up on the effort, continue to do the little things well, and … CONTINUE TO SCORE! The Raiders did all that and led 18 after three, and ended up winning 59-40, never trailing in this non-league tilt. Fenway, now 1-4, did some nice things, and whether the Raiders caught them on an off day or if this is what they are, they showed moments of 3-point range and half-court execution. BUT, they turned the ball over a lot and had no consistent answer at the defensive end.
Watertown ends stage one of their season at 1-4, 0-4 in league play. They get back to league action Tuesday, January 6, and play three of their next 4 on the road, and 5 of 8 in the month of January. This team continues to improve, but how much and whether enough to compete in Middlesex League play will be for all to find out in 2026.
To a happy and safe and healthy New Year!!
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1 2 3 4 – F
Fenway 8 6 14 12 – 40
Watertown 14 16 16 13 – 59
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Watertown
Nshanian… 20 points (2 3’s)
Caterino… 15 points (2 3’s)
Teixeira… 14 points (3 3’s)
Fenway
Pires… 12
Lopes… 10
Casado… 7
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Upcoming Schedule
Tuesday Jan.6… Boys @ Reading, Girls home vs. Reading
Friday Jan.9… Boys and Girls @ Wakefield
Tuesday Jan.13… Boys home vs. Winchester, Girls @ Winchester
Friday Jan.16… Boys and Girls @ Melrose
~ Home games are played at Watertown Middle School and air on WCA-TV or streaming at WCATV.org