Not every sporting event is created equal. Some games have all the makings of something special and then turn out to be duds. Others seem like a mismatch on paper, but turn out to be great games. Some even surprise and disappoint all before the final buzzer sounds. Tuesday night, Watertown hosted Winchester and one did not know what to expect.
Winchester came in 10-0 and ranked 11th in the Boston Globe Top 20. Watertown’s season has been a struggle, full of growing pains as the roster goes through change. But, after starting 0-4, the Raiders had won two of their last three. So, two schools with traditionally strong basketball programs squared off in a year when seemingly they were headed in opposite directions. From the start though, it was clear that both teams were ready to bring it, and what ensued was three great quarters of high school basketball, and high sporting drama. Unfortunately, only Winchester showed up in the fourth quarter, to the tune of a 25-8 shellacking, and a 55-51 Raiders lead after three — and dreams of giving Winchester their first loss — turned into nightmare as Winchester beat Watertown, 76-63.
A taut, competitive, intense, spirited first quarter saw both teams competing at a high level. Junior Michael Nshanian was the man for the Raiders in the first quarter, with two of his game-high six 3-pointers on the way to a 10-point effort (and 22 on the night). Winchester is blessed with a deep roster and nine saw the floor in the first quarter. They employed a full-court press that caused the Raiders problems, and they were clearly a well-coached team drilled on the basics and equipped with strong basketball I.Q.’s. But the Raiders were equally effective employing a zone to combat the 6’8″ Senior, Carson Sarpong, who had 4 to 6 inches on the tallest Raider. Shane Garey and Andrew Malovanyi were especially active, intercepting and deflecting passes, and rebounding, respectively. A fast-moving quarter left everyone wanting more, and the second quarter didn’t disappoint.
A 22-20 quarter won by the Raiders saw them hitting six 3-pointers, led by the hot hand of sophomore Michael Caterino and his three 3’s on the way to 11 points (and 26 on the night). Winchester answered with three 3’s of their own. While Watertown led by as many as 8, Winchester constantly showed why they are 10 and 0 by continually chipping away and sticking to their game plan of full-court pressure and half-court execution on offense. A fast and fun first half found the Raiders up 38-34, and everyone in attendance wanted halftime to fly by so we could see what was in store in the second half. What happened was a 17-17 quarter with three more 3’s for each team, and basketball action of the highest drama. One school wanted to jump-start its season with a signature win and the other wanted to keep it’s record unblemished.
Remember I said some games bring you highs and lows? Well, the fourth quarter was ALL Winchester, and for Watertown it was one big THUD. Whatever the reason, be it a Watertown team — who did not sub on the night except once, and only for a short stint — ran out of gas, or perhaps the moment was too big for a young team, or maybe Winchester simply woke up and imposed their will on the Raiders. Whatever it was, a 55-51 Raiders lead was 63-55 Winchester in a blink of the eye. Senior Dawson English had a great quarter for Winchester, mixing up drives to the basket and hitting mid-rangers. Watertown finally scored to end the early quarter drought, and after 5 straight points by Caterino it was 64-60, Winchester, and the feint whiff of a game going down to the wire teased those in attendance. But Winchester kept executing their half-court and got whatever they wanted while the Raiders defense became a step too slow, and their half-court offense execution mysteriously abandoned them.
When it was done, the game reminded us of how great a competitive game can be when both teams “bring it” on a given night. On this night both teams did just that for three quarters. It also reminded us of the cliche “the cream rises to the top.” Winchester did just that in the fourth, and showed everyone why they have already qualified for the State Tournament and why they are undefeated. They present a challenge for any opponent, able to drive to the basket, hit the 3-pointer as well as the mid-ranger, and play as a team. Did Winchester deserve the win?Absolutely, as it’s a four-quarter game and they stayed the course until Watertown wore down.
Watertown, on the other hand is left to imagine “what if?” Did Watertown deserve to win? Sure, through three quarters, absolutely. Even with a less talented roster, they were just as good or better through three quarters. The question is, moving forward and still a whole lot of season remaining, is how will the Raiders come out and play Friday night at Melrose when they are not equipped with motivation that comes from trying to knock off an undefeated team. What the Raiders put forth on Tuesday night for three quarters was good enough to win on most nights, but will they bring that level of play and intensity moving forward? We will find out soon enough. In the meantime, let’s hope more entertaining nights are ahead, because that was one heck of a high school game for 24 minutes, not to be overshadowed by an 8 minutes of low-lights.
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1 2 3 4 – F
Winchester 14 20 17 25 – 76
Watertown 16 22 17 8 – 63
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Watertown
Caterino… 26 points (6 3’s)
Nshanian… 22 points (5 3’s)
Malovanyi… 7 points (1 3-pointer)
Teixeira… 4 points
Garey… 4 points
Winchester
English… 22
Burbine… 17
Wilson… 13
Fiorentino… 9
Ryan… 6
Sarpong… 4
Ross… 3
Phillips… 2
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Upcoming Schedule
Friday Jan.16… Boys and Girls @ Melrose
Monday January 19… Boys at Snowden
Tuesday Jan.20… Boys @ Arlington, Girls vs. Arlington @ Watertown Middle School
Friday Jan.23… Boys and Girls vs Burlington @ Watertown Middle School
(Home games air on WCA-TV or streaming at WCATV.org)