The boys varsity basketball team crushed Parker Charter Essential School in the first game of the season Monday, Dec 11. It was more than the home court advantage that led to the 64-36 victory; game high-scorer, senior, and co-captain Luke MacLean’s 21 points and junior and co-captain Ethan Russo’s 18 points inspired the other players and left the team feeling amped up for the season to come.
Bromfield and Parker are members of Division 5 in the Massachusetts Interscholastic Athletic Association’s (MIAA) Midland-Wachusett League. Heading into the matchup, Parker had a 1-0 record, having beaten the Sizer School 45-42 on Friday, Dec. 8.
Bromfield was up 20-6 by the end of the first quarter. By halftime, the Bromfield School gymnasium was filled with spectators who were treated to a closer quarter that ended with the Trojans up by just 9 points. The last half of the game was filled with cheers from the crowd as Bromfield’s lead continued to grow.
Coach Tim Skaggs was unsurprised by the win. “We did a good job neutralizing [Parker’s] best player, and we filled in from there,” he said. “Overall, I’m pleased. This is a young team, but I think we have a good future in front of us.”
Next up, Bromfield was scheduled to face Gardner at an away game Friday, Dec 15, at Gardner High School. The Wildcats are 1-1 going into the game against the Trojans. Coach Skaggs’ strategy for the competition centers around a strong defensive line: “I figure the offense is going to come, but if you can shut down the opposition as much as possible, you’re going to win most games,” he said. Gardner is a member of the Mid-Wach League, Division 4.
Annabelle Purcell contributed to this report
Left: Ethan Russo easily eludes his opponent and heads to the hoop. Right: Chris Demetros sails over his opponent for a layup. (Photos by Lisa Aciukewicz)
Noah Petrossi and Josh Pelak pry the ball away from their Parker opponent.
