The boys varsity basketball team beat the West Boylston Lions 64-38 during a home game on Tuesday, Feb. 4. The Trojans went on to lose 51-58 against Gardner on Friday, Feb. 7. The game against the Gardner Wildcats was a night of goodbyes as fans and families celebrated Senior Night. It was the last home game for graduating players, and Coach Tim Skaggs announced he will not be returning to Bromfield after this season.
The game against West Boylston demonstrated the Trojans’ dominance over the Lions. By halftime, Bromfield was up 43-16. “I felt that the students played well as a group,” said Skaggs. He was able to play the entire bench, giving 11 of the 14 players on the roster the opportunity to score.
Senior Lucas Bala (#20) jumps for the tipoff of the Bromfield versus Gardner game, Feb. 7. (Photo by Julie Gowel)
Senior Night against Gardner was an exciting game from the tipoff. The bleachers were full of spectators; decorations lined the gym in Bromfield’s colors of royal blue and white; and posters with the upcoming graduates’ pictures paid tribute to the six Class of 2025 team members.
Bromfield managed to stay just barely ahead throughout the first quarter, squeaking by with a 1-point lead at 14-13. They were able to widen the gap a bit by halftime, thanks to senior co-captain and game high scorer Ethan Russo who grabbed 10 points, edging out the Wildcats 26-21. In the third quarter, the Trojans were up by 10 points, but Gardner went on a scoring run and ended down by only two baskets, 42-38. By the fourth, Bromfield had lost some of its momentum and lost the game by 7 points.
“I know we lost, but it didn’t feel like a loss,” said Skaggs. “All the students collectively played a really strong game. Once [Gardner] went on a run in the fourth, we couldn’t catch up. Brady [Quiron, senior co-captain] played a very sound game, he played like a senior.”
After the game, players and their families gathered to congratulate the seniors on a season well played. Amid the pizza and cupcakes, Coach Skaggs announced that he would not be returning to Bromfield for another season.
“I’m both happy and sad,” he said. Skaggs recently welcomed his first grandchild into the world and plans to spend a lot more time with family. “I’ll be sad to leave students that I’ve enjoyed being around and coaching them in a game I have always been passionate about. I’ve done a lot of coaching with my own kids and beyond. It’s time to take a back seat.”
Skaggs said the thing he will miss most about Bromfield students is their resilience and strong desire to better themselves. “No matter what critique I put in place, they still show up with bright faces and passion. It’s been a joy working with students that are just good kids at heart. I admire their overall joy and good sportsmanship.”
There is no word yet as to who might take over the coaching position for Skaggs. The Trojans played their last game of the season, away, on Tuesday, Feb. 11, against Murdock. They are currently ranked 53 in the Massachusetts Interscholastic Athletic Association (MIAA) power rankings for division four, earning them a spot in the playoffs. State tournament games get underway Feb. 24.
