Hutchinson Title a Major Plus for BHS Girls Quintet New Coach Rebuilding the Program

By KEN HAMWEY, Bulletin Sports Writer

The words coach Bob Pingeton uttered after his Bellingham girls’ squad won the 16th annual Barry Hutchinson Memorial Basketball Tournament were telling. 

Very telling.

“It’s wonderful that a Bellingham team won a Bellingham tourney that honors a Bellingham coach who left us too early,’’ said Pingeton, who’s in his first year as a high school varsity coach. “It means the world to our team, and it’s important for all the girls, especially our two senior captains. Winning the tourney was one of our goals this season.’’

Hutchinson coached Bellingham High’s boys’ team for 17 years and in 2003 he guided his forces to the state championship by defeating Bromfield, 49-40. He died at 47.

The Blackhawks, who entered the tourney with a 1-4 record, defeated Douglas, 52-28 in the opening round, then edged Ursuline Academy, 43-40, in the title game. 

The captains — Kylie Walden and Baileigh Murphy — credited their teammates’ work ethic as the prime factor in winning the crown.

“It felt great, because everyone worked so hard,’’ Walden said. “I’m grateful to be one of the captains of this team. And, I’m proud of my younger sister (Luci) for winning the tourney’s Most Valuable Player Award.’’

Murphy emphasized teamwork and a cohesive spirit. “Our teamwork, our team chemistry, and our team spirit were the keys,’’ she said. “We didn’t let up for one second in either game.’’

The Walden sisters played key roles against Douglas. Kylie scored nine points playing both guard positions, and Luci, a scrappy sophomore two-guard, connected for 10 points. Junior Ciara Crayton controlled the boards, grabbing eight rebounds.  

“Luci ignited us,’’ Pingeton said. “She hustled all over the court and gave us a great defensive effort. Kylie got six points on two three-pointers. When our center, Maya Jackson, suffered a knee injury, Ciara stepped up and took charge on the boards.’’

The Ursuline contest, however, was a close-fought, back-and-forth encounter. The three-point triumph was a much-needed boost for the Blackhawks, who earlier in the season scored only seven points in a 34-7 loss to Dover-Sherborn. The Blackhawks showed true-grit in the game’s final minutes. Kylie Walden connected on 3 three-pointers and finished with 11 points. Crayton played all 32 minutes, finishing with 8 points and 9 rebounds, while Luci Walden, who had only 4 points, again was the catalyst who sparked BHS.

“Beating Ursuline was a big win,’’ Pingeton offered. “It showed that we can finish well and overcome a challenge. In the final quarter, I told the girls to have fun, enjoy the game and don’t put any pressure on yourselves. They worked hard, trusted each other, and believed in themselves.’’

Crayton and Luci Walden earned post-tourney awards. Walden was chosen the tournament’s MVP, and Crayton was selected to the all-tourney team.

Bellingham’s Athletic Director, Michael Connor, was pleased to see the Blackhawks capture their second straight Hutchinson title.

“The coach and the players did all the right things,’’ Connor said. “It’s satisfying to see the girls play hard, win the tourney title, and keep coach Hutchinson’s memory alive. The girls are a young team with a bright future.’’

When Pingeton took the job last summer, he knew he had a program that needed rebuilding. BHS’s fifth coach in 10 years also knew he was inheriting a 5-15 team.

“I talked to the girls about changing the culture,’’ he noted. “They had to learn to believe in their abilities. We’re developing a team that plays for each other, but we’re still a work in progress. All 12 girls are coachable, they’re fun to be around, and they’re enjoying their sport.’’

Pingeton points to a trio of other players who are key cogs in the Blackhawks’ attack — Murphy, a forward, and guards Calleigh Elder and Anabella Barrasso.

“Baileigh is a strong frontcourt player who’s a dependable rebounder,’’ he said. “Calleigh had six points against Ursuline and showed she’s effective at distributing the ball. A good athlete, she’s developing into a quality point guard. Annabella is out best outside shooter. She’s a strong finisher who can drive. She got us going against Ursuline by hitting a three to start the game.’’

Pingeton, who last year was a varsity assistant to John Leighton at Franklin High, notes that seven of his 12 players are either freshmen or sophomores. He knows his squad is young, but he knows they’re coachable and eager to contribute when called upon. “All our players have a strong work ethic, and I know they’ll be ready when needed,’’ he said.

Jackson’s injury, however, is a major setback, especially for a team whose prime goal is to qualify for the playoffs. Before the Hutchinson Tournament got underway, Jackson, a 5-foot-10 center, had 18 points and 11 rebounds in a five-point loss to Grafton. Her injury occurred against Douglas in the first round of the tourney.

“Maya suffered a non-contact injury,’’ Pingeton said. “She went up for a pass and came down hard but normal, injuring her right knee.’’

At the Bulletin deadline, an MRI had not been scheduled, the extent of Jackson’s injury had not been determined, and she’s missed five games. 

“Maya was a huge asset for us in the frontcourt,’’ Pingeton emphasized. “She got rebounds, scored, blocked shots and created deflections. Everyone will have to step up.’’

Since the Hutchinson tourney, the girls have struggled, going 0-4. In one of the four defeats, a 40-37 overtime loss to Holliston, Jackson’s absence was a factor, because the Panthers dominated the Blackhawks on the boards. 

“We’re going to have to keep improving, because all Tri Valley League teams are tough,’’ Pingeton said. “But, we can still be a playoff team.’’

Pingeton is acutely aware that his team is heading in the right direction. Winning the Hutchinson tourney in his first year at the Blackhawks’ helm is a giant step forward. Bob Pingeton and the Bellingham girls’ basketball team look like a solid partnership.